Despite the various ebbs and flows of populations and other factors influencing waterfowl, duck hunters in general are a satisfied lot.
According to a survey released this month by the National Flyway Council and Wildlife Management Institute, most approved of the current season dates and bag limits.
The survey was taken from a random draw of names who participated in the nationwide 2003-04 Harvest Information Program (HIP) and reported shooting at least one duck.
Among the findings:
* Seventy-two percent said duck hunting was among their most important (58 percent) or their very most important (14 percent) recreation activities.
* Fifty-nine percent said the current season length was about right; 35 percent claimed too short.
* Sixty-five percent said they spent more than $250 each year on duck hunting; 20 percent spend more than $1,000.
* Seventy-two percent said they believe the current bag limit is satisfactory.
Drilling protest
Several conservation organizations have filed suit in U.S. District Court in Denver to compel the Bureau of Land Management to uphold a 2001 finding regarding the wilderness qualities of the South Shale Ridge near Grand Junction.
At that time, the federal agency published findings recommending the area be reconsidered for protection as a Wilderness Study Area. In an abrupt turnaround last November, BLM leased a vast majority of the area for oil and gas drilling.
The suit demands the agency honor its earlier commitment to protect the area’s natural environment and wildlife habitat.
