2002-09 MIGRATORY WATERFOWL MANAGEMENT

Migratory waterfowl winter in the southern states, especially along the Gulf coast.  In the spring they migrate along a number of well established flyways to northern continental areas where they breed and nurture the young for the journey back south in the fall.

Waterfowl are prized by sport hunters from the south to the north and without regulations to protect the birds, many species would be decimated or even become extinct.  Since the migratory flyways respect no political boundaries, a system of protective management, including hunting seasons has evolved, placing this authority in the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and four flyway councils.

Unfortunately, self-serving interests periodically challenge this management authority.   For example, political pressure is mounting to unilaterally extend the waterfowl season in six southern states.  This action would fracture system of management based on scientific and ecological facts and could endanger the future prospects of the species.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Minnesota Division of the Izaak Walton League in convention April 28, 2002, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota urges Interior Secretary Gail Norton resist political pressure to unilaterally extend a waterfowl hunting season in any section of the United States but rather support the management authority residing in the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the four flyway councils.

McCabe Chapter
MN Division of the IWLA