Commission OKs early migratory season for hunters

Arkansas Game and Fish commissioners approved the early migratory bird seasons for 2010-2011.

The season dates will be:

Mourning Dove and Eurasian Collared Dove

Sept. 4 to Oct. 19 and Dec. 11 to Jan. 5

Teal

Sept. 11 - Sept. 26

Rail

Sept. 11 - Nov. 19

Woodcock

Nov. 6 - Dec. 20

Common Snipe

Nov. 1 - Feb. 15

Purple Gallinule

Sept. 1 - Nov. 9

Common Moorhen

Sept. 1 - Nov. 9

Early Canada Goose Statewide

Sept. 1 - Sept. 15

Northwest Canada Goose

Sept. 25 - Oct. 4

Biologists also presented the proposed late migratory bird seasons for 2010-2011, including several proposals for duck season.

Wildlife Assistant Chief Ricky Chastain said habitat conditions for breeding waterfowl this spring were similar to 2009 in much of North America.

"Total duck abundance is estimated at almost 41 million - a 3 percent decrease from 2009 but 21 percent above the long-term average," Chastain said.

Season options:

Option 1:

Nov. 20 (Saturday) - Nov. 28 (Sunday)

Dec. 9 (Thursday) - Dec. 23 (Thursday)

Dec. 26 (Sunday) - Jan. 30 (Sunday)

Option 2:

Nov. 25 (Thurs) - Dec. 5 (Sunday)

Dec. 11 (Saturday) - Dec. 23 (Thursday)

Dec. 26 (Sunday) - Jan. 30 (Sunday)

Option 3:

Nov. 20 (Saturday) - Nov. 28 (Sunday)

Dec. 7 (Tuesday) - Jan. 17 (Monday)

Jan. 22 (Saturday) - Jan. 30 (Sunday)

Youth Waterfowl Hunt:

Dec. 4-5 or Feb. 6-7

The late migratory bird season dates will be approved at the August commission meeting.

In other business, the Commission:

*Approved an agreement between the AGFC and Central Arkansas Water for a one year license agreement for management and regulation of fish and wildlife on the new Maumelle River WMA.

*Approved the purchase of nine acres along Crooked Creek in Marion County. The cost of the property is $12,000.

*Recognized several AGFC wildlife officers for their efforts in saving lives and for the difficult task they performed during this year's deadly flood at the Albert Pike Campground.

Information for this article was contributed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

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