Why Early Season Spinning Blade Ban?

October 29, 2009

Question: Why is there a Dec. 1 restriction on the use of spinning wing decoys for waterfowl? (Jack S.)

Answer: Studies have shown the spinning wing decoys are highly effective for attracting waterfowl (especially the young, inexperienced birds) into gun range. Early duck seasons most heavily impact locally produced ducks, and the Dec. 1 “start date” gives the migrant ducks from the north time to arrive and mingle with the local ducks before the decoys go into use. When more ducks are clustered together in the area, the hunting pressure on the locally produced ducks is reduced.