Public Can Comment on North Carolina Waterfowl Seasons Online through Aug. 19

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is inviting the public to provide input on regular waterfowl hunting seasons through an online comment system on its website, www.ncwildlife.org.

Regular waterfowl seasons may begin in late September and include various seasons for ducks, Canada geese, snow geese, brant and tundra swans. The seasons do not include Sundays; there is no hunting of migratory game birds by any method on Sundays.

Beginning this week, citizens can comment on proposed dates for the seasons, by going to www.ncwildlife.org and clicking on “Regular Waterfowl Season Comments.” Comments on the proposed season dates will be accepted through Aug. 19.

Public input meetings were held across the state previously to receive comments on waterfowl seasons. However, attendance declined significantly from previous years and public input was minimal at most locations. As a cost-savings measure and to allow for an easier means for statewide comment, the Wildlife Commission developed an online method, which has been in use for several years.

The Commission’s website links to federal frameworks from which seasons may be selected, a map of North Carolina’s Canada goose hunt zones, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s “Status of Waterfowl” video. For more information on migratory game birds in North Carolina, click here.

For more information on hunting seasons and safety, Hunting Heritage Apprentice Permits and the Hunter Education Program, click here.