Waterfowl hunters intending to hunt on the Canyon Ferry WMA (CFWMA) near Townsend this fall are reminded that water levels in Pond 3 will be quite low due to a management-action water drawdown. As a result, the boat ramp on Pond 3 will not be usable.
 
Approximately two-thirds of the surface area of Pond 3 is currently dry, and water levels in Pond 3 will continue to drop through the fall.
 
In addition, water levels in the CFWMA’s other ponds may be below desired levels at least for the youth waterfowl opener this weekend and possibly the first part of the general waterfowl season because of this summer’s drought conditions.
 
Montana's two-day youth hunt Sept. 23-24 for waterfowl (ducks, geese, coots, mergansers) and ring-necked pheasants is open to:
·         legally licensed 12-15-year-olds who have completed hunter education and who are accompanied by a non-hunting adult at least 18 years of age,
·         properly certified and legally licensed apprentice hunters 10-15 years of age who are accompanied by a non-hunting adult "mentor" at least 21 years of age.
 
All regulations apply. The CFWMA is an exception—only to the youth waterfowl season shooting hours—they will be one-half hour before sunrise to noon.
 
Remember, all hunters must ask first to gain permission to hunt on private land. Montana's general waterfowl hunting season opens Sept. 30 for most species and Oct. 7 for pheasants.
 
For more information, visit FWP's website at fwp.mt.gov. Click "Hunting" then click "Youth Opportunities."