Prepare now for migratory bird hunting

Migratory bird hunters have ample opportunity to test their skills during the month of September with the opening of dove season, the early teal season and a special resident Canada Goose season. Those planning to take advantage of these opportunities need to take a little time to prepare and become familiar with the regulations.

Dove season opens September 1 and runs through October 31 and biologist are reporting good numbers of birds in the usual hotspots. Hunters are allowed 15 birds a day.

This year's early teal season will open September 9 and will run through September 24 statewide; except in the panhandle counties which runs from September 9 to September 17. The daily bag limit is four and may include bluewing, greenwing and cinnamon teal.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation are offering a special resident Canada Goose hunting season. This special season will take place September 9 to September 17. The daily bag limit will be three Canada Geese.

Possession limits for all species are twice the daily bag limit after the first day. Hunters planning to pursue dove, teal and geese will need: * A resident or non-resident hunting license for those 16 years of age or older.

* A completed Harvest Information Program Permit or HIP Permit which is part of the universal license form. Those hunters possessing a resident lifetime hunting license or a resident lifetime combination license may pick up a free HIP Permit where licenses are sold.

* A shotgun that is incapable of holding more than three shells and is no larger than 10 gauge in size.

* Federally approved non-toxic shot for those hunting teal or Canada Geese, or for those hunting dove on wetland development areas restricted to the use of non-toxic shot.

In addition, hunters who choose to take part in the early teal season or the special resident Canada Goose season need to have: * An Oklahoma Waterfowl Hunting Permit unless exempt.

* A federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp.

With just a little preparation, migratory bird hunters should enjoy a lot of excitement this September. For more information, hunters should check the Fall 2000-Spring 2001 Oklahoma Hunting Guide and Regulations. They will also want to pick up a copy of the 2000-2001 Oklahoma Waterfowl Hunting Guide and Regulations which will be available soon at license vendors across the state.