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Take a kid waterfowl hunting this weekend

Hunters are encouraged to take a young adult hunting during two upcoming youth waterfowl hunting days, Nov. 13-14.

On these two days, youth age 15 or younger, may hunt specific migratory birds, such as ducks, Canada geese and mergansers, as long as they are accompanied by an adult of at least 18 years of age (the adult is not allowed to hunt). These special youth waterfowl hunting days take place prior to the major opening of waterfowl season.

“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) approved these two days so that experienced hunters would have the opportunity to take a child out and pass on the hunting tradition,” said Wildlife Resources Division State Waterfowl Biologist Greg Balkcom. “In addition, these two days specifically are set prior to the major opening of the late migratory bird hunting season, so that youth can take advantage of pursuing these birds early.”

On Nov. 13-14, only youth (age 15 and under) may hunt migratory birds, including ducks, coots, sea ducks, gallinules, mergansers, Canada geese and snow geese. Any 10-gauge or smaller firearm loaded with steel, or another federally approved non-toxic shot, of size “F” or smaller may be used. No lead shot may be in possession while hunting waterfowl. Hunting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. Regular season bag limit restrictions apply. Bag limits for specific waterfowl species can be found in a brochure titled “Georgia’s Late Season Migratory Bird Regulations 2004-2005.” This brochure is available at www.gohuntgeorgia.com or from any WRD Game Management office.

Hunters under the age of 16 are not required to have a hunting license or a harvest information program (HIP) permit. The accompanying adult must have a hunting license, a HIP permit, federal duck stamp and the Georgia waterfowl conservation license. If hunting on a Wildlife Management Area (WMA), adults must possess a WMA license.

Sportsmen and women needing a hunter education course now have two ways to take it - by attending the traditional ten-hour classroom course or taking a CD-Rom home study course accompanied by a two-hour classroom review and test. The CD-Rom course is available by calling or stopping by any WRD Law Enforcement Office. Pre-registration is required to attend a hunter education course. Hunters can call the Central Reservations System (CRS) 1-800-864-7275 or go to www.gohuntgeorgia.com .

For more information on youth waterfowl hunting days, visit the WRD website at www.gohuntgeorgia.com, contact a WRD Game Management Office or call 912-825-6354.