The breeding population of mallards increased from 265,295 in 2002 to 337,056 this year (27 percent increase), and total ducks increased from 391,953 to 533,730 (36 percent increase). Both, however, are still below the long-term average. "We expect better production and a larger fall flight this year because of the late, abundant spring rains," said Melanie Weaver, one of the DFG biologists who conducts the survey.

DFG biologists and warden pilots have conducted this survey using fixed-wing aircraft since 1955. The California Waterfowl Association for the past 10 years, under contract with DFG, also participates in the survey by sampling a portion of the transects using a helicopter. The population estimates are for the surveyed areas only, and surveyed areas include wetland and agricultural areas in northeastern California, throughout the Central Valley, the Suisun Marsh, and some costal valleys.

The DFG is waiting for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service breeding population estimates from the primary breeding areas of waterfowl — Alaska, northcentral United States and Canada. The majority of California's wintering duck population originates from the federally surveyed areas. Once DFG receives the estimates and the federal frameworks for waterfowl hunting regulations, the DFG will then make a recommendation to the Fish and Game Commission regarding this year's waterfowl hunting regulations.