FRANKFORT, Ky. - The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission, at its quarterly meeting June 11, proposed to the General Assembly the 2010-2011 early migratory bird season dates.

The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission recommends all hunting, fishing and boating regulations for approval by the General Assembly and approves all expenditures by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. All recommendations must be approved by legislators before they become law.

The 2010 - 2011 Early Migratory Bird Seasons:
Mourning Dove:
Sept. 1 - Oct. 24, 2010; Nov. 25 - Dec. 3, 2010;
Jan. 1, 2011 - Jan. 7, 2011
Canada Goose:
Sept. 4 - 12, 2010
Wood Duck and Teal:
Sept. 15 - 19, 2010
American Woodcock:
Oct. 16 - Nov. 29, 2010
Virginia and Sora Rail, Common Moorhen and Purple Gallinule:
Sept. 1 - Nov. 9, 2010
Common Snipe:
Sept. 15 - Oct. 31, 2010; Nov. 25, 2010 - Jan. 23, 2011

Season lengths and bag limits remain the same as last year.
In other early migratory bird business, the commission proposed opening Swan Lake on Boatwright Wildlife Management Area (WMA) to wood duck and teal hunting. SwanLake is the only section of Boatwright WMA not open to wood duck or teal hunting. Hunters must use U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approved non-toxic shot at Swan Lake.
The commission also proposed extending the spring squirrel season dates. Under the proposal, the spring squirrel season would open on the third Saturday in May and close the third Friday in June. Previously, the season opened on the first Saturday in June.
The commission also recommended removing the restriction on shot size for hunters using shotguns to hunt furbearers such as coyotes. Previously, furbearer hunters could not use buckshot to take these species.
On shooting ranges on wildlife management areas, the commission barred certain weapons and ammunition from use. Users of shooting ranges on wildlife management area cannot use cannons, artillery or replicas of these weapons, mortars, grenades, incendiary bullets, explosive devices or explosive bullets. They cannot fire shotgun slugs larger than 10-gauge or modern firearm bullets with more than 500 grains of powder. They also may not use muzzleloader balls larger than .78 caliber, rifles that are not shoulder-mounted or pistols that are not hand-held. The commission proposed these changes to reduce damages to the shooting range caused by these weapons and for safety reasons.

The next Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting will be held at 8 a.m., Friday, August 13, at #1 Sportsman's Lane off U.S. 60 in Frankfort. Persons interested in addressing the commission must notify the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife commissioner's office in writing at least 30 days in advance to be considered for placement on the meeting agenda. People who are hearing impaired and plan to attend the meeting should contact Kentucky Fish and Wildlife at least 10 days in advance and the agency will provide a translator. To request to address the commission, write to KDFWR, Commissioner Jon Gassett, #1 Sportsman's Lane, Frankfort, Kentucky, 40601.

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The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources manages, regulates, enforces and promotes responsible use of all fish and wildlife species, their habitats, public wildlife areas and waterways for the benefit of those resources and for public enjoyment. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. For more information on Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, visit our Web site at fw.ky.gov.