Click to Enlarge Because the number of scaup was at a record low last year, the number that hunters could shoot each day was lowered. This year the population of scaup is still low, so the daily shooting limit remains low.     Duck Counts by Joan McKee Each fall, flocks of ducks fill the sky as they fly south for the winter. Listen to "Duck Counts" (804 KB) For these winged travelers, Missouri is like a motel with a well-stocked snack bar. Our rivers and wetlands provide resting areas and food along their route. The Missouri Department of Conservation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service make sure there are plenty of ducks to watch and to hunt. Each spring, biologists go to the ducks’ breeding areas in Canada and North and South Dakota. They count the number of ducks and the number of ponds where ducks like to live. During dry years, some ponds may dry up—leaving fewer places for ducks to find food. During these droughts, the number of ducks may go down. When duck numbers fall, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may lower the number of ducks that can be shot each day, or it may shorten the duck hunting season. Each year, Conservation Department staff ask hunters when they like to hunt. They set the Missouri duck hunting season according to the federal guidelines and to match what Missouri hunters prefer. For example, the number of pintails and canvasbacks is often lower than the numbers of other ducks. When their numbers are low, the seasons are shortened. This year their numbers were higher, so their season is the same as for other ducks. This year, the studies show duck numbers are up 9 percent. Also, the number of ponds is up 26 percent. This shows that a strong duck population should wing its way through Missouri this fall. That means lots of good wildlife viewing in the skies, but it may or may not mean good hunting. Ducks will only stop in Missouri if we have habitat for them. It’s been a dry summer in most parts of Missouri. If we have lots of fall rain, the ducks may find the water they need. If the rains don’t come, the ducks may keep on flying south.