2010-11 Waterfowl Public Meetings

• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service releases the early season framework in June.

• Arkansas then chooses its season dates and bag limits from within this framework. We can be more restrictive with our regulations, but not less restrictive than the federal framework.

• Comments about Arkansas Early Season Migratory Bird Regulations should be sent to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission by July 1 every year.

Early Season Regulations Process

Dove, Rail, Woodcock and Teal

• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service releases the late season framework in July.

• Arkansas then chooses its season dates and bag limits from within this framework. We can be more restrictive with our regulations, but not less restrictive than the federal framework.

• Comments about Arkansas Late Season Waterfowl Regulations should be sent to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission by July 31 every year.

Late Season Regulations Process

Ducks and Geese

Regulations Process Important Dates

• Mid-June - preliminary early season regulations released

• Comments on early season regulations are due to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission by July 1.

• Mid-July - early season regulations are finalized

• Mid-July - preliminary late season regulations released

• Comments on late season regulations are due to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission by July 31.

• Mid-August - Late season regulations are finalized

• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has the responsibility and authority to establish annual hunting seasons for migratory birds in the United States under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

Establishment of Waterfowl Seasons

Breeding Habitat Conditions in the Canadian Prairies

2009

2009-10 Winter

2010 Current

Breeding Habitat Conditions in the U.S. Prairies

Canada Goose SeasonReminder from 2009

• Expand regular Canada goose season to 72 days.

- from 50 to 72 days in northwest

- from 40 to 72 days in remainder of state

• Season would be concurrent with white-fronted goose season

• May eliminate late September/early October season in northwest Canada goose zone.

Issues for Public Comment

• Duck season dates

• 4:00 am WMA entry regulation

Duck Season Structure and Dates

• Expect 60-day duck season for the 2010-11 season.

• Can have no more than three segments and two

splits.

• January 30, 2011 last day of duck season framework.

• Youth hunt can be two consecutive days before opening day, within a duck season split, or after the last day of duck season.

Duck Season Structure and Dates

What is the One Week that you Most Prefer to Duck Hunt?Residents Only Shown Here

13

4

6

6

6

10

14

9

7

11

10

2

7

2

11

8

6

9

13

7

15

15

7

1

0 20 40 60 80 100

3rd week in Nov.

4th week in Nov.

1st week in Dec.

2nd week in Dec.

3rd week in Dec.

4th week in Dec.

1st week in Jan.

2nd week in Jan.

3rd week in Jan.

4th week in Jan.

No preference

Don't know

Percent

2010 Survey

2008 Survey

Duck Season Structure and Dates

What is the One Week that you Most Prefer a One-Week Duck Season Closure to Occur?

14

6

12

5

11

16

3

1

1

2

24

5

0 20 40 60 80 100

3rd week in Nov.

4th week in Nov.

1st week in Dec.

2nd week in Dec.

3rd week in Dec.

4th week in Dec.

1st week in Jan.

2nd week in Jan.

3rd week in Jan.

4th week in Jan.

No preference

Don't know

Percent

Duck Season DatesOptions

November 20 (Sat) – November 28 (Sun)December 9 (Thur) – December 23 (Wed)December 26 (Sun) – January 30 (Sun)Youth Hunt: December 4 (Sat) and 5 (Sun)

November 25 (Thur) – December 5 (Sun)December 11 (Sat) – December 23 (Wed)December 26 (Sun) – January 30 (Sun)Youth Hunt: February 5 (Sat) and 6 (Sun)

• Written comments regarding waterfowl regulations should be submitted at one of the 13 public meetings on June 2 or mailed to:

AGFCAttn: Waterfowl Comments2 Natural Resources DriveLittle Rock, AR 72205

• E-mail comments should be sent to huntregs@agfc.com

Public Comments due July 31