flying-ducks

We are in the middle of the waterfowl hunting season in Iowa.

Greene County Conservation Director Dan Towers says people can hunt Canadian Goose and ducks in the northern zone, which is north of U.S. Highway 30, and includes Greene County’s  Goose Lake. The southern zone opens this Saturday, October 19th. The southern zone is south of Highway 30 and includes Dunbar Slough in the county. Towers says both areas in the county have traditionally been popular places to hunt.

“We’re really fortunate to have the wetlands that we do. Both Goose Lake and Dunbar Slough are big enough, they can handle a good number of hunters. Water levels are excellent, they’re at crest evaluation. So you’ll have no trouble motoring around in those places.”

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer for Greene County Jeremy King echoes Towers comments about current hunting conditions for waterfowl, especially after the cold front from this weekend.

“We’ve got a lot of birds already migrating south. I was down at Dunbar Slough and there are a lot of birds there. Goose Lake has a fair number of birds. There is a great opportunity to get out to the marsh, or if you want to chase Canada Geese, get permission for a private field. Typically corn fields are really good and try to get you a goose or two.”

King reminds hunters that during waterfowl seasons, no more than three shells are permitted in guns. Hunters must also have their hunting and habitat license, migratory game bird fee and a federal waterfowl stamp. He adds that all the fees and licenses go back to specific areas, such as purchasing more public hunting land. To purchase the correct license, contact the Greene County Recorder’s office at 515-386-5670.