Missouri sets dates for duck hunting
By BRENT FRAZEE
The Kansas City Star
Missouri duck hunters hoping for a repeat of last year’s record season will be pleased with the 2007-08 dates set by the Missouri Conservation Commission late last week.
The season setup is almost identical to last year, when hunters had their highest statewide kill on record.
That is no guarantee of success. The timing of migrations, habitat conditions and weather can play a big part in hunting success.
But Dave Graber, waterfowl biologist for the Missouri Department of Conservation, thinks the dates could be an important first step.
“We moved our opener back a week starting in 2004,” Graber said. “And for the most part, we think it’s worked out well.”
Surveys by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicate that duck populations are up 14 percent from last year and 24 percent from the long-term average.
“We’re set up good for duck numbers and water in our wetlands,” Graber said. “The only caveat is how the floods affected the food — both moist-soil and row crops.
“If we don’t regain some of the food that was lost, it may affect our ability to hold birds.”
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Duck seasons
•North zone: Oct. 27-Dec. 25 (Oct. 20-21 for youth season).
•Middle zone: Nov. 3-Jan. 1 (Oct. 27-28 for youth season).
•South season: Nov. 23-Jan. 21 (Nov. 17-18 for youth season).
Goose seasons
• Canadas: Sept. 29-Oct.8 and Nov. 23-Jan. 30.
• Whitefronts: Nov. 23-Jan. 30.
• Snow, blue and Ross’: Oct. 27-Jan. 30.
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