Friday, Oct. 3, 2003 | 10:21 a.m.
In higher elevations, magnificent fall colors of yellow, red and orange will dot the hillsides with a brilliant glow. As time passes, the fallen leaves will float gently by in nearby springs making way for fresh-fallen snow.
Autumn colors set the stage for a variety of fall hunting seasons.
Despite the summer-like weather that continues to blanket the valley, waterfowl hunting season is fast approaching. With anticipation, waterfowlers continue to practice a variety of calls using a duck call. With practice, hunters should be able to make distinctive sounds that actually imitate a duck or goose in the wild -- a sound, often heard echoing off of water.
"During 2003, improved waterfowl production on the prairies of Canada will result in a larger fall flight in the Pacific Flyway," said Eric Keszler, director of communications for Ducks Unlimited. "Waterfowl production appears to have increased significantly across much of Alberta. In Alaska and the Yukon territories, breeding duck numbers increased 15 percent and were 66 percent above the long-term average.
"In the western United States, increased precipitation improved habitat conditions for breeding waterfowl in parts of Washington and Oregon, but much of the Intermountain West remains gripped by severe drought. In California, breeding duck numbers were 36 percent above last year's estimate."
For more information on Ducks Unlimited click on the internet at www.ducks.org
Duck-hunting seasons will start on Oct. 11 in Nevada with the exception of the Moapa Valley portion of the Overton Wildlife Management Area in Clark County.
If the unique honking sound from a flock of geese makes your adrenaline flow, you probably already know that the excitement of goose hunting season will begin on Oct. 18 in all areas except the Moapa Valley portion of Overton Wildlife Management Area. The goose season closes on Jan. 25, except for the Washoe Valley area in Washoe County, where hunting closes on Jan. 4.
Local waterfowlers who want to hunt ducks or geese in the Moapa Valley portion of the Overton Wildlife Management area in Clark County will need to wait until Nov. 1.
Nevada Division of Wildlife reported that wildlife commissioners approved a one-day hunting closure for ducks, mergansers, coots, gallinules, moorhens and snipe -- Oct. 16, to conform the hunting framework that has been established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
There is a daily limit of seven ducks, and a possession limit of 14. However, there are very restrictive season dates and bag limits for canvasback and pintail ducks. Pintails may only be harvested from Oct. 11 through Oct. 15 and from Dec. 2 to Jan. 25. Canvasback hunting will be permitted from Oct. 11 through Dec. 10, except Oct. 16 when the entire state is closed to duck hunting.
Waterfowlers need both state and federal 2003 waterfowl hunting stamps attached to their hunting licenses, shotguns must be plugged to have a capacity of no more than three shells and non-toxic shot is required when hunting waterfowl anywhere in the state and hunters need to write their Harvest Information Program numbers on hunting licenses. HIP numbers can be obtained by calling (800) WET-LAND.
For complete information on waterfowl season, regulations, dates and bag limits click on the internet at www.ndow.org.
Speaking of seasons, wouldn't a duck or goose add an extra flavor to your holiday feast?
The festival will be full of events, activities and demonstrations 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11. Cost is $5 per vehicle. For information call the Red Rock Canyon Visitors Center at 515-5350.
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