Bummer of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Waterfowl Population Status for 2023

Mallard ducks, such as the one flying through the Massapequa Preserve on April 8, 2023 in Massapequa, New York, are among the declines in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Waterfowl Population Status for 2023. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The annual U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s report on the 2023 Waterfowl Population Status showed a 7% drop in total populations from 2022 and was 9% under the long-term average. Total populations were estimated at 32.3 million, down from 34.7 million in 2022.

Ducks Unlimited’s response included this: