Cooking Last Year’s Ducks During the Current Season

October 21, 2010

Question:Sometimes when out hunting ducks, we bring the barbecue to cook up a mallard or teal. If I bring out a cleaned bird from a previous hunt and cook it, is this okay? (Jim M., Brentwood)

Answer: The technical answer is yes, it is OK. Once the bird is taken home (or to a personal abode) the head and wing may be removed. The bird counts toward possession but not toward daily bag unless taken on the same day.

However, according to Department of Fish and Game Assistant Chief Mike Carion, if the bird appears to be fresh and in excess of daily bag for the day, it could lead to further investigation. If the person claims it had been frozen and thawed, a warden may seize it and have the lab check the blood cells to see if it had indeed been frozen.

If it is in excess of the possession limit, there are no excuses and the person would be subject to citation.