Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day On Tap September 23-24 Statewide

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Montana has a special weekend set aside for youngsters 12 through 15 to hunt waterfowl this year. The "Special Statewide Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days," approved by the Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks Commission, are set for Saturday and Sunday, September 23 and 24. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service allows youth to hunt ducks, geese and coots on these days outside the regular waterfowl hunting season. The youth waterfowl-hunting day is intended to encourage young hunters to participate in waterfowl hunting. Legally licenses hunters age 12 through 15 may hunt ducks, mergansers, geese and coots statewide on this day. A non-hunting adult at least 18 years of age must accompany the youth hunter in the field. The accompanying adult cannot hunt waterfowl on this day, but may assist with decoys, calling and retrieving. This also provides an excellent opportunity to take a retriever out to do some work before the regular season. The bag limits, shooting hours, and all other regulations that apply to the regular waterfowl seasons will apply on these two special days. The only exception in the state is the Canyon Ferry Wildlife Management Area where shooting hours will be one-half hour before sunrise to 12 noon September 23 and 24. Only the Pond 4 portion of Canyon Ferry WMA, as posted, will be open to the Youth Hunt. "One nice thing about having a special youth waterfowl hunting weekend is that it gives the young hunter a chance to be the focus of attention," said Hinz. "There will be little, if any, competition and the adults won’t be caught up in the excitement of shooting birds and forget about the experience of the young person he or she is accompanying." Hinz said that hunters should call 1-800-472-8455 periodically for updates on the impact the fire closures may have on early hunting seasons. Also, information on the fwp web site at fwp.state.mt.us under the heading Fire & Drought is updated continuously.