Teal season arrives

By Staff
Special to The Star
September 17, 2004
Waterfowl hunters know that September brings the opening of hunting season, so moderating temperatures and flying ducks can't be far behind. Teal season is one of the first seasons to inaugurate the new hunting year. This year the season opens Sept. 18 and continues through Sept 26, according to the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.
This year's special nine-day teal season allows waterfowlers to hunt blue-winged and green-winged teal as they pass through on their annual migration to southern wintering grounds. Conservation officials remind hunters that the daily teal bag limit is four, and the possession limit is eight. A possession limit is not permitted on the opening day of any season.
Since teal are migratory birds, shotguns must be plugged and incapable of holding more than three shells. Only nontoxic shot is permitted for hunting teal. Lead shot has been illegal for hunting waterfowl in Mississippi since 1991. Hunters 16 years of age and older must have state and federal duck stamps with their hunting license and on their person before going to the marsh. In addition, migratory bird hunters must have a valid hunting license with HIP certification.
HIP stands for Harvest Information Program, a federal program that provides needed data to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
HIP certification is required of anyone who hunts doves, ducks, coot, geese, brant, swans, woodcock, rails, snipe, or gallinules. Participation in HIP is mandatory for migratory bird hunters, and it starts when you buy your hunting license. The information helps wildlife biologist manage America's large populations of migratory birds.
Shooting hours for teal are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset.