For those that hunt the central flyway, you may find this interesting. In the Fall edition of North Dakota Outdoors magazine was an article about the upcoming changes to ND duck hunting bag limits called Hunter’s Choice.
The article outlines a change that is designed to ‘simplify’ the conservation efforts toward Canvasbacks and Pintails. Instead of a partially closed season for these birds, Hunter’s Choice will be implemented throughout the flyway according to the article.
In 2005, ND daily bag limit was 6 birds, 5 of which could be mallards, two of which could be hens. Possession was twice that amount. Canvasbacks I believe were only legal for a portion of the season.
In 2006, the daily bag limit is 5 ducks and all five can be mallards, but the Hunter’s Choice tag is this. Of the 5 ducks, only one may be a Hen Mallard, OR Pintail, OR Canvasback. Note the word OR. You cannot have a hen mallard AND a pintail. You cannot have a pintail and a canvasback.
Interesting method of conservation! Any comments? Its going to really make one think about those 1/2 hour before sunrise shots so that you don’t drop a hen on that first volley!