By Capt. Tyler Strehlow
This article appeared in the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s May 2026 eNewsletter.
Waterfowl Season Roundup: Safe Overall, Citation Recap Holds Valuable Safety Reminders
Another season is in the books. With all hunting seasons, hunters see ups and downs in the amount of game we see, weather patterns, and our ability to get afield.
As with conservation law enforcement, we can also see the ups and downs. This past migratory bird season was much like the past waterfowl seasons. Our warden staff encountered numerous hunting violations in the field; some preparatory steps could easily be taken to ensure they don’t recur.
The areas where we observed the most enforcement action included:
- Hunt with a gun capable of holding more than three shells
- Hunt migratory birds during the closed season
- Take protected species
- Hunt without a state waterfowl stamp
- Use or possess toxic shot
Mistakes Provide Valuable Lessons
Looking at the most common violations during the year is a good opportunity to reflect on how we are doing as hunters. This reflection can also, and does, serve as a good reminder to make sure we are doing our best to be safe and to be good role models.
- Double-checking the firearms and ammunition of everyone in your hunting group, including yours, is worth the time to make it a habit. This will help reduce the use of toxic shot and firearms capable of holding more than three shells.
- Brushing up on bird identification throughout the year and waiting for birds to get into the 15- to 20-yard range will help ensure correct identification. This practice could also reduce the likelihood of harvesting a protected bird or a non-target species during the early teal season.
- Lastly, double-checking your license, stamps and approvals before the season not only helps fund the conservation of the birds we love to hunt, but also ensures you obtained the approvals that allow you to participate in the sport fully.
This past migratory season was a safe one overall. We did not have any waterfowl hunting-related incidents or any boating fatalities involving waterfowl hunters.
Kudos to all the hunters making safety a priority! I would encourage everyone always to keep safety at the forefront of our adventures. I know my hunting partners get sick of me yelling out “safety check” after a volley of shots. However, there are worse things to be known for in the duck blind.
Some of the most passionate and proud groups of hunters I get to work with are waterfowl hunters. I challenge all of us to continue being good stewards of the resources, and please make the effort to introduce a new person to this amazing sport.
Keep enjoying those sunrises! I’ll see you in the marsh.
Editor’s note: check out the recipe for Capt. Strelow’s Duck and Egg breakfast here.
