Minnesota Waterfowl Population Counts Show Mixed Results

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' spring 2025 waterfowl population count has revealed mixed results for several species of waterfowl that nest in the state. Notably, the blue-winged teal population is estimated to be 60% below last year's numbers, with only 64,000 birds counted, the lowest since the survey began in 1968. On the other hand, Canada goose numbers have increased, and the population of other ducks has more than doubled.

Key Takeaways:

• The blue-winged teal population in Minnesota is at its lowest since the survey began in 1968, with an estimated 64,000 birds counted in spring 2025, a 60% decrease from the previous year and a 69% decrease from the long-term average.
• Canada goose numbers have increased by 32% from the previous year, with an estimated 140,000 birds, although this is still 8% below the long-term average.
• The population of other ducks, including ring-necked ducks, wood ducks, and canvasbacks, has increased by 119% from the previous year, with an estimated 189,000 birds, which is 7% above the long-term average.
• The total breeding duck abundance (excluding scaup) has increased by 8% from the previous year, with an estimated 417,000 birds, although this is still 32% below the long-term average.
• The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has developed the 2025-2030 Duck Action Plan to guide agency efforts to manage waterfowl habitat.
• The DNR uses revenue from voluntary purchases of walleye stamps to fund walleye stocking in Minnesota's lakes, while revenue from trout and salmon stamps is dedicated to trout and salmon management and habitat work.

Statistics:

• Estimated blue-winged teal population: 64,000 (spring 2025)
• % decrease in blue-winged teal population from 2024: 60%
• % decrease in blue-winged teal population from long-term average: 69%
• Estimated Canada goose population: 140,000 (spring 2025)
• % increase in Canada goose population from 2024: 32%
• % decrease in Canada goose population from long-term average: 8%
• Estimated other duck population: 189,000 (spring 2025)
• % increase in other duck population from 2024: 119%
• % increase in other duck population from long-term average: 7%
• Total breeding duck abundance (excluding scaup): 417,000 (spring 2025)
• % increase in total breeding duck abundance from 2024: 8%
• % decrease in total breeding duck abundance from long-term average: 32%

Sources:

• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
• DNR waterfowl management page
• Minnesota 2026 trout and salmon stamp contest
• Minnesota 2026 walleye stamp contest