Good Fall Forecast For Duck And Goose Seasons

Even as the August heat beats down on Montana, waterfowl hunters can look forward to another exceptional fall season.

The promising fall-flight forecast comes from the cool north, where the total population of 10 of the most sought after duck species exceeds 36 million birds, a 14 percent jump over last year.

The annual federal count includes migrating ducks that nest in the north-central United States, including Montana, and southern Canadian prairies. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that mallard numbers are up eight percent; blue-winged teal are up 28 percent; gadwalls are up 30 percent; pintails are up 32 percent; and redheads are up 55 percent.

"It may be hot and dry in Montana right now, but favorable rains this spring once again improved conditions for waterfowl on the northern prairies," said Quentin Kujala, chief of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wildlife management bureau. "Montana waterfowlers have reason to be optimistic. If hunting weather cooperates, it should be a terrific season."

The FWP Commission is currently seeking public comment on the 2006-07 tentative bag limits, which are similar to last season, and the following seasons dates:

Statewide

·         Special Two-Day Youth Waterfowl Season: Sept. 23–24

  Pacific Flyway—Western Montana

·         Ducks: Sept. 30–Jan. 12, 2007

·         Geese: Sept. 30–Jan. 12, 2007

·         Coots: Sept. 30–Jan. 12, 2007

·         Swan: Oct. 14–Dec. 1: permit only, applications due Sept. 8

·         Falconry Season for ducks, coots, and geese: Sept. 30–Jan. 12, 2007

·         Canyon Ferry Wildlife Management Area closed at noon: Sept. 30–Oct. 6

  Central Flyway—Eastern Montana

·         Ducks: Sept. 30–Jan. 4, 2007

·         Pintails & Canvasbacks: Sept. 30–Nov. 7; and Sept. 23–24 during Youth Waterfowl Season

·         Geese: Sept. 30–Jan. 12, 2007

·         Coots: Sept. 30–Jan. 4, 2007

·         Swan: Sept. 30–Jan. 4, 2007: permit only, applications due Sept. 8

·         Falconry Season for ducks and coots: Sept. 21–Jan. 5, 2007

·         Falconry Season for geese: Sept. 30–Jan. 12, 2007

·         North Chinook Reservoir in Blaine County open for waterfowl hunting

Send comments to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks–Wildlife Division, Attn: Public Comment, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701; or email to fwpwld@mt.gov. The deadline for public comment is Aug. 28. T he FWP Commission will adopt final regulations on Aug. 31.

For a complete copy of the tentative waterfowl regulations, visit FWP’s Proposed Tentative - 2006 Migratory Bird Regulations or write to Wildlife Division, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701.