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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s annual fall wetland survey indicates good wetland conditions for duck hunting throughout most of the state.

Mike Szymanski, migratory game bird biologist, said the northwest has a record number of wetlands, while the rest of the state has wetland numbers similar to the 2003-12 average.

“Most areas are wetter than last year, with poorest conditions in the southern half of the state,” Szymanski said.

Much of the state has received significant rainfall in the last few weeks, while other areas remain dry. Hunters should be cautious driving off-trail to avoid soft spots, and areas like tall vegetation that could be a fire hazard.

The quality of waterfowl hunting in North Dakota is predicated on weather conditions and patterns. Szymanski said strong reproduction for ducks in breeding areas both in and outside of North Dakota makes for good fall hunting potential.

“Hunters should always scout because of ever changing conditions and distribution of waterfowl,” Szymanski said.

The wetland survey is conducted in mid-September, just prior to the waterfowl hunting season, to provide an assessment of conditions duck hunters can expect.