Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on Draft 2021–2022 Migratory Game Bird Regulations. Although many of the regulations are similar to recent seasons, the department is providing two options for waterfowl seasons based on responses from a Montana waterfowl hunter survey conduct in fall 2020.
One option is a waterfowl season without any splits (Option A) and the second option is the existing season structure with some splits, allowing for early and late season hunting opportunities and, in some cases, an additional weekend (Option B).
Here is a breakdown of the season structure options:
Option A – Season Structure with No Splits
- Pacific Flyway (PF) – Ducks, coots, and geese: Oct. 2–Jan. 14 (no split).
- Central Flyway (CF) – Ducks and coots – Zone 1 – Oct. 2–Jan. 6; Zone 2 – Oct. 2–Jan. 6 (no split).
- Central Flyway – Geese – Zone 1 – Oct. 2–Jan. 14 (no split season); Zone 2 – Oct. 2–Jan. 14 (no split season).
Option B – Existing (2020–2021) Season Structure
- Pacific Flyway (PF) – Ducks, coots, and geese: Oct. 2–Jan. 9 and Jan. 15–19 (closed five days, Jan. 10–14) (except scaup season closing Dec. 26)
- Central Flyway (CF) – Ducks and coots: Zone 1 – Oct. 2–Jan. 6; Zone 2 – Oct. 2–10 and Oct. 23–Jan. 18 (closed 12 days, Oct. 11–22).
- Central Flyway – Geese – Zone 1 – Oct. 2–Jan. 9 and Jan. 15–19 (closed five days, Jan. 10–14); Zone 2 – Oct. 2–10 and Oct. 23–Jan. 26 (closed 12 days, Oct. 11–22).
The following changes are also proposed:
Season Recommendations for 2021–2022 Regardless of Selected Option