South Zone closes out today

How much later? If "we" want to hunt to the end of the framework we may have to give up days like some of the Southern states did (50 instead of 60 days- is that still in effect?). That dog won't hunt, not in Indiana! They were killing ducks in AR last week and I heard from hunting buddy that they were killing ducks at Reelfoot a couple of weeks ago. More ducks were said to be there then in recent years. Also heard a DU fellow from No. IN thinks the ducks bypassed IN completely (Hmmm?). And it IS the weather as most years we are froze up unless there is a flood(s) or warmer weather as in recent years! Normally the water doesn't flood the fields like this. I will agree that the 9 day early season was a bit much, BUT you have to think about guys w/kids. I mean if you were 10 and had to sit in nasty arse weather I bet you wouldn't want to go duck hunting again and WE need these upcoming hunters. BTW I had a great season in NZ! There hasn't been too many ducks in the usual places around Marion, maybe they've changed their flight patterns?

Seems there are always plenty of ducks right after they go out, will be the same this year. Managed a few mallards and missed a diver. There were just not ever very many around. Goose hunting has picked up, probably going to slay em this weekend (and watch all the ducks).

Thank god for the 9 day early season

I think the date should be later on , of course, it does not matter with the people down here in the southern part of the south zone. The fact that season ends on a Thursday, that really stinks also, we should at least get to hunt untill Sunday, lets see here, instead of a 9 day early season, we could have a 6 day, and then finish the last part of the season on a weekend, when the birds are here!
But , the state people do not want to hear or do anything for the hunters down in southern part of the state. same on stuff every year.
Oh well, maybe some day we can get someone that will do what is in the best interest of the whole state, and not just from that magical line that divides the state and goes north.
Now, that is just my opinion, so no bashing, all we kill in that early season, is resident birds, and when you do not have several dnr areas to public hunt, then the birds get shot out fast.
Plus we do not get a late goose season. HMMMMMMMM!!!!!!
That is wacked out also. Sounds fishy to me.
Good day to all, and hope you all had a good season.
;D

I saw more birds today than I've seen all season, too bad it's over...

I think the zone need to be changed!!!! They should be like Illinois!!! They should have a north,central, and south zones.. Look at other states around us they are still duck hunting for another week or two.... I think they need to start thinking about the whole state not just the northern part of the state!!! And also the 9 day early season is no good!!!! We only kill the resident ducks and they get real smart real fast!!! If that's no good just put a split some where in the seasons frame work.. Look at Illinois central dates started last of Oct. till end of Dec. Then the south started in last of Nov. and end late Jan.. That's almost a month difference.. Why you ask because the state listened to what the hunters wanted. Indiana dnr needs to get there head out there butt and listen what the hunters want.. We are paying their salaries!!! And the only way we are going to get things changed is to write or contact your local state reps!!!

Uh you must not live anywhere close to me. I've been duck hunting for the last several years and we've yet to be froze out. No late season goose down here by me either.

For what it's worth I agree with featherduster. We have to take the good with the bad(weather). I do remember not to long ago when it was three and thirty. If your'e hardcore you just try to make the best out of what they give us. After all we do need to listen to the bio's. Season dates are based on long term scientific data. Just something to think about. Kevin

You can't please everyone and no matter what dates you set someone will not like it. If you don't like the dates, then don't hunt! The rest of us will just deal with it and go out and hunt instead of sitting on our computers and whining.

If the zones are changed then you will not have a split and you are locked into that forever. Don't like it? Don't hunt.

If you guys want to email Adam Phelps and tell him all of this you can but he will tell you that he has to appeal to the hunter survey data. The survey data from the most recent survey (2005) favored a 9 day early season and the next choice was a 14 day early season.

Personally, I do not care for 9 days early and I prefer 3. An easy solution for that is to hunt the 3-4 days that I want to hunt then quit.

Send an e-mail to aphelps@dnr.in.gov and he will tell you the same things.

I'm sure this will get deleted because it's not what everyone wants to hear.