The 64th Annual North Dakota Breeding Duck Survey has recently been completed. Below are a few of the important points courtesy of Nick Smith with Ducks Unlimited:

• The 2011 water index was up 31.4% from 2010 and up 128.0% from the 1948-2010 average (Table 1).
• The 2011 duck index was down 9.3% from 2010, but exceeded the 1948-2010 average index by 85% (Table 3). The 2011 index is the 9th highest on record.
• Changes from 2010 in the indices for individual species were highly variable (Table 4). Wigeon, blue-winged teal, and pintails (highest level since 1970) were the only ducks to show an increase in numbers (+15%, +12%, and +4% respectively). Shovelers were down 13% from their record high last year. Mallards were down 4% from last year, but had the sixth highest count on record. Indices for all other species were below that of 2010, with the most significant decreases for ruddy duck (-62%), lesser scaup (-58%), and redhead (-33%). Last year (2010), redheads and ruddy ducks were at record highs and scaup numbers were also well above average, so these declines are not surprising.
• Nesting effort was well underway at the time of our survey.
• All species, except scaup, were above the long-term (1948-2010) average. This year, most scaup appeared to have passed through North Dakota by the time of our survey.
• The large number of ducks tallied during our survey is consistent with the “well above average” populations we have been carrying since 1994 following wet conditions that have been in place since the summer of 1993.
• Nesting cover in North Dakota continues to decline. During our survey, we noted many large tracts of grassland/CRP that had been converted to cropland since last year or were in the process of being plowed. Expiring CRP contracts and high commodity prices driven by biofuel demands and other economic factors are pushing these conversions. North Dakota currently has about 2,642 million acres of CRP, down about 22% from the 3.387 million acres in 2007. Projections are that another 0.387 million acres will be lost in 2010-2011 and 1.098 million acres will be lost in 2012-13. This loss of critical nesting cover will be disastrous for breeding ducks and hunting opportunities in North Dakota. Additionally, wind energy and oil developments continue to fragment prairie grasslands, throughout the Missouri Coteau and the Drift Prairie. These developments can only further reduce waterfowl production in North Dakota.

You can check out the full report here.

Black Friday is right around the corner! We've been working hard the past few weeks getting everything ready; placing last minute orders and going through our warehouse. And now we are ready! The ad has been sent to the newspaper so be on the lookout on Thursday. We have 16 pages of great deals that you won't find just anywhere. You can check out 4 of the 16 pages on our facebook page. We hope you all have a great Thanksgiving and we look forward to seeing you on Black Friday!

We began our Spring Tent Sale last week and will continue to run it through April. We are really excited about it this year because we have some of the best stuff that we've ever had. The first ad runs Apr 24th and 25th so be sure and check your newspapers. If you want a preview check out the links below. For those of you out of towners interested in anything on the ad just drop me an email I will ad to the online store for purchase.

Front Page

Back Page

Download the PDF here.

Congressman Alexander will be coming to TP Outdoors in Monroe on April 6th at noon to discuss upcoming firearms legislation and taxes in a town hall style discussion meeting. There will also be a representative from the NRA there to talk and answer any questions. Please come out and join us for this important meeting! Get up to date on the current legislative environment, and have your voice heard. This is where we can make a difference!

By B-bob Petrus

After each hunting season it's always a good idea to check all of your straps and chains on last years stands. Many times between seasons, the weather, sun, and squirrels wear on your straps.

by B-bob Petrus

Tournament season is underway and this is a great preseason way to hone in your archery skills. Not only is it great for learning your yardage, but it is also an excellent way to meet and shoot with fellow archers.

by B-bob Petrus

During the hunting season many things can happen to your archery equipment. Now is a good time to get your equipment examined and have any old strings replaced. By doing this you not only beat the last minute crowd before season, but it will give plenty of time for stretching and breaking in those new strings.

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Congratulations to Logan Deigle on winning the drawing for the ATV. Check out our Big Buck Challenge page for pictures and scores of all the winners. Congratulations to all on a great season. Don't forget to start scouting early for next season.

by Bobby James

Every time you pick up a firearm, make sure that it is unloaded.

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by Bobby James

Always store your guns locked and out of reach of children. 

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