Kansas adopts 9-day blue-winged teal season and adjusts Canada geese bag limits

Kansas waterfowl hunters will see significant changes in the upcoming season as the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) Commission approved a reduction in the blue-winged teal hunting season from 16 to 9 days due to a breeding index falling below the federal threshold. This marks the first reduction in the low plains season since 2006. The teal season will now run from September 13 to September 21 in the Low Plains section and from September 20 to September 28 in the High Plains unit.

In addition to the teal season adjustments, the commission recommended adopting a maximum daily bag limit of 6 teal, with a possession limit of three times the daily limit. The shooting hours will be set from half an hour before sunrise to sunset.

For the High Plains unit, a 96-day season is proposed, running from October 11 to January 4, with an additional late season from January 16 to January 25. The Late Zone will have a 74-day season from November 1 to January 4 and again from January 17 to January 25. The Southeast Zone will also see a 74-day season from November 8 to January 4 and January 10 to January 25.

The commission also discussed changes to goose hunting regulations, including an increase in the daily bag limit for dark geese from 6 to 8, aligning Kansas with other states in the Central Flyway. This decision comes despite concerns about increased hunting pressure on private lands, particularly from outfitters who may benefit from the higher limits.

Public comments during the meeting highlighted concerns about the potential negative impacts of increased bag limits on goose behavior and overall waterfowl populations. Some attendees argued that the increase could lead to geese becoming more nocturnal and less accessible to hunters, ultimately affecting the hunting experience.

The KDWP plans to hold special use waterfowl hunting days for youth, veterans, and active military personnel, aiming to enhance participation and improve the hunting experience. These special days will be scheduled two weeks in advance in the Low Plains Duck zones and one week prior in the High Plains unit.

The commission's decisions are crucial as they must be finalized by May 1 to comply with federal regulations. The discussions reflect a balance between hunter preferences and conservation efforts, with ongoing evaluations of population dynamics and hunting impacts shaping future regulations.