Nebraska Releases Recommended Waterfowl Seasons

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The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has released staff recommendations for 2012 hunting season dates for waterfowl and crow. "2012 marks the first year we've seen major changes in the duck zone format for Nebraska since guidelines were put into place by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1991" says Mark Vrtiska, Waterfowl Program Manager. "I think the new 4-zone format will provide a little more flexibility in trying to meet season date preferences for duck seasons" Staff recommendations for duck seasons were based on a survey sent to duck hunters across the state about their preference for duck season dates as well as duck harvest information compiled by staff with the assistance of researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. "I believe this is the first time we've brought these two elements together at the same time" Vrtiska said. "

Here are links to the Summary of proposed changes | Hunter feedback survey

The Game and Parks board of commissioners will consider these recommendations when they meet July 27 in Lincoln. The public may provide comment prior to the meeting as well as attending the Lincoln meeting.

The recommended season dates are:
Early Teal - Low Plains: Sept. 8-23; High Plains: Sept. 8-16

Youth - Zone 1: Oct. 6-7; Zone 2: Sept. 29-30; Zone 3: Oct. 13-14; Zone 4: Sept. 29-30

Ducks and Coots - Zone 1: Oct. 13 - Dec. 25; Zone 2: Oct. 6 - Dec. 18 and Jan. 2-23 (High Plains only); Zone 3: Oct. 20 - Jan. 1 and Jan. 2-23 (High Plains only); Zone 4: Oct. 6 - Dec. 18

Dark Geese - East Unit: Oct. 6-14 and Oct. 27 - Jan. 30; North Central Unit: Oct. 6 - Jan. 18; Platte River Unit: Oct. 27 - Feb. 8; Panhandle Unit: Nov. 10 - Feb. 8; Niobrara Unit: Oct. 27 - Feb. 8

White-Fronted Geese - Oct. 6 - Dec. 14 and Feb. 2-3

Light Geese Regular Season - Oct. 6 - Jan. 4 and Jan. 26 - Feb. 8

Light Geese Conservation Order - Zone 1: Feb. 9 - April 14; Zone 2: Feb. 9-April 1; Zone 3: Feb. 9 - April 14

Crows - Regular Season: Oct. 1-Nov. 15 and Jan. 20-April 6; Special Public Health Hazard Order: Nov. 16-Jan. 19