Waterfowl Season Outlook is Promising

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The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s May and July waterfowl surveys indicate the upcoming waterfowl season should be improved over last year, according to Mike Johnson, game management section leader. Opening day for North Dakota residents is Sept. 25 for ducks, coots, mergansers and geese. Nonresidents may begin hunting waterfowl in North Dakota Oct. 2.

Johnson said the fall flight of ducks from North Dakota is expected to be up about 20 percent from 2009. The brood index from the Game and Fish Department’s annual mid-July survey was up 14 percent from 2009 and 63 percent above the long-term average. The water index observed during the survey was down 14 percent from last year, but still 28 percent above long-term.

“Prospects for the continental fall duck flight are good, with North Dakota’s contribution well-above the long-term average,” Johnson said. “Also, the continental estimates of May breeding duck numbers indicated that most species were in good shape going into the breeding season. The number of ducks that migrate through North Dakota should be above average.”

In addition, snow goose and Canada goose populations remain high, Johnson mentioned, with large numbers expected to migrate through the state this fall. “Of course, the success of this year’s waterfowl season is highly dependent upon our fall weather and habitat conditions, and the migration patterns they produce,” he said.

Hunters can find additional information on the status of ducks, geese and swans at the Internet website, flyways.us.

Resident hunters must possess a general game and habitat license and a fishing, hunting and furbearer certificate. In addition, hunters age 16 and older must have a small game license and federal duck stamp.

Nonresidents must purchase a nonresident waterfowl license, including the general game and habitat license, and certificate. Hunters age 16 and older must possess a federal duck stamp. Nonresident youth hunters from states that provide a reciprocal licensing agreement for North Dakota residents, qualify for North Dakota resident licenses. See the 2010 North Dakota Waterfowl Hunting Guide for details.

All migratory bird hunters are reminded to register with the Harvest Information Program prior to hunting. Hunters who purchase a license through the state Game and Fish Department website (gf.nd.gov) or instant licensing telephone number (800-406-6409) can easily get HIP certified.

Otherwise, hunters must call (888) 634-4798, or access the department’s website, and record the HIP number on their fishing, hunting and furbearer certificate. Those who registered to hunt the spring light goose season or the early Canada goose season in North Dakota do not have to register with HIP again, as it is required only once per year in each state hunted.

Hunters should refer to the waterfowl hunting guide for season regulations including licensing requirements, dates, bag limits, season zones and nonresident hunting zones.

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