The Department of Natural Resources has announced significant changes to Minnesota duck hunting beginning this fall. The season will open earlier than in past years, the state will be split into two hunting zones, some bag limits have been increased, and earlier shooting will be allowed on opening day.
The changes are designed in large part to encourage harvest opportunities, thereby stemming the decline of duck hunters in the state, which has lost 40,000 waterfowlers in recent years -- more waterfowlers than most states ever had.
But is the DNR putting ducks -- particularly hen mallards and wood ducks -- at risk? The agency's biologists say no and, moreover, that the future of ducks depends on hunters staying in the sport, because they pay for most wetland conservation.
Below are descriptions of five of the biggest changes the DNR has made, with selected pros and cons. Take a look, then click on the polls to the right to say whether you agree or not. Also, as usual, readers can register comments about the changes.
Change 1: Shooting hours on opening day are being changed from 9 a.m. to a half-hour before sunrise.
Pros: Most other states allow shooting at the earlier time, and the change likely will increase duck harvest.
Cons: Crowding in the dark on public areas as hunters organize themselves could be complicated and perhaps dangerous. Identification of ducks in the half-light will be challenging.