eastern SD water conditions

[BB-Shot]

It's nothing like it used to be 15+ years ago it's changed here in day county SD in a bad way are prairie potholes are no longer potholes their lakes now. Any water that can be drained is it goes right into the pond then when it gets deep enough it over follows to the Neighbor, I am at the end of it, so I get the leftover water. The problem is what used to be a nice shallow ponds are deeper now not as attractive to puddle ducks the divers don't like them ether. I agree 100% lack of grass land is a big factor when it comes to waterfowl production. Slow start here some ducks are sitting some are still working on it there are less ducks here than last year. The geese should be hatching here in a few weeks the non breeders are getting ready to go to ND to molt.

 

[BB-Shot]

Lack of suitable habitat around the pond, or something else?

Yup here in Day Co we plant right to the water edge then we contact FGP to run miles of electric fence and install propane canons every were. It helps keep the geese from getting into the beans there's an agreement you sign with FGP in that agreement you sign. It states that I must allow a reasonable number of waterfowl hunting otherwise they won't install the equipment. There is an FGP buffer zone program it pays a little must don't do it because when they spray for weeds, if they over spray and kill it off you don't get paid.

 

[molliesmaster]

I understand the need to make a dollar and put food on your table, so I can't blame the farmer for trying to get what he can out of it. I just hope there will be a mindset shift sometime soon before it's too late.

I got the pleasure of living in SD for a brief stent 10+ years ago. It was some of the best times of my life watching waterfowl rear their young and do what God intended for them to do.