Waterfowl Production on Three Age-Classes of Stock Ponds in Montana

Abstract

Waterfowl use and productivity was studied on 27 stock ponds of 3 age-classes (0-5, 6-10, and 11+ years) in north central Montana during 1978-79. Breeding pair use was primarily a function of pond size. Brood use was influenced principally by the availability of food and cover. Brood densities were highest on ponds with emergent vegetation covering >30% of the area, submerged vegetation covering >20% of the area, and with 40% of the area <61 cm deep. Incorporation of these physical features should be considered at the time of pond construction. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 47(1):112-117 With continued wetland drainage in areas such as the prairie pothole region of North America, stock ponds are becoming increasingly important to waterfowl production. Recommendations to enhance waterfowl use of stock ponds have been made (Uhlig 1963, Lokemoen 1973, Gjersing 1975), but little information exists for some geographic areas on the relationship between waterfowl use and stock pond characteristics. The objective of this study was to compare waterfowl use and productivity with physical and vegetational features on 27 stock ponds of 3 ageclasses in Phillips County, Montana during 1978-79. The author acknowledges R. L. Eng for project planning, technical supervision, and critical review of the manuscript; R. D. Crawford for critical review of the manuscript; personnel of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Malta, Montana for their cooperation; and F. M. Gjersing and M. G. Miller for advice and field assis-