New Jersey 2013 Waterfowl Season Begins
The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife encourages waterfowl hunters to take advantage of great weather and plentiful birds during the Special September Canada Goose Season. Additional hunting methods are allowed during the season, including the use of electronic calls, unplugged shotguns, extended hunting hours, and liberal bag limits.
The season is designed to help curb the growth rate of resident population Canada geese which are overabundant throughout most of the United States. The September seasons targets these resident geese since migrant geese do not arrive in New Jersey until October. As a result, the September season has minimal impact on the migrant Canada goose population, while allowing for increased recreational hunting opportunities on expanding populations of resident Canada geese.
Hunters need to remember that the special regulations only apply to the September Canada Goose Season (September 2-30, 2013). Hunters that choose to use unplugged guns during the September Canada goose season are reminded to reinstall magazine plugs before pursuing other game species.
For information on waterfowl in New Jersey, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/waterfowl_info.htm on the division’s website; for regulation information, see the , available at license agents and online in PDF format at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/pdf/2013/13-14mig_booklet.pdf .
YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNTS
In 2013 there will be two Youth Waterfowl Hunt Days in each of the three hunting zones beginning in early October. These days are held outside of the regular waterfowl season during periods of higher waterfowl abundance to enhance the hunting experience for youths and their mentors. The days are open only to holders of valid youth hunting licenses 15 years old or younger accompanied by a non-shooting individual at least 21 years of age with a hunting license. Bag limits are found in the Migratory Bird Regulations booklet. For more information see http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/takekidhunting.htm on the division’s website.
