Two Pintail Limit Set for the First Time in Twelve Years
Liberal Regulations Approved by the CA Fish and Game Commission.
Woodland, CA – -(AmmoLand.com)- California Waterfowl is excited to announce that “liberal” waterfowl regulations for the 2009-2010 hunting season have been approved by the California Fish and Game Commission, including a TWO pintail limit for the first time in twelve years. Other highlights for hunters include a raised limit on scaup and a reopening on canvasback.
Greg Yarris, Director of Conservation Policy for California Waterfowl, attended the Fish and Game Commission meeting to provide a strong voice for California waterfowl hunters during the regulatory process.
“The “liberal” regulations approved this year are the result of a strong western stock of mallards,” said Yarris, “and improved local duck production this year because of timely spring rains.”
The “liberal” alternative chosen calls for a duck season of 100 days, and a daily bag limit of seven ducks. In addition to pintails, there is also good news for hunters who enjoy diving ducks. The bag limit on redheads remains two birds, but the limit on canvasbacks (which was closed last season) is one for the entire season. The scaup season length remains at 86 days, but the bag limit went from two birds to three.
The pintail breeding population increased by 23% in North America, but it was the change in the distribution of pintail from the north to prairies further south that had the greatest effect on the regulatory outcome.
“Pintail are typically more successful when breeding in Prairie habitats,” explained Bob McLandress, President of California Waterfowl, “which allows for more hunter opportunity and an increased bag limit due to a southern shift in their distribution.”
Through the Partnering for Pintail Program, California Waterfowl is working with partners to improve regulations for pintail and hopefully ensure future opportunities for the California hunter.
“We believe a bag limit of three is justified,” emphasized McLandress.
More details, including a simplified chart of season dates, regulations, and limits, are available at www.calwaterfowl.org.
About:
California Waterfowl is an award winning nonprofit, hunter-supported conservation organization with a mission to conserve the state’s waterfowl, wetlands, and hunting heritage. In the last 20 years we’ve restored, protected or enhanced more than 360,000 acres, providing habitat for millions birds and animals, and introduced more than 250,000 children to the wonders of the great outdoors. Visit us online at www.calwaterfowl.org.