Traditional hunting seasons for waterfowl and other migratory birds will soon open, announces the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). Some of Georgia's early waterfowl hunting opportunities have already come and gone, including an early teal hunting season (Sept. 17-25) and an extended September season for Canada geese (Sept. 3-25), but the more traditional late seasons are just about to begin.

"Waterfowl hunters should expect a season very similar to last year," says WRD State Waterfowl Coordinator Greg Balkcom. "Hunters also should be sure to note that canvasbacks may be harvested only during the last 30 days of the traditional duck hunting season and that the bag limit for scaup has been reduced from three to two because of the continued decline in the scaup breeding population."

Hunting season for all ducks, except canvasbacks, will be open from Nov. 19-Nov. 27 and Dec. 10-Jan. 29. Canvasback season runs from Dec. 31-Jan. 29.

"The closing date of Jan. 29 is possible because of recent changes in the Federal Regulations that now allow for hunting to extend until the last Sunday in January," adds Balkcom.

All migratory bird hunting season dates and bag limits can now be found on the WRD website at www.gohuntgeorgia.com or in the "Late Season Georgia Migratory Bird Regulations 2005-2006" brochure, available through WRD offices and at select hunting license agents.

To legally hunt waterfowl in Georgia, sportsmen and women must possess a Georgia hunting license, a Georgia waterfowl conservation license, a federal duck stamp and a free Migratory Bird Hunting License (or HIP Permit).

HIP is an annual federal program that requires those who hunt migratory bird species to fill out a short harvest survey and in return receive a free participation permit. Those hunting on a wildlife management area (WMA) must possess a WMA license. Hunters may purchase licenses at over 1,200 license agents, at www.gohuntgeorgia.com or at 1-888-748-6887.

Legal shooting hours for migratory birds are one half hour before sunrise to sunset. The daily sunrise and sunset times for Georgia can be found on page 43 of the 2005-2006 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations Guide or on the WRD website.

For more information on the upcoming migratory bird season, visit the WRD website at www.gohuntgeorgia.com, contact the local WRD Game Management Office or call 770-918-6416.

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