Waterfowl populations are driven by habitat, not harvest. As the Prairie Pothole Region dries and grasslands vanish, ducks lose the breeding grounds they depend on. The 2025 survey shows early migrants like mallards bypassed dry areas, leading to fewer ducks. Conservation must focus on protecting wetlands and uplands.

"While ducks are often described as seasonally monogamous, genetic studies across multiple species reveal a far more complex reality. Females routinely produce clutches fertilized by multiple males through extra-pair copulations and specialized storage mechanisms. This reproductive strategy increases genetic diversity within broods and shapes the dynamics of sexual selection, gene flow, and population structure in wild duck populations."

"The growing season is not just a period of green-up and rainfall. For white-tailed deer, it is the physiological engine that drives antler growth, body condition, and reproductive success. From protein-rich spring forbs to summer’s hormonal shifts, every element of the landscape plays a role in shaping the mature buck seen in the fall woods."

Analyzing data helps manage herd health, balance sex ratios, and improve habitat, ensuring a sustainable deer population and ecosystem.