Hunting trends and wildlife population updates in the US and Canada

Waterfowl populations in the Pacific Northwest are showing mixed trends for the upcoming season. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, mallard and pintail numbers have declined. However, wigeon and greenwing teal populations are up 12 percent and 6 percent respectively compared to long-term averages, while gadwall numbers have increased by 13 percent.

Regional water availability varies significantly. The northern Great Plains in the Dakotas have experienced drying trends, with US Fish and Wildlife Service reporting a 10 percent drop in pond counts compared to 2025. Conversely, Canada has seen a 29 percent increase in pond counts compared to the previous year.

In Maine, hunters registered a record 55,876 deer in 2025, a 32 percent increase from 2024. Biologists attribute the high harvest to factors such as mild winters and drought conditions affecting forage. While high-density areas like Wildlife Management District 17 saw significant harvests, officials note that high totals reflect both deer abundance and hunting pressure.