Date: 11/9/11
Contact: Teresa Moiola
Phone: (775) 688-1555

NDOW POINTING TO EXCELLENT WATERFOWL SEASON

In a dry state like Nevada, what a difference some water can make. Heavy winter precipitation and late snow melt has the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) pointing to one of the best waterfowl seasons in several years.

"Habitat conditions and numbers of ducks, geese and swan are optimal and hunting should be excellent." said Russell Woolstenhulme, migratory game bird biologist for the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). "Every basin in Nevada saw water levels well above normal averages; many more than doubled their averages."

The water conditions have improved the outlook for most of Nevada's game species, notably waterfowl. Habitat conditions have improved, water coverage is up from last year and bird numbers are generally excellent around the state. Waterfowl season is underway through Jan. 27, 2012.

A look around the state finds many areas in good shape. Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Carson Lake and Pasture, and the Franklin Lake WMA are all in very good condition and should provide outstanding habitat during the 2011 hunting season. In Southern Nevada, Overton, Key Pittman and Kirch WMAs are all expected to offer better than average hunting opportunities.

"Waterfowl habitat conditions are the best we've seen since 2006," said NDOW Habitat Chief Elmer Bull. "The snowpack provided adequate runoff to support large areas of quality waterfowl habitat. This is great news for hunters who can expect birds to be more evenly distributed across the state's wetlands and remain in areas longer."

Continental waterfowl surveys conducted in the spring by federal biologists reveal total breeding waterfowl numbers were 11 percent higher than the total observed last year and up 35 percent over the long-term average (1955-2010). Mallards, Canada geese, blue-wing teal, northern pintails, northern shoveler and readhead are well above their long-term averages.

Woolstenhulme is optimistic about this year's waterfowl season. "When you combine the facts that the number of wintering waterfowl has increased and wetland conditions for native nesting waterfowl have improved, there's little doubt that our sportsmen will benefit," he said. "All in all, we are looking for a good season and hunter's should get out and take advantage of favorable conditions. This year would be a great time for hunters, new and experienced alike, to try their hand at waterfowl hunting."

A Nevada State Duck Stamp ($10) is required for any person 12-64 years old who hunts migratory game birds, except mourning or white-winged dove, snipe, coots or moorhen. A Federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Stamp ($16 at NDOW) is required for any person age 16 or older who hunts any migratory waterfowl. For more information, or to purchase a stamp or hunting license, visit www.ndow.org.

Sportsmen should also consider introducing hunting to friends or family who don't know what they're missing. The Apprentice Hunter License allows anyone 12 and older to hunt upland game and waterfowl (no tagged species) for one season without first completing a Hunter Education Course. The apprentice must have never previously held a hunting license and must always be accompanied and closely supervised by a mentor 18 or older who holds a valid Nevada hunting license and is willing to assume legal responsibility for the apprentice hunter. After one season those apprentices who want to continue hunting must successfully complete their Hunter Education course requirement - which in Nevada applies to anyone born after January 1, 1960 - before purchasing another hunting license.

The Apprentice License itself is free, but with mandatory habitat conservation and license agent fees ($4) and applicable stamps (state upland and /or state and federal duck), the cost will be $14 for upland game, $29 for waterfowl or $39 for both. The new Apprentice License is currently only available at NDOW regional offices statewide. For more information call (775) 688-1553 or go to www.ndow.org.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. Find us on Facebook or Twitter.