Shortening days and a few nights in the 40’s signal the best time of year is near-duck season! The early days of duck season are a great time to take kids or new duck hunters out with favorable weather and large numbers of teal on the landscape. All you need are waders and a dozen decoys this time of year to have a great hunt on teal and local ducks. Wetland conditions are fantastic in most areas of the state and will provide increased opportunity and quality of many hunting areas. “Dry conditions over the last several years have given way to above average rainfall for most of eastern South Dakota setting the stage for a banner ducks season," according to Senior Waterfowl Biologist Rocco Murano. “Additionally, this year is the 4th year with the 3-duck regulation option available for duck hunters in South Dakota. “ The experimental 3-duck limit option allows hunters to harvest any 3 ducks per day, without any sex or species restrictions. “The 3-duck regulation option is a great way to teach young or inexperienced hunters how to hunt ducks without the pressure of identifying ducks on the wing” said Murano. The youth duck season dates are September 7-8 statewide, and the Low Plains North and Middle Zones start on September 21. Time to untangle decoys, blow the old duck call, and spend some quality time in prairie wetland!