Blue-winged teal graph

Another great figure by Todd Arnold

This figure shows two things nicely:

  1. Reproduction drives teal numbers.
  2. Harvest mortality is virtually nothing compared to natural mortality. Look at that differential.

It also shows that teal have a “faster” life cycle than Pintails or Mallards – they are more like quail. Live fast and die young.

I’d sure vote for a 30-day special teal season.