YES!!! The opener is set!!

[GullGuide]

They finally did something right.

Opener 05' will be.....

OCTOBER 1st!!

I would have screamed if they made it the 24th of September, but we made our voices heard and the DNR decided to go with public opinion!

I can't wait!!

[MattKeller]

Sweet.

Now all we need is another 60 day/6 duck and maybe raise the mallard limit up to 5...

[brittman]

October 1 based upon a 60 / 6 type season. If drought hits hard this spring - a 30 day season could occur. Opener could then shift to October 8?

[Mark Christianson]

Since when do they set seasons this early?

The hard dates are never published until August.

[GullGuide]

It is the hard date.

They set it early this year since they "wanted to give hunters and families a chance to plan their vacations" and because of public opinion.

They said it was unusual to set it this early but gave the reasons above as to why they did it. The season length and limits will be set in August.

[Rost]

That is nice! Lets just hope SD follows suit.

[FOOT]

GullGuide, where did you hear the season was sset and by whom, the State of Minnesota or the Federal Government ?

If you look at the Minnesota DNR HSOforum they list NO start date for the generall waterfowl seasons or bag limits.

I would be very surprised that the State would set an opener due to public opinion and so people could plan vacations.

[jlm]

If this is true, that is great for the southern half the state! However, us northern hunters more than likely will not like the ruling. Reasons are pretty obvious I guess. Oh well, that how it goes I suppose! Good luck all!

[hanson]

Its published on the back of the Sports section (Outdoors) in the Star Trib. today.

[Farley]

Foot-

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/news/releases/index.html?id=1110318077

It shows on the front page of their HSOforum.

I'll probably still be in my boxers underneath the waders on Oct 1st but I like that the season will end a week later.

[bigbucks]

Too Much Info!

[Farley]

I'll admit that it's not a pretty sight, but I just HAD to get those 5mm waders.

[GullGuide]

At least we know there will be at least SOMETHING on under those neoprenes!!...LOL

Bad, bad visuals...LOL

That is correct, it was in the strib today.

[brittman]

You are correct the hard date is never set until August and only after approval by the Feds. I would guess that the MN DNR PLANS to open the waterfowl season on Oct 1 and pass on the one week early date extension (IF OFFERED).

[GullGuide]

geeze...get technical now will ya

[Farley]

Quote:

---

At least we know there will be at least SOMETHING on under those neoprenes!!...LOL

---

you dont know that for sure! Watch out for a overweight hairy naked man commin at ya on opener. So where is everyone hunting this year?

That would one-up my buddy who showed up for opener last year decked out in blaze orange.

[FOOT]

Farley, thanks for the Info. I had looked at the DNR HSOforum but did not find anything but then again I went right to the Hunting page.

Thanks again. and boy am I surprised.

[Farley]

No Problem

[IceHawk]

The later the better in my opinion. I would also favor split seasons where you have a option to hunt early or later in the season.

[GullGuide]

I'm with you Ice!