Waterfowlers, this is a reminder that the VDGIF will be holding it's public meeting on Monday, August 4 from 7-9 pm at their main office at 4010 West Broad St. in Richmond to discuss this year's waterfowl hunting regulations. VDGIF will present the preliminary U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Federal Frameworks for this year, discuss potential staff recommendations, and take public comments. The VDGIF Board will act on these regulations at their August 19th meeting, which will also be held at their main office on 4010 West Broad St. in Richmond, starting at 9 am. The public is welcome to attend the Board meeting and provide comments if desired.

There will likely be some changes this year.

The bad news:
- Canvasback breeding population numbers are down this year and the Canvasback Harvest Strategy calls for a closed season.
- Scaup continue to be a concern and the USFWS has recommended further harvest restrictions this year.
The good news:
- We will likely have the opportunity to increase the bag limit on wood ducks from 2/day to 3/day on an experimental basis for the next three years.

- The Brant season framework will likely increase from the 50 days/2-bird limit we had last year, to 60 days with a 3-bird daily limit this year.

- The framework for the regular Canada goose season West of I-95 will include an increase in bag limit from 2 to 3 geese per day for the November 15 - January 14 segment. However, there will be no change in the framework for the Canada goose hunting season East of I-95 (still at 45 days with a 2 goose daily limit).
Waterfowlers, if you can't attend the public meetings you can provide comments by phone, letter or email.