Youth hunting day for waterfowl set

Young hunters will get an early start on this year's waterfowl season.

The special youth hunting day will be Sept. 29. Shooting will start at 6:52 a.m.

All of Utah's state waterfowl management areas and federal refuges will be open to hunters 15 years of age and younger. To qualify for the hunt, young hunters must complete the state's hunter education course, have a current hunting license and be accompanied by an adult.

The general waterfowl hunt begins on Oct. 6. In Cache, Box Elder, Weber, Davis and Salt Lake counties, shooting will start at 8 a.m.

"The youth hunt is a great way to get young people excited about waterfowl hunting," said Tom Aldrich, migratory game bird coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. "A lot of ducks are always available that day, and the kids have the marsh all to themselves.

"And, since adults can't hunt that day, they can focus all of their attention on these young hunters. The youth day gives adults more time to teach the kids how to be good, safe and ethical hunters."

The DWR has learned a lot about the youth day through the years.

"Most of the adults who go into the marsh that day are experienced hunters. They've done a great job mentoring the kids and helping them identify ducks," Aldrich said.

"Also, many of these young hunters have hunted ducks for at least a year or two. Many of them are really good at identifying ducks on their own."

Crowding hasn't been an issue.

There's an additional advantage to starting the youth day a little sooner. By 8 a.m., most of the Canada geese have flown out of the hunting areas. Starting the day a little earlier should increase the chance these kids have of bagging a goose.

For more information, call the nearest DWR office or the main office at 901-538-4700.