The Department of Natural Resources and Environment reminds waterfowl hunters that duck season opens in the North and Middle Zones on Saturday, Oct. 2.

The season in the North Zone (the Upper Peninsula) runs for 60 consecutive days, Oct 2 – Nov. 30. In the Middle Zone, the season is Oct. 2-Nov. 28 and Dec. 4-5.

Duck hunting opens Oct. 9 in the South Zone.

Daily bag limits are similar to last year. Hunters may take six ducks daily with no more than four mallards (only one hen), three wood ducks, two redheads, two scaup, two pintails, one black duck and one canvasback. Hunters may take an additional five mergansers (no more than two hooded mergansers). Possession limit is two days’ daily bag limit.

The outlook is promising, DNRE Wildlife Division officials note. The North American fall flight is predicted to be similar to last year and surveys show the Michigan mallard population is up 31 percent from last year.

Hunters are required to have small game and waterfowl licenses as well as a federal migratory waterfowl stamp.