Miami Valley hunters ready for duck and goose seasons

The Dayton Daily News is reporting that excitement is building among hunters about predictions for the fall flight of ducks.

Hunting will start Oct. 15 in the north zone and Oct. 22 in the south. According to the DDN, the 50th annual Ducks Unlimited survey of waterfowl production in Canada, where most ducks are produced, led DU to estimate the fall flight this year will consist of about 31.7 million birds, compared to 32.2 million in 2004.

From the story:

Darron Baker, a Wright State University student, and Aaron Chaney, a Beavercreek fireman, are anxious to get started. Both are members of the Zink Calls field staff.

The two waterfowl hunters enjoyed a successful season a year ago, as did a number of other duck and goose shooters in the Buckeye State.

Baker and Chaney said they did most of their duck and goose hunting at fields where they had observed ducks and geese putting down to feed. The hunters had to obtain permission to hunt these areas.

"We all know that gaining permission these days is getting harder and harder. But there's nothing like hunting where the birds are feeding," Baker said.

Having a good decoy setup is the key, they say.

The story goes on to share some of the various decoys and setups these two hunters have found to be successful, and then continues:

Duck and goose shooting requires responsible hunting. Participants must be able to identify ducks and geese. They have to be familiar with the regulations, observe bag limits, know what shells are legal and how many of them a shotgun can hold. The number is three.

Hunters also need a regular hunting license, Ohio wetlands stamp and federal duck stamp.

A split season applies in both zones. In the north, roughly a third of the state, ducks may be hunted Oct. 15-Dec. 4 and Dec. 24-Jan. 1. In the southern zone duck hunting is Oct. 22-Nov. 13 and Dec. 17-Jan. 22.

The split goose season north is Oct. 15-Nov. 27 and Dec. 17-Jan. 1. In the south it's Oct. 22-Nov. 6 and Dec. 17-Jan. 29.

A special goose season has been established along Erie. Hunting will take place there Oct. 15-31 and Dec. 10-Jan. 1.

Foe more information, visit ohiodnr.com or call (800) WILDLIFE.

Happy hunting!