DEM WILL HOLD HEARING ON PROPOSED WATERFOWL SEASON AND FALCONRY REGULATIONS ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 30

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management will hold a public hearing on proposed regulations governing the upcoming migratory waterfowl hunting season and proposed regulations governing the practice of falconry on Thursday, August 30. The hearing on both subjects will be held at 7 p.m. at the North Kingstown Community Center on Beach Street in North Kingstown, off Route 1A just south of Wickford. As in past years, DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife also will show a video on the breeding status of waterfowl in the Canadian Provinces.

The proposed waterfowl regulations establish hunting seasons, bag limits, and methods of taking for the 2007-2008 season. Michael Lapisky, Chief of DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife, notes that there are some changes in the federal waterfowl regulations with which the state must comply.

One change from last season increases the daily bag limit for canvasbacks from one to two birds. In addition, the number of days open for hunting Atlantic Brant has been increased from 30 to 50 days (December 2 through January 20.)

There are no substantial changes to the upcoming falconry regulations, Lapisky notes, adding that there are only five falconers in Rhode Island.

The proposed regulations are available on DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on "Fish and Wildlife" under "Offices and Divisions", then clicking on "Wildlife Management and Hunter Education". They are also available at DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife headquarters in the Oliver Stedman Government Center, 4808 Tower Hill Road in Wakefield, or by calling the Division at 789-3094 weekdays.

Waterfowl stamps, hats, and early goose permits (September season) will be available at the hearing. However, fee items will require exact change.

Comments will be accepted at DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife, at the above address, through Thursday, August 30 at 4 p.m. or via e-mail to michael.lapisky@dem.ri.gov by that date. They will also be accepted at the hearing.