––Early Seasons for Migratory Birds
For migratory bird hunters in the South, September brings with it the first opportunity to get back in the field. It has been a long break from the close of waterfowl season in late January and the opening day of the special Canada goose season on the first day of September. This special Canada goose season is followed closely by the special teal and the regular dove season.
Sloshing through sloughs breaking ice is the image that comes to most waterfowlers’ minds when they prepare for a migratory bird-hunting trip. Dripping sweat and batting mosquitoes are not considered ideal conditions under normal circumstances, but these are some of the challenges one may face during the hot and humid month of September. However, if you pass up these opportunities just because of the temperature, you are missing out on almost a month of hunting, with the next season being another two months off.
The special Canada goose season runs from September 1-15 with a generous bag limit of five geese. This season occurs well before the arrival of migratory geese and allows the pressure of the hunters to be focused on resident geese. Resident Canada geese reside year round in areas where in large numbers they are often considered a nuisance because of the damage they can cause. Early Canada goose season hunting is a tool used by wildlife managers to help manage populations of resident geese and at the same time provide another hunting opportunity for outdoorsmen.
September teal hunting is also a popular tradition for many Southern duck hunters. The sport requires minimal equipment to participate -- a shotgun, camouflage, decoys (there’s usually no need for a huge spread of decoys in the early season) and a can of good insect repellant.
As with all hunting, scouting can be the difference between a great hunt and frustration. If you’re off the line by even a hundred yards, you can literally sit there and watch teal fly by all morning. The flight paths in certain areas are good year after year, while others can be poor one year and with a slight change in water levels can be fantastic another. Teal flights are often early, short and sweet. If you find yourself watching but not shooting teal shortly after daybreak, it may be time for a quick move.
For those who prefer drier conditions, dove season opens in Alabama in early September or early October, depending on which dove zone you are hunting. Regardless, the temperature can still be hot and humid. Again, scouting is an important part of having a successful dove hunt. Also critical for success in the dove fields is adequate concealment, which includes good natural looking camouflage, as well as sufficient natural vegetation to break up the outline of the human form. Decoys are not required; however, several decoys placed near your stand can entice birds to fly by at close range. A bag limit of 15 ensures ample shooting for even the best shot. Just be sure to carry plenty of ammo.
These hunting opportunities in September are great times to gather up old friends, reach out to new friends and involve the kids in a few days of outdoor recreation. Many great memories result from the fellowship in the pit, blind or in the field. Only rarely do these memories include the number of birds taken. Get out and enjoy Alabama’s wildlife heritage this September.
If you have any questions, please contact Charles R. Sharp, Wildlife Biologist, 30571 Five Rivers Blvd. Spanish Fort, AL 36527 or call (251) 626-5474.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR visit www.outdooralabama.com.
