ND Waterfowl Season Opens Saturday

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — In a year of fewer deer, grouse and pheasants, ducks and geese look to be the bright spot for North Dakota hunters this fall.

The state's waterfowl season opens Saturday for residents and Sept. 28 for out-of-state hunters.

Waterfowl biologist Mike Johnson with the state Game and Fish Department tells the Grand Forks Herald that North Dakota waterfowl hunters can expect this year to be among the top 20 in terms of hunting quality.

The outlook might be most favorable in the Devils Lake region, where officials say ample water conditions have led to excellent duck production. Biologist Mark Fisher with the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service says nesting success in the region was "pretty amazing."