Waterfowl Season Opens October 6

Waterfowl hunting seasons open Saturday, October 6 with the prospect of a slow time in the blind for ducks but another good season for goose hunters in Idaho. Local duck populations, especially in southern Idaho, have had a rough time with continuing drought drying up nesting habitat. Another in a string of dry years in southwest Alberta, where most of Idaho's northern flight usually originates, clouds the prospect for later season hunting. With overall continent-wide populations still above average, however, Idaho's seasons and limits remain fairly liberal. Hunters are reminded they are not allowed any canvasbacks at all this year, a response to a continuing decline in that species. Conditions continue to be better for Canada geese and for ducks. Locally-produced flocks remain strong in much of Idaho and northern flights appear promising. Geese tend to nest on bigger, more permanent waters and feed heavily on abundant crops. Rules for waterfowling and legal shooting times can be found in the 2001-2002 Waterfowl Seasons booklet available now at Fish and Game offices and license vendors. An electronic version is found at http://www2.state.id.us/fishgame.