BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Duck season opening weekend is coming up and if you plan on going hunting, you may need a special permit.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced Tuesday special permits will be issued for the opening weekend of duck season to hunt waterfowl at two popular state-managed locations.
The permit requirement applies to waterfowl hunting at the Oak Orchard and Tonawanda Wildlife Management Areas located primarily in Genesee and Niagara counties.
These special permits are being used to promote hunter safety and increase the quality of hunting on days when the areas receive the greatest use.
Permits are only required on the duck season's first Saturday and Sunday, October 19-20.
Opening weekend permits will be distributed by a random lottery. To apply, hunters must send in a postcard with their name, address and their first three choices in order of preference, clearly indicated. Hunters must choose from four options: Oak Orchard first Saturday; Oak Orchard first Sunday; Tonawanda first Saturday; and Tonawanda first Sunday. Phone numbers and email addresses are optional on the postcard, but if a phone number and/or an email address is available, applicants can be contacted if there is an issue with their card.
Applicants must also have completed a Waterfowl Identification Course, and their course certificate number must be indicated on the postcard. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 15, 2019 and must be mailed to:
New York State Bureau of Wildlife
1101 Casey Road, Box B
Basom, New York 14013
