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| Photo
by Jerome Leonard |
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Band-Tailed
Pigeons Populations Show Improvement
Don Kraege, WDFW Waterfowl Section Manager
Washington's
band-tail season was closed for over ten years from 1991-2001.
In 2002, the three-year average index of 3.01 for 1999-01
was above the reopening level in the management plan (the
1980-84 average of 2.17).
Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife reopened the season in 2002,
with season dates September 15-23 and bag/possession limit
of 2/4. Hunters were required to obtain a permit and submit
a mandatory harvest report to participate. A total of 522
permits were issued, and an estimated 187 permit holders hunted
during the season. Total harvest was estimated at 273 band-tails,
with 357 days hunted (0.76/day). In 2003, the three-year average
index of 2.78 for 2000-02 is above the threshold of 2.24 (1980-84
average), and a similar season will be probably be recommended.
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