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Show Duck opener depends on weather How waterfowl hunters fare on Oct. 3, the opening of the general waterfowl water-fowl season, will depend a great deal on the weather. At present, about 400,000 ducks are residing on Utah marshes. mar-shes. About 70 percent of these ducks are pintail and green-winged teal. "We're looking at an average opener, but this could change within a matter of days," says Tim Provan, Wildlife Resources waterfowl biologist. Storms from the north could push birds into the area or out of the area. "A successful hunt is often dependent on the weather," says Provan. For example, a miklion ducks on the marshes might or might not provide a very good opener depending on the conditions. However. with just the right weather conditions, a comparatively small flock could give hunters and excellent opening. Last year, 367,265 ducks were harvested in Utah during the season. There is ample water on all Wildlife Resources waterfowl management areas. However, Great Salt Lake has receded considerably. Bear River Bay is practically dry and no airboat launches are usable. There are very few ducks. Normally, Nor-mally, Bear River Bay will hold about 100,000 migrant ducks near the opening of the season. The goose population is excellent throughout the state. Many geese have been reported moving between marshes and fields in local areas. This year, the goose season has been extended eleven days to the end of December. - Possession limits on geese have also been increased. Goose populations have increased in-creased significantly over the past decade. Last year's harvest was 24,654, compared to 18,957 in 1972. Daily bag and possession limits of ducks will remain the same as in preceeding years. |