Applications being accepted for 2004 waterfowl season

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is accepting cards for the reserved waterfowl hunt days on the refuge. Reservations are required for opening day - tentatively Saturday, October 23 - and Saturday, October 30 of the state's regular waterfowl season. The dates are pending approval of the recommended waterfowl hunting season.

On a postcard, applicants must include name, address, telephone number and Waterfowl ID Certificate number. Applicants should also list the two reserved days, in order of preference and then mail or deliver it to: Iroquois NWR, 1101 Casey Road, Basom, New York 14013. Only one card will be accepted per applicant. More than one entry will result in removal from the drawing. No faxes, phone applications or e-mails will be accepted. Applications must be received before 10 a.m. Monday, September 13 when the random drawing will be held. Those selected will be notified by mail. The number of permits issued will be dependent on water levels in the hunt area. Reservations are non-transferable.

Those selected must be at the Waterfowl Check Station, located on Route 77, before 5 a.m. on their appointed day to select their hunt stand and obtain their permit.

For the remainder of the refuge season, which ends Saturday, November 20, hunting will be permitted on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays only, by permit. To get a permit, hunters must be at the Waterfowl Check Station, located on Route 77, by 5 a.m. to participate in a daily drawing. Permit fees are $10 on Saturdays and $5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Up to three hunters may share a permit and hunt stand. All hunters must have a valid NY State hunting license, valid Duck Stamp, Waterfowl Identification Certification card and Harvest Information Program (HIP) number. The refuge is closed to waterfowl hunting on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with the exception of the youth-only hunt day on Sunday, October 24.

Waterfowl hunting on Iroquois NWR is from legal start time until noon. All hunters must turn in their completed harvest report and present any harvested birds at the check station no later than 1 p.m.

Hunters are limited to no more than 20 shells per day, steel or approved non-toxic shot. Decoys reduce the chance of crippled birds, therefore, hunters must provide and use a minimum of six waterfowl decoys. The refuge will be closed to waterfowl hunting during the second split. The refuge will be closed to waterfowl hunting during the State's Youth Waterfowl Hunt Days, which are scheduled for October 9 and 10. Also, Iroquois NWR will be closed to hunting during the September goose season.

For information contact the Refuge at 1101 Casey Road, Basom or call 585-948-5445.