14 Nebraskaland • August-September 2026
U n d e r s t a n d i n g t h e N e b r a s k a G a m e a n d P a r k s
Commission's Wetland Conditions Report each August can
be a complicated process. To begin, in the Rainwater Basin
there are 35 properties owned by Game and Parks and 59
Waterfowl Production Areas owned by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. Fifty-four of these areas have wells and
pumps, including 29 on Game and Parks properties. Read
on to learn why this report should be your starting point
for research each hunting season.
What Does 'Good' Mean?
Published beginning in late-August, this weekly report
uses the categories Dry, Poor, Fair, Good and Excellent.
"Waterfowl biologists assign these categories using their
subjective judgement based on how each of these sites
relate to duck hunting," according to Game and Parks
Wetland Manager Ted LaGrange.
These ratings take into account the amount of water
present and vegetation density at a particular wetland.
Understanding the
Wetland Conditions Report
By Jeff Kurrus
In the Field
Kirkpatrick Basin North Wildlife Management Area near York during a wet year. ERIC FOWLER, NEBRASKALAND
