This year canvasback ducks may be harvested only from October 27 through December 2, except on the Moapa Valley portion of Overton Wildlife Management Area (WMA), where the season is November 3 through December 2. Other duck species may be harvested during a season that opened on Saturday, October 13 and closes Sunday, January 20, excluding Overton WMA, which runs from November 3 to January 20.

Besides the abbreviated hunting period, waterfowl hunters will be restricted to one canvasback per day and two in possession during the five-week season.

Norm Saake, NDOW staff biologist, said that there was a considerable amount of discussion this year about not permitting any harvest of canvasback ducks in the U.S. during the upcoming duck season. However, a compromise between the flyways and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has resulted in restrictive seasons for the species.

The USFWS places the current canvasback population at 580,000 birds. Even with the shortened season and low bag limits, this year's canvasback harvest is projected to be up to 120,000. Approximately 1,400 canvasbacks are harvested annually in Nevada.

"If we don't reduce our (canvasback) harvest, then you will probably see a closed season next year," Saake said.

Several factors are being cited for the canvasback's low population. These include severe drought in prairie Canada, the bird's specialized nesting requirements and relatively low reproductive rates.

Pintail ducks are facing similar problems to those that are impacting canvasbacks. While pintails will not have a shortened season, the harvest will be limited to one per day and two in possession.

Saake said many species of ducks that are popular with waterfowlers are found in far greater numbers. For instance, current continental breeding population estimates place scaup at 3.7 million, mallards at 8 million, gadwalls at 2.7 million and green-winged teal at 5.7 million.

Regulations brochures for the waterfowl seasons are available at NDOW offices and stores that sell hunting licenses. They can also be accessed at nevadadivisionof wildlife.org.