The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) has designated Saturday, Nov. 21 as one of the 2020-2021 hunting season’s special waterfowl hunting days for youths, veterans and active military personnel. The second of the two special waterfowl hunting days is scheduled for Feb. 6, 2021.
On those days, military personnel on active duty, veterans (as defined in section 101 of U.S. Code: Title 38) and youths under age 16 who are accompanied by a licensed adult hunter may hunt for waterfowl statewide, said WFF Migratory Gamebird Coordinator Seth Maddox. Regular waterfowl season shooting hours, bag limits, legal arms and ammunitions apply to the special days. Hunting area rules and regulations also apply.
The special waterfowl days were previously reserved for youth hunters only. Veterans and active duty military personnel can also hunt waterfowl on these special days outside of the regular season, thanks to the passage of the federal John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act.
To participate in the hunt, youths must be accompanied by a licensed adult supervisor, Maddox said.
Only one firearm will be allowed per youth and only the youth hunters will be permitted to use the firearm for hunting unless the adult meets the requirements of a veteran or active duty military personnel. The adult supervisor must remain within arm’s length of the youth at all times and may accompany up to two youth participants during the hunt. The adult is expected to review the rules of firearm safety and hunter ethics with each youth and ensure they are followed.
A youth is defined as 15 years and younger. Adult is defined as 21 years and older, or as the parent of the youth. The adult must have a state hunting license, state and federal waterfowl stamp and a free Harvest Information Program registration. Veterans and active duty military personnel must be in possession of a valid proof of service, such as a military ID, Veterans Administration ID, veteran ID, veteran validation on their driver’s license or a copy of their DD Form 214. Possession of the mandatory hunting licenses and stamps is also required.
For more information about the special waterfowl hunting days, contact Maddox at [email protected] or 334-353-2057, or visit www.outdooralabama.com/waterfowl (outdooralabama.com).
