Sept. 3 marks the beginning of the third year in the experimental teal hunting season in the state of Iowa. And, according to state waterfowl experts, several factors are in place this year for hunters to be successful. Orrin Jones, a state waterfowl biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), says there has been a good hatching of the blue wing teal. That, combined with a wet summer, should lead to a successful hunting season as long as the weather and migration patterns remain favorable. The DNR is asking hunters to note changed dates during this experimental season. Hunters have requested a gap between teal and the early regular season, so they are changing dates to see how the hunters and the ducks respond. The North and South hunting zones will be open from Sept. 3 through Sept. 11, and the Missouri River zone will be open from Sept. 3 through Sept. 18. Teal are the only species that may be harvested during the season, with a daily limit of six and a possession limit of 18. Nontoxic shot is required and guns must be restricted to hold no more than three shells.
