LITTLE ROCK - The spinning-wing decoy will be making its last appearance in Arkansas during the 2004-2005 waterfowl season. Last week, commissioners officially outlawed the use of the decoys for the 2005-2006 waterfowl season.

Commissioners felt that removing the decoys from the duck hunter’s arsenal in the 2005-2006 season would give both hunters and retail outlets advance notice of the ban. “We believe it’s fair to both buyers and sellers that we allow them one more season,” commissioner Sheffield Nelson said. “We also want to save ducks for the future,” Nelson added. Commissioners have said in the past that the spinning-wing decoy helped hunters kill more young ducks that were attracted to the wing flashes.

The spinning-wing decoy is defined as any electronic, mechanically-operated, wind-powered or manually-powered spinning-blade device that simulates wing movement. The decoys will be allowed during the snow, blue and Ross’ Conservation Order season dates of Feb. 7 to April 30.

In other business concerning duck season, the Commission:

*Tabled a proposal to cut back waterfowl hunting statewide to a half-day on select days.

*Eliminated rest area hunting on the state’s wildlife management areas. The rest areas will be open during the last three days of the waterfowl season as well as during the youth waterfowl hunt.

*Closed WMAs at noon to waterfowl hunters and waterfowl hunting during the upcoming waterfowl season.

*Affirmed the late migratory season dates passed at the August commission meeting.

*Banned all boats on Bayou Meto WMA, Dr. Lester Sitzes III/Bois d’Arc WMA (except Bois d’Arc Lake) and Shirey Bay/Rainey Brake green tree reservoir after noon during the waterfowl hunting season.

The Commission also discussed the 2005 spring turkey hunting season dates. Three options were offered for the largest portion of the state.

*Option 1: April 2-3 Youth Hunt in Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 4B, 5, 5A, 5B, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10; March 26-27 Youth Hunt in Zone 17; April 9-May 6 in Zones 1, 2, 3, 4B, 5, 5B, 6, 7, 7A, 8, 9 and 10; April 2-29 in Zone 17; April 9-22 in Zones 1A, 4, 4A, 5A and 9A.

*Option 2: March 26-27 Statewide Youth Hunt; April 2-29 in Zones 1, 2, 3, 4B, 5, 5B, 6, 7, 7A, 8, 9, 10 and 17; April 2-15 in Zones 1A, 4, 4A, 5A and 9A.

*Option 3: March 26-27 Statewide Youth Hunt; April 2-May 8 (Mothers’ Day) in Zones 1, 2, 3, 4B, 5, 5B, 6, 7, 7A, 8, 9, 10 and 17; April 2-15 in Zones 1A, 4, 4A, 5A and 9A.

Similar to the 2004 spring turkey season, the 2005 spring season bag limit recommendation provides for a bag limit of two bearded turkeys, no more than one of which can be a jake. Recommendations for the 2005 spring season also provide for 18 youth permit hunts and 14 quota permit hunts on selected wildlife management areas throughout Arkansas. 

Regional meetings to receive public comment regarding these proposals are scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 21.  These proposals were presented for Commission review, with final recommendations to be presented at the October Commission meeting.