SALEM, Ore.— New this year, a day of waterfowl hunting has been set aside just for Veterans and Active Military this Saturday, Feb, 6.

While duck hunting ended last weekend, Veterans and Active Military may take ducks (including mergansers), coots and geese at the established bag limits (see page 20 of Game Bird Regs) on Saturday.

All ODFW wildlife areas are open for this hunt, except those with seasonal closures to protect big game (so Elkhorn, Bridge Creek, Wenaha, P.W. Schneider, parts of White River and Ladd Marsh are closed to access). Additionally, regular season goose harvest restrictions/closures still apply at Sauvie Island, Fern Ridge, and E. E. Wilson wildlife areas.

Other public lands normally open to waterfowl hunting should also be open, but ODFW recommends checking with the land manager in advance to confirm.

Veterans (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code) and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training), are eligible to participate in this special hunt.

Valid proof of veterans or active duty status issued by the U.S. Department of Defense or Veteran’s Affairs is required along with all usual licenses and validations (2021 hunting license, 2020-21 waterfowl validation, 2020-21 federal duck stamp).

See page 25 of the Game Bird Regulations for details, http://www.eregulations.com/oregon/game-bird/