Waterfowl hunters in Montana are reminded that most duck and goose seasons will close for four days in January, and then reopen.

The duck and goose hunting seasons in the Pacific Flyway in western Montana will close for four days, Monday through Thursday, Jan. 6-9 and reopen Jan. 10-14.

The goose season in the Central Flyway in eastern Montana will similarly close for four days – Monday through Thursday, Jan. 6-9, and reopen Jan. 10-14. Duck season closes Jan. 2 in the Central Flyway, with no split season.

Jim Hansen, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Central Flyway migratory bird coordinator in Billings, said that states must select their hunting season dates within the federal framework set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. However, some hunters asked the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission to leave the season open for one additional weekend. To meet that request, the commission agreed to a split season, closing Pacific Flyway ducks and geese and Central Flyway geese for four days early in the week, then reopening it to extend over the weekend.

Hunters are reminded that Montana’s migratory bird hunting hours end at sunset each day, unlike the big-game regulations that allow hunting until half an hour after sunset.

Maps, time tables and all waterfowl and migratory bird hunting regulations are available at FWP offices or license dealers.

(Report by Montana FWP; Cover photo: basspro.com)