National Junior Waterfowl Hunting Day is November 4

ANNAPOLIS – In conjunction with National Junior Waterfowl Hunting Day, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has scheduled a one-day waterfowl hunting season for junior hunters on Saturday, November 4.

The hunt is part of a national effort by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state wildlife agencies to expand the lessons learned in the hunter safety curriculum and increase awareness of the rich tradition of waterfowl hunting.

“The junior hunt provides a valuable opportunity for youth to receive the undivided attention of an adult teaching the tradition of waterfowl hunting,” said DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul A. Peditto. “Junior hunters will learn proper techniques, safe firearm handling, enjoyment of the outdoors, and appreciation of our incredible waterfowl resources.”

Any licensed hunter 15 years old or younger may hunt during this one-day waterfowl season. Junior hunters 15 years old or younger who are exempt from Maryland hunting license requirements may also participate in Junior Waterfowl hunting Day. Junior waterfowl hunters must possess a receipt proving they purchased a $9 Maryland Migratory Game Bird Hunting Stamp.

An individual who is 21 years old or older must accompany each junior hunter in the field. The adult may not possess a firearm, bow, or any other hunting device while accompanying a junior hunter on this day. The adult must also possess a valid Maryland hunting license or be exempt from hunting license requirements. The accompanying adult may call waterfowl, assist with waterfowl identification, assist with decoys, and retrieve downed birds.

The daily bag limits for the Junior Waterfowl Hunting Day are: 6 ducks per day (including mergansers) but the total may not include more than: 5 long-tailed ducks, 4 mallards (max. 2 hen mallards), 4 scoters, 2 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 scaup, 2 hooded mergansers, 1 black duck, 1 pintail, 1 canvasback, 1 fulvous tree duck, and 1 mottled duck. Daily bag limits for other waterfowl include 2 Canada geese, 15 snow (white or blue color phase) geese, 2 brant, and 15 coots on Junior Waterfowl Hunting Day. There is no open hunting season for harlequin ducks and swans.

Junior hunters are also reminded that nontoxic shot is required for hunting waterfowl and coots. Hunters may not possess or use nontoxic shot larger than size No. T or use or possess any lead shot while waterfowl hunting. Approved types of nontoxic shot and other information on migratory bird hunting is listed in the free booklet 2006-2007 Guild to Hunting and Trapping in Maryland and on the DNR Web site, www.dnr.maryland.gov Hunters are encouraged to report banded migratory game birds by calling toll-free 1-800-327-BAND (2263). Banded birds can also be reported online at: http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl