2004/5 Season Considerations ...

[Kevin Hall]

Guys,

I had a nice conversation with Diane Eggeman today ... and asked a few questions about the upcoming season. I would guess that most everyone already knows that we have been recommended to have a liberal (60 day) season - with 30 days for Pintails & Canvasbacks. As of right now, FWC is planning to have the 30 day seasons exactly the same as last year ... Pintails & Cans will be open the FIRST 30 days.

Now ... I voiced my comments about this arrangement last year, and the concerns were taken to FWC Staff ... but, not any further up the chain of command.

Personally, I think the season for Cans should be the LAST thirty days. Here's my main reason: Cans are later in migration. Granted, there always seem to be a few taken early in the season, BUT - the majority of our wintering population doesn't arrive until we have some very cold weather up north. The farther south that you reside (or hunt) in FL, the later the birds arrive. I know that last year FL had the season open early and Georgia had the season open late ... so, in essence, hunters in the Lake Seminole region could hunt Cans all season long. Am I the only one that sees a problem with this?

Here's the questions (& decisions that you have to make) ...

Is this a matter that the Board of Directors should take up immediately? The decision will have to be made fairly quickly - before the regulations are "set in stone".

If so, How would you arrange the limited, 30 day seasons?

[Converted]

I'd like to see them both at the end.

[novaalex]

Kevin these are not birds that we see in great numbers in S. Florida although two of my partners shot both of them last year. My problem with putting them at the end is all of the flock shooting rookies who hunt the first two weekends. They can't tell the difference between a coot and a duck. I know you guys are going to say that it is every hunters responsibility to adhere to the rules, educate others, and report violations. But that does not bring the bird back to life!

[DUCKWHACKER]

Saw a few pinners early, but the ones that deked came late. Only cans were seen 3 days after first 30 days were over. I vote for late season.

[N. Cook]

Kevin.....if you want to write a brief UW-F position letter to Diane, we can discuss at the ORL. meeting for board approval and mailing the next day. I would guess the vote will be for both seasons during the second period....write it up that way.....If the ORL meeting is too late in your opinion....post it and we will put it out to the board on the web for immediate response. Newton

[Kevin Hall]

Newton,

I'll see what I can do ... Although, the letter should probably be addressed to the FWC Commissioners.

;)

[Chester P Colet]

I want to know about Eiders. Wacker, did you see those Eiders in the start of the season or the end.

As for flock shooters. Alex is right, but are more Cans and Pinners going to be taken by flock shooters in the first 30 days? Or when more birds are here are the violators going to take more at the end of the season?

[DUCKWHACKER]

They were lost Chet. Yeah I know Canada geese don't come down here either. But try to tell that to the 4 who hung out in front of my work for several days this spring. When they make a mistake again I'll send ya a picture:D Oh yeah, that was during the first 30 days.

[Chester P Colet]

You sure you wern't mistaken on those Geese? Remember Geese have a black beak and Seagulls have a orange beak.

[DUCKWHACKER]

Yeah Chet I know the difference:rolleyes: The seagulls are the ones that taste like french fries right?

[Converted]

Any objection to moving this thread to the public side?

[Kevin Hall]

David,

Sort of .... I was trying to get the opinion of members.

Of course, you could copy the thread (reset the poll #'s) and post it to the public forum for "non-member" input. :)

[N. Cook]

Good idea.

[RutnNStrutn]

I virtually never see Cans. I figure if I was to see one, it would probably be towards the end of the season. Pins, I rarely see early, but the last two years, I have seen plenty of them after the season closed. Put 'em both at the end.
Yes, we should do our part to help the species, but I don't agree that the rest of the country should be able to shoot the pi$$ out of those birds, but by the time they make it to FLA, the season on them is closed. :rolleyes: