Lincoln, Neb. -- The 2005 Nebraska youth waterfowl hunting season will be September 24-25 and there should be good numbers of ducks and geese in the area for the kids to pursue.

The youth waterfowl hunting season provides an outstanding opportunity for young people to experience the excitement of duck hunting. Hunting is part of the American culture and provides a great opportunity for adults to teach kids how to hunt and at the same time teach them about the tradition of fall hunting.

The season is open for ducks, mergansers, coots and geese that are legal to hunt during the states regular waterfowl hunting seasons. The bag limit is the same as during the regular waterfowl seasons.

Mark Vrtiska, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Waterfowl Program Manager, said the blue-winged teal migration through Nebraska usually peaks in mid- September and green-winged teal are usually not far behind, peaking in late-September and early-October. If a large, unexpected cold front doesnt push the teal farther south, there should be plenty of birds in the area to provide a good youth waterfowl hunting season, and Vrtiska says young hunters may also have a chance to add some local species such as wood ducks, mallards and Canada geese to their bag.

Hunters must be 15 years old or younger. Resident youth hunters do not need any state or federal permits or stamps, but nonresident youths are required to have a 2005 Nebraska hunting permit, a 2005 Nebraska Habitat Stamp, and 2005 Nebraska HIP registration. Youths who are 12 through 15 years are required to carry a hunter education certification card while hunting and must be must be accompanied by a person at least 18 years old. This adult need not be licensed to hunt. Youths age 11 years or younger must be accompanied by a licensed hunter at least 19 years old. Accompanying adults may not hunt waterfowl during the youth waterfowl hunting season.

Click Here To Return To The Previous Page