By MARK SKELTON
Mo. Dept. of Conservation
With the main portion of both the middle and south zone of our duck seasons in Butler County open, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Duck hunters should be conscious of duck identification before pulling the trigger. Hunters need to know what waterfowl species they are shooting at to make sure they stay within their daily limits and legal species.
Daily limits and a reference guide of waterfowl identification can both be found in this season's waterfowl pamphlet. This pamphlet also explains new changes for this season.
Shooting hours should also be observed because they are not the same as shooting hours for deer. Waterfowl shooting hours begin one-half hour before sunrise and end at sunset on private lands or where authorized.
When hunting Coon Island Conservation Area, it is important to be aware that no one can be on the area before 4 a.m. and shooting hours end at 1 p.m.
Although there is no draw to hunt Coon Island, hunters should be courteous to others in the area. Make sure to give other hunters enough room to hunt and everyone will have a more enjoyable day.
As always, wildlife must be kept separate and identifiable from other members of your party. When the day's hunt is completed, waterfowl must either be kept whole when transporting or have a fully-feathered wing attached to the breast. Good luck and stay safe to everyone hunting.