Youth Waterfowl hunting
One weekend has been set aside for youth waterfowl hunting opportunity before the regular waterfowl seasons begin. The season is open statewide.
This is an opportunity for adults to introduce young people to the joys and responsibility of hunting. An adult must accompany the youth on this hunt and the adult may not hunt ducks. The adult may hunt in other open seasons, including the Early Fall Canada Goose Season.
Youth ages 12-15 are eligible for this season. Youth who have reached age 16 by the first day of the season may not hunt.
Also, resident youth ages 10-15 who are participating in the Mentored Hunt program may hunt during the Youth Waterfowl Season.
Resident youth must possess a valid Youth Small Game License ($5) and the State Migratory Bird Certification ($5).
Nonresident youth must possess one of the standard Nonresident Waterfowl licenses. Licenses are limited in number and must be applied for through a lottery drawing. Options are found at this link.
Season Dates: 2012 Season Pending -
Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
Daily Limit:
- Ducks - Same as the regular duck season limits, including mergansers and coots
- Canada Geese - Daily limit is 8 in the part of the state designated as Unit 1 during the Canada Goose Season; limit 3 in the rest of the state
Possession Limit: Twice the daily limit.
Nontoxic Shot: Youth may not possess lead shot while hunting waterfowl during this season.
Approved nontoxic shot includes steel shot, bismuth-tin, tungsten-polymer, tungsten-matrix, and any combination of tungsten-iron-nickel-tin-copper-bismuth. Coated lead shot does not qualify as nontoxic shot.
All other restrictions are the same as during the regular waterfowl season. See the Hunting and Trapping Handbook for a more complete set of rules.