Refuge accepting reserved hunt cards for waterfowl season

Refuge accepting reserved hunt cards for waterfowl season

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is accepting cards for the Refuge's reserved waterfowl hunt days. Reservations are required for opening day, Tuesday, October 23, and the first two Saturdays, October 27 and November 3, of the New York State regular waterfowl season: these dates are tentative pending approval of the recommended waterfowl hunting season.

Hunters must include on a postcard or 3x5 card: name, address, telephone number and Waterfowl Identification Certificate number. Also list the three reserved days, in order of preference and then mail or hand carry it to: Iroquois NWR, 1101 Casey Road, Basom, New York 14013. Only one card per hunter. More than one entry will result in removal from the drawing. No faxes, phone applications or e-mails will be accepted. Cards must be received by close of business Monday, September 24. 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, hunting will be permitted on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays only. A permit is required each day. 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. 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.

All hunters must have a valid New York State hunting license, valid Duck Stamp, Waterfowl Identification Certification card and Harvest Information Program (HIP) number. Hunters are limited to no more than 20 shells per day, steel or approved non-toxic shot. Hunter must provide and use a minimum of six waterfowl decoys.

For information contact: Iroquois NWR, 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013 or call (585) 948-5445. Individuals with disabilities and any other person who may need special assistance to participate in this program should contact Thomas Roster, Refuge Manager at 585-948-5445 extension 202 or at the Federal Relay No. 1-800-877-8339.