PA Environment Digest

Representatives of waterfowl organizations, interested hunters and the public are invited to attend a briefing on August 6, sponsored by the Game Commission, on the status of Atlantic Flyway waterfowl populations and proposed preliminary federal frameworks for the 2010-11 waterfowl hunting seasons.

The briefing will begin at 1 p.m., at Haldeman Island (State Game Land 290). To access the meeting location, use the Game Commission access road directly across from the Ranch House Restaurant along Routes 11/15 near Amity Hall, Perry County, just north of the confluence of the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers.

In addition to reviewing frameworks established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for upcoming waterfowl and migratory bird seasons, Game Commission staff will provide updates on current and planned research and management programs, as well as past hunting results.

Public comments will be accepted at the meeting; or by sending a letter to: Game Commission, Bureau of Wildlife Management, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797; or via email to: waterfowlcomments@state.pa.us.

Based on public comments, Game Commission staff will prepare and present recommended waterfowl and migratory bird seasons, bag limits and related criteria to the USFWS for final approval. All migratory bird hunting seasons and bag limits must conform to frameworks set by the USFWS. States select their hunting seasons within these established frameworks.

Early migratory bird hunting seasons – including September Canada goose, mourning dove, American woodcock and webless species – will be announced in late July.

By mid-August, when the final selections are made, the Game Commission will issue a news release on the remaining hunting seasons for migratory birds. The agency also will print and distribute the annual brochure outlining the seasons and bag limits for waterfowl and migratory bird seasons to U.S. Post Offices, where hunters may purchase their mandatory federal duck stamp.

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