07-09-2004, 12:25 AM
Lincoln, Neb. -- The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission recently set the 2004 Youth Waterfowl Hunting Season for September 25-26.
The Youth Waterfowl Hunting Season provides an outstanding opportunity for young people to experience the excitement of duck hunting. Hunting is part of the American culture and provides a great opportunity for adults to teach kids how to hunt and at the same time teach them about the tradition of fall hunting.
Mark Vrtiska, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Waterfowl Program Manager, says the blue-winged teal migration through Nebraska usually peaks in mid- September and green-winged teal are usually not far behind, peaking in late-September and early-October. If a large, unexpected cold front doesnt push the teal further south, there should be plenty of birds in the area to provide a good Youth Waterfowl Hunting Season, and Vrtiska says young hunters may also have a chance to add some local species such as wood ducks, mallards and Canada geese to their bag.
Hunters must be 15 years old or younger. Resident youth hunters do not need any state or federal permits or stamps, but those ages 12-15 are required to carry a Hunter Education certification card while hunting. Nonresident youths are required to have a 2004 Nebraska hunting permit, a 2004 Nebraska Habitat Stamp, and must also register with HIP. The season is open for ducks, mergansers, coots and geese. The bag limit is the same as during the regular waterfowl seasons. Youths who are 12 through 15 years must be accompanied by a person at least 18 years old. This adult need not be licensed to hunt. Youths younger than 12 years must be accompanied by a licensed hunter at least 19 years old. The accompanying adult may not hunt waterfowl during the Youth Waterfowl Hunting Season.
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The Youth Waterfowl Hunting Season provides an outstanding opportunity for young people to experience the excitement of duck hunting. Hunting is part of the American culture and provides a great opportunity for adults to teach kids how to hunt and at the same time teach them about the tradition of fall hunting.
Mark Vrtiska, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Waterfowl Program Manager, says the blue-winged teal migration through Nebraska usually peaks in mid- September and green-winged teal are usually not far behind, peaking in late-September and early-October. If a large, unexpected cold front doesnt push the teal further south, there should be plenty of birds in the area to provide a good Youth Waterfowl Hunting Season, and Vrtiska says young hunters may also have a chance to add some local species such as wood ducks, mallards and Canada geese to their bag.
Hunters must be 15 years old or younger. Resident youth hunters do not need any state or federal permits or stamps, but those ages 12-15 are required to carry a Hunter Education certification card while hunting. Nonresident youths are required to have a 2004 Nebraska hunting permit, a 2004 Nebraska Habitat Stamp, and must also register with HIP. The season is open for ducks, mergansers, coots and geese. The bag limit is the same as during the regular waterfowl seasons. Youths who are 12 through 15 years must be accompanied by a person at least 18 years old. This adult need not be licensed to hunt. Youths younger than 12 years must be accompanied by a licensed hunter at least 19 years old. The accompanying adult may not hunt waterfowl during the Youth Waterfowl Hunting Season.
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