The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission’s decision to amend the 2025-2026 West Zone duck hunting season dates has stirred discontent among hunters, with some advocating for a later closing date. Hunters led by Jeff DeBlieux argue that the original proposal to extend the season through January 30 is justified, as recent aerial surveys indicate a significant increase in migrating ducks during that time, with populations rising from 510,000 in November to over 2 million by January.
In response to the amendments that cut 12 days from the season, DeBlieux and his group are preparing a comprehensive nine-page response to present their case. They assert that their data shows ducks remain in the north longer than in previous years and do not migrate south until later in the season. The ongoing debate is set against the backdrop of an upcoming virtual meeting where public comments on the proposed regulations will be accepted, further highlighting the importance of this issue for both seasoned hunters and the larger waterfowl community in Louisiana.
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