For Release: August 15, 1997

Contact: Charles C. Allin 277-1267 or 789-0281

Stephanie Powell 277-2771 ext. 4418

PROVIDENCE - A public hearing on proposed waterfowl hunting seasons and bag limits will be held by the RI Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish and Wildlife on Wednesday, August 27. The 7 p.m. hearing will be held at the Reagan Conference Center, Howard Building Complex, Pontiac Avenue, Cranston.

The proposed seasons and bag limits are different from last year, and waterfowl hunters are advised to check the 1997-98 Waterfowl Abstract before venturing afield this season, says Michael L. Lapisky, DEM Deputy Chief of Wildlife Resources. Hunters in the Atlantic Flyway will be allowed to hunt 60 days with specific bag limits.

Rhode Island is one of five northeastern states that, out of concern for a decreased population of wintering scaup, is proposing more restrictive limits than the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for hunting that species. The federal agency sets the framework for state migratory bird hunting regulations.

There has been a 66 percent reduction in the wintering scaup population during the past 16 years, Lapisky says. During the '70s the average wintering scaup population in Narragansett Bay was nearly 24,000 birds. Since 1981 that average has declined drastically to 8,000 birds.

Rhode Island is proposing to continue the two resident Canada goose seasons, including 15 days in September, and an experimental late season beginning in mid-January. Special permits would be required for each season.

Because of the increase in Atlantic Brant this year, and because the mild spring weather in the Arctic led to good production, the state is proposing a 50-day brant season, split into two time frames to allow waterfowl hunters the best opportunity for hunting the Bay and coastal ponds.

In addition, a special youth duck hunting day for those 15 and younger is being proposed for one day outside the regular duck season.

After the hearing, comments will be reviewed and the proposed dates and limits will be forwarded to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service for final approval. Waterfowl Abstracts should be available before the end of September at DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife and at all vendors who sell duck stamps.

DUCKS, MERGANSERS, AND COOTS (three way split) 6 ducks/bag; 6 mergansers/bag; 15 coots/bag. Possession limits are twice the daily bag limit

• October 10 - October 14
• November 22 - November 30
• December 6 - January 20

• 4 mallards, of which no more than 2 may be hens
• 1 black duck
• 2 wood duck
• 2 pintail
• 2 redheads
• 1 canvasback
• 4 scoters
• 4 scaup
• 1 hooded merganser
• No harlequin ducks

RESIDENT CANADA GOOSE 5 birds/bag and 10 birds in possession

• September 11 - September 25 by special September Resident Goose Season Permit
• January 15 - February 15 by Special Late Experimental Resident Goose Season Permit and restricted to certain areas

BRANT (two-way split) 2 birds/bag and 4 birds in possession

• November 22 - November 30
• December 11 - January 20

SNOW GOOSE - 10 birds/bag and 30 birds in possession

• October 10 - January 20

Special Youth Duck Hunting Day with special restrictions

• October 25 OR November 1