2013 Season Dates
Printable 2013 Season Date Card	111 KB

Date Setting Process

Click on the calendar icon in the table(s) below to see the date setting process for each species/hunting season.

Central Flyway - Duck & Coot

The season opens on the Saturday closest to Oct 1. The closing date is set annually by the Commission.

Central Flyway - Falconry

The season opens on the Saturday closest to Oct 1. The closing date is set annually by the Commission.

Central Flyway - Youth Weekend

Typically the weekend before waterfowl season opens

Pacific Flyway - Duck & Coot

The season opens on the Saturday closest to Oct 1. The closing date is set annually by the Commission.

Pacific Flyway - Falconry

The season opens on the Saturday closest to Oct 1. The closing date is set annually by the Commission.

Pacific Flyway - Youth Weekend

Typically the weekend before waterfowl season opens

2013 Duck & Coot Season Dates			Date Setting
	Start Date	End Date	Process
Central Flyway
Duck & Coot	September 28	TBD*
Falconry	September 28	TBD*
Youth Weekend	September 21	September 22
Pacific Flyway
Duck & Coot	September 28	TBD*
Falconry	September 28	TBD*
Youth Weekend	September 21	September 22

*The 2013 End Dates for Duck and Coot will be determined at the August Commission meeting.

Central Flyway - Goose

The season opens on the Saturday closest to Oct 1. The closing date is set annually by the Commission.

Central Flyway - Falconry

The season opens on the Saturday closest to Oct 1. The closing date is set annually by the Commission.

Central Flyway - Youth Weekend

Typically the weekend before waterfowl season opens

Pacific Flyway - Goose

The season opens on the Saturday closest to Oct 1. The closing date is set annually by the Commission.

Pacific Flyway - Falconry

The season opens on the Saturday closest to Oct 1. The closing date is set annually by the Commission.

Pacific Flyway - Youth Weekend

Typically the weekend before waterfowl season opens

2013 Goose Season Dates			Date Setting
	Start Date	End Date	Process
Central Flyway
Goose	September 28	TBD*
Falconry	September 28	TBD*
Youth Weekend	September 21	September 22
Pacific Flyway
Goose	September 28	TBD*
Falconry	September 28	TBD*
Youth Weekend	September 21	September 22

*The 2013 End Dates for Goose Season will be determined at the August Commission meeting.

Central Flyway

The season opens on the Saturday closest to Oct 1. The closing date is set annually by the Commission.

Pacific Flyway

The end dates will be determined at the August Commission meeting.

2013 Swan Season Dates			Date Setting
	Start Date	End Date	Process
Central Flyway
Swan	September 28	TBD*
Pacific Flyway
Swan	October 12	TBD*

*The 2013 End Dates for Swan will be determined at the August Commission meeting.

Caution: Season dates vary by flyway and species, so please check the regulations for complete season dates and details.

Helpful Waterfowl links

• Migratory Game Bird Hunting Opportunities in Montana ( 129 KB)
• Visit MT: Outfitters and Guides
• Flyways.us —Waterfowl hunting management in North America

Additional Information

• Swan Identification

  Swan hunting is allowed in Montana only by holders of a special permit. Two species of swans can be found in Montana: Trumpeter Swans and Tundra Swans. It is legal to hunt either species of swans in the Pacific Flyway portion of the state. The later opening date and earlier closing date in the Pacific Flyway is intended to reduce the chance of harvesting trumpeters. It is NOT legal to shoot a trumpeter swan in the Central Flyway part of the state; the swan season there is only for tundra swans. Swan identification can be difficult in normal hunting conditions. Understanding the different characteristics of swans can help you make the right decisions in the field.

  Distinguishing Trumpeter Swans from Tundra Swans is possible by paying close attention to calls, although bill characteristics and other features may be helpful at close range. Montana's Animal Field Guide offers information about both the Trumpeter Swan and the Tundra Swan. For further information about swan identification and to hear additional swan calls, visit The Trumpeter Swan Society .

• Duck and Goose Identification

  Most FWP regional offices will have free waterfowl identification guides that you may pick up and carry while hunting. You can also go to the USGS Duck Identification Guide for Hunters Web site to access three good identification guides.