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Bismarck, N.D. (AP) The North Dakota Game and Fish Department and Delta Waterfowl are trying to improve duck production on two state wildlife management areas.

Mike Johnson, a game management official with Game and Fish, says trappers will remove nest predators from Mallard Island and Lake Arena Island through mid-July.

Johnson says the islands attract large numbers of nesting hens.

Targeted predators include coyotes, fox, skunks, raccoons, badgers and ground squirrels.

The Arena wildlife management area is in Burleigh County.

Mallard Island is part of Wolf Creek wildlife management area in McLean County.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 05-17-09 1431CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list