Preliminary results from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicate a breeding duck population estimate of more than 41 million birds in the U.S and Canada.

This represents a 14 percent increase from 2006 and is 24 percent above the long-term average of 1955-200).

Here are highlights of the estimated numbers:

• 8.3 million mallards is 14 percent greater than last year’s estimate of 7.3 million birds and 11 percent above the long-term average.
• 6.7 million blue-winged teal is 14 percent greater than last year’s estimate and 48 percent above the long-term average, the third highest estimate on record.
• 2.9 million green-winged teal is similar to last year and 54 percent above the long-term average.
• 3.4 million gadwall is 19 percent greater than last year, 96 percent above the long-term average, and the second highest estimate on record.
• One million redheads is similar to last year and 60 percent above the long-term average, a record high.
• 865,000 canvasbacks is similar to last year and 53 percent above the long-term average, a record high.
• Northern shovelers at 4.6 million is 24 percent above last year and 106 percent above the long-term average, a record high.
• American wigeon at 2.8 million birds is 29 percent greater than last year and similar to the long-term average.
• Scaup (lesser and greater combined) at 3.5 million birds is slightly higher than last year but 33 percent below the long-term average; and
• Northern pintails estimate of 3.3 million birds is similar to last year and 19 percent below the long-term average.

If the increased number of breeding birds translates to increased numbers of migrating ducks this fall, it could be good news for waterfowl hunters in Kansas and the rest of the Central Flyway.

Most Kansas waterfowl management areas are holding plenty of water and should be in good shape when the seasons open this fall.

Once the seasons begin, hunters can keep track of duck numbers by going to the Web at www.kdwp.state.ks.us.

Late-migrating waterfowl seasons will be set at the Aug. 16 meeting of the Wildlife and Parks Commission.

September teal seasons have been set and include the following:

• Low Plains, east of U.S. 283 -Sept. 8-23.
• High Plains, west of U.S. 283- Sept.15-22.

The daily bag limit is four teal with a possession limit of eight. Federal and state duck stamps and HIP stamps are required.