A flock of duck hunters gathered in the Bangor Civic Center Monday evening to gabble about the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s proposed regulations for Maine’s 1996 waterfowl hunting seasons. During the public hearing conducted by DIFW Commissioner Bucky Owen and bird group leader Pat Corr, the hunters drew beads on four proposals that would affect their shooting this fall: 1) a change in the boundary line dividing the North and South hunting zones, 2) a 10-day restriction on black duck shooting at the beginning of the season in each zone, 3) a daily limit of five ducks, 4) a special season on “resident” Canada geese.

Because the proposed boundary change was not dramatic, it was accepted without comment. The line begins on the Maine-New Brunswick border in Baileyville, where it extends west along Stoney Brook to Route 9 and then west along Route 9 to Route 15 in Bangor. Continuing west, the line follows Route 15 to I-95 in Bangor, then southwest along I-95 to Route 202 (Exit 30) in Augusta and from there southwest along Route 202 to Route 11 in Auburn. It then continues southwest along Route 11 to Route 110 in Newfield and from there west along Route 110 to the Maine-New Hampshire border.

Surprisingly, no magnum loads of opposition were fired at the proposed 10-day restriction on black duck shooting. The proposal, which would allow 40 days of black duck hunting in each zone, would provide the following black duck seasons: North Zone, Oct. 11-Nov. 19; South Zone, split season, Oct. 11-19 and Nov. 14-Dec. 14.

Because of myriad wetlands that are prime black duck breeding habitats, Maine is considered a “production state” for the struggling species. Referring to that, Corr explained the proposed 10-day restriction on black duck hunting was a conservation measure aimed at protecting the prized ducks from the high mortality associated with early season hunting. Corr also predicted that, in view of 50-day duck seasons, future additional restrictions on black duck hunting could be expected.

For the most part, however, waterfowl populations are making remarkable recoveries. Owing to improved habitat conditions on the Canadian prairies, teal production is at an all-time high. Maine hunters, therefore, can expect sporty shooting when flocks of the swift-winged fowl arrive on coastal and inland gunning grounds.

The DIFW’s proposal for a daily limit of five ducks is, of course, concordant with federal guidelines. But in a display of conservation awareness that was impressive, many of the hunters attending the hearing expressed opposition to the proposal and recommended a daily limit of four ducks. Obviously taken aback, Commissioner Owen quipped: “They could use guys like you in Louisiana.” And ain’t it the truth.

The proposal for a special Canada goose season – Sept. 9-25 – with a daily limit of three, possession limit six, was opposed by several Aroostook County hunters. Dave Dickinson of Ashland said social problems were sure to arise because the season would conflict with the potato harvest. He also reminded that oat and barley fields wouldn’t be cut when the season opened: “Farmers who gave me permission to hunt during regular goose seasons – after their crops were cut – said they wouldn’t allow anyone in their fields while the crops were standing.” That’s understandable.

Commissioner Owen agreed that the possibilities of social problems were real. “If the goose season is approved,” he said, “hunters will have to be extremely responsible and conscientous in asking for permission to hunt. If they don’t, they’ll undo all the progress that’s been made in sportsman-landowner relations – and that will reflect on all hunters and hunting in general.” Hunters also would have to be judicious in shooting on waters where vacationers might still be present. Therein lies the reason the proposed goose season was scheduled to open after Labor Day.

Pat Corr said he didn’t expect the special season – if approved – to be very productive. “If I thought it would be a threat to our local Canada goose populations, I wouldn’t have asked for it,” the biologist said. Because of recent low goose production in Canada’s Ungava region, Quebec, Labrador, and Maritime Provinces, an Atlantic Flyway Canada goose season was not offered under last year’s federal framework. That ruling is still in effect.

Other than the aforementioned, the proposed 1996 waterfowl regulations are:

Ducks: North Zone – Oct. 1-Nov. 19. South Zone – split season, Oct. 1-Oct. 19 and Nov. 14-Dec. 14. Remember, black duck seasons start Oct. 11.

Exceptions to the proposed five-duck daily limit, possession limit 10, are: Closed season for harlequin ducks. Daily limit one, possession limit two, for black ducks, canvasback, pintail, hen mallard, mottled ducks, and fulvous tree ducks. Daily limit two, possession limit four, for wood ducks and redhead ducks.

Mergansers and American coots: Season same as ducks. Daily limit 5, possession limit 10, with the following exceptions: hooded merganser, daily limit one, possession limit two. American coots: daily limit 15, possession limit 30.

Bonus seasons on teal and scaup were not offered under the federal framework.

Snow geese: Oct. 1-Jan 15. Daily limit five, posession limit 10.

Brant: Oct. 1-Nov. 19. Daily limit two, possession limit four.

Sea ducks (scoter, eider, old squaw): Oct. 4-Jan. 18. Daily limit seven, possession limit 14, with the following exceptions: scoter (“coot”), daily limit four, possession limit eight.

Woodcock: Oct. 1-Nov. 14. Daily limit three, possession limit six.

Daily shooting hours for all of the aforementioned species are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

Special falconry season: In addition to the regular migratory bird season on ducks, mergansers, and American coots: North Zone, Nov. 29-Jan. 15; South Zone, Jan. 4-March 1.

Daily bag and possession limits for all permitted migratory game birds shall not exceed three and six, respectively, singly or in the aggregate.

There you have it, Sport. Keep in mind these are proposals. After review by the Waterfowl Advisory Council, a final decision will be made on Aug. 29.