Sept. 1, 2011
Blue-winged teal migrating in record numbers
PRATT — The first waterfowl that hunters may pursue each year are teal, and their numbers are generally high. But this year is better than ever. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports that blue-winged teal numbers are 91 percent above their long-term average (a record), and green-winged teal numbers, although down from last year, are still 47 percent above their long-term average. This could make for good hunting in the Sunflower State's two September teal hunting zones. A dry, hot summer has dried up many areas of the state, but there should still be plenty of good hunting in many areas. Weekly waterfowl reports on the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s website, www.kdwpt.ks.us, will begin Sept. 1.
In the Low Plains Zone (all of Kansas east of Highway 283), the season runs Sept. 10-25. In the High Plains Zone (west of Highway 283), the season runs Sept. 17-25.
The daily bag limit is four teal with a possession limit of eight. All waterfowl hunters 16 and older must have a federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, and all hunters who are required to obtain a license must also have a Kansas State Waterfowl Habitat Stamp and a Kansas Harvest Information Program (HIP) stamp before attempting to take ducks, geese, or mergansers. (Those not required to have a Kansas hunting license include people hunting their own land and residents 15 and younger or 65 and older.)
For more information, phone 620-672-5911.
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