Warm fall weather has been a bonus to duck and goose hunters at Freezout Wildlife Management Area between Fairfield and Choteau. “This year is one of the better years as far as a steady flow of birds,” says Brent Lonner, Fish, Wildlife and Parks wildlife biologist in Fairfield. Lonner cited the lack of ice and warm weather as reasons that thousands of ducks and geese are spending time at Freezout before migrating south. “We’ve had a significant number of snow geese,” Lonner says. Snow geese numbers, which have been as high as 25,000, are near 15,000. Though that could change quickly if a cold front arrives. Hunters are reminded that to hunt waterfowl requires the use of steel shot. Also, resident hunters ages 16 to 61 and all nonresident waterfowlers 16 and older need a state migratory bird license, a federal migratory bird stamp, a conservation license and a hunting access enhancement. Total cost for residents is $31.50. For nonresidents: $85. Residents 62 and older and those FWP certified disabled do not need the $6.50 state migratory bird license. Total cost would be: $25. Resident and nonresident hunters 12 to 15 only need a state conservation license with a hunting access enhancement. Total cost for resident youngsters: $10. For nonresidents: $20. Before waterfowl hunting, all hunters should consult the Montana 2007 migratory game bird regulations.
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