Quick Answer
Mergansers are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and hunting them on federal refuges is subject to regulations. The US Fish and Wildlife Service sets specific rules for hunting mergansers on national wildlife refuges. Hunting permits and bag limits may apply.
Merganser Hunting Regulations
Merganser hunting is allowed on some national wildlife refuges, but the specific regulations vary by location. For example, in Alaska, mergansers are hunted under state regulations, but on national wildlife refuges, the US Fish and Wildlife Service sets its own rules. In some cases, hunting mergansers on federal refuges may require a special permit.
Merganser Hunting Techniques
When hunting mergansers, hunters often use decoys and calling to attract the birds. A common technique is to use a pair of female mergansers as decoys, as males are often attracted to them. Hunters may also use a variety of calls, including the merganser’s distinctive “kri-kri-kri” sound.
Federal Refuge Merganser Hunting Opportunities
Some national wildlife refuges offer merganser hunting opportunities during specific seasons. For example, the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska holds a limited-entry waterfowl lottery, which includes merganser hunting permits. Hunters must apply for the lottery in advance and meet specific requirements to be eligible.
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