Waterfowl Season opening dates

[fowlme]

I know this may have been asked before but I could not find it. I also know that for the most part opening day in the middle zone is the 1st saturday in October and the 2nd saturday in October for the South zone. but why do they not set the dates so you know for sure every year like you know deer season is the 15th of november every year. I can see having to vote/meet on the bag limits but why the season dates?

[raisinrat]

Deer only travel within a small area. Ducks travel across two continents. The limit and season lengths need to be looked at every year for proper management of them. WE have been lucky over the last few years that our season have been pretty much the same for the past few years. I know for some knowing earlier helps them get the time off from work. But we have to manage for the ducks 1st and the hunters second.


Think of it this way also someone can take up to 540 ducks in a single 90 day season here I Michigan.And also can take(most of the south zone) 70 to 200 plus geese in there seasons depending on the year. Where as a Deer hunter can only take two animals( I know there can be more with antler-less tags, but those are for over population and unbalanced herd areas.)

[3shotmike]

Frame work for seasons and bag limits are set by the Feds(USFWS) using info based on what flyway the state is in and population #s for that flyway etc. Here in Michigan the NRC sets the seasons based on the Feds guidelines and with input from the puplic(CWAC)

There is more to it with taking in to effect long term population # averages and nesting outlooks and such but I think you get the picture.

Like raisinrat said its all about the duckand geese