OUTDOOR CORNER: DON'T FOWL UP YOUR RESERVATIONS

Last week in this column we stated that we would discuss both teal season and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) waterfowl reservation system for the 2000 waterfowl season.

Judging by the number of phone calls, there are a number of questions about the call-in reservation system. We will try to answer some of those questions here.

All migratory bird seasons are subject to final approval by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), which sets frameworks within which states must conduct hunting seasons for migratory birds. The FWS extended the season for blue-winged, green-winged, and cinnamon teal from nine to 16 days in 1998. It allowed the same season length this year, and the Conservation Commission set the season for Sept. 9 through 24. Conservation Department waterfowl biologists note that without a significant change in drought conditions between now and Sept. 9, the 16-day teal season won't do hunters much good. Unless there is water in wetland areas, teal and other waterfowl won't linger in Missouri.

Shooting hours for teal are from sunrise to sunset. Bag limits are four teal in the aggregate daily and eight in possession.

Dates for the regular duck season are as follows: North Zone, Oct. 26 -- Dec. 24; Middle Zone, Nov. 2 -- Dec. 31; South Zone, Nov. 16 -- Jan. 14, 2001. Because of the time frame (Sept. 525) for reservation applications, we will discuss duck and goose regulations at a later date.

Here is how the new reservation system works:

• How is the new reservation system different from the old one?

This is the third year under the new system. In the old system 100 percent of the waterfowl hunting slots on the areas were allocated each day to reservation holders. Non-reservation holders could go to the areas for the morning drawing, and if drawn, could hunt in the place of reservation holders who did not show up. In the new system 50 percent of the available hunting slots will be allocated to reservation holders, and 50 percent to non-reservation holders who show up each morning. Reservation holders are guaranteed that they will get to hunt that morning, but not guaranteed first choice of place to hunt ahead of non-reservation holders, since everyone who will be hunting each morning will go through a drawing to determine who gets first choice of hunting spots.

* How will hunters apply for waterfowl reservations?

Hunters will apply by calling 1-800-829-2956 from Sept. 5-25. This number will only be for reservation areas or other hunting or permit information. (Hunters can get information about each area and wetland conditions by calling the nearest local MDC office to each wetland area).

By the end of July, each MDC office will have a list of the reservation areas and what hunters can expect to find at each, such as blinds, wade-in areas, boats, morning permit sales, etc.

* How many areas may hunters apply for and how many times may they apply?

Hunters may apply for only three of the 14 areas, and may not apply for the same area more than once.

Any hunter found to have violated these rules will not be included in the random drawing for reservations.

* Do hunters have a choice of dates to apply?

Hunters may choose the first available weekend, first available day of the week, first available day, or a specific date for which they would like to be drawn. This choice will apply to all areas chosen.

* Why do hunters only get one choice for specific dates?

We had several hunters call or write last year that said they needed a specific date because they had relatives coming in, or a son in the military that could only come home on a certain date. We could only modify the system to allow a single date choice. Any further choices would mean rewriting the complete system. The single date choice should provide an added opportunity without changing the system dramatically.

When the drawing occurs and if the person that submits a specific date is not drawn, they will be included in the second draw for first available date on the areas they requested.

* What do hunters need to have ready in order to apply? When hunters call, they must be ready with: Conservation ID#, three chosen hunting areas and preferred hunting choices.

* Where is the Conservation ID# found?

The Conservation ID# is at the top of any permit, and on the back of the Heritage Card underneath the bar code.

* How many people can one hunter apply for when calling?

Each hunter may apply for themselves and immediate household members only. They must have the Conservation ID#, the three chosen areas and preferred hunting days ready for each applicant. Remember that the person who is drawn for the reservation must be present on the morning of the hunt in order for the reservation to be valid.

* When will hunters be notified of success?

Applicants must call (800-829-2956) after Oct. 2 for the results of the drawing. Confirmation cards will not be sent out.

* What kind of permits do waterfowl hunters need?

Hunters 16 years and older need a Small Game Hunting Permit, a Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit and a federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (federal duck stamp).

Hunters 15 years and younger do not need any of these permits or stamps to hunt in the immediate presence of a licensed adult hunter, but are required to have a Conservation ID# in order to apply for reservations. These regulations/requirements are the same as in past years.

For details on specific waterfowl areas, or other questions, contact the MDC Southeast Regional Service Center at 290-5730.

Gene Myers is a Missouri Department of Conservation agent in Cape Girardeau County.