Minnesota Waterfowl Season Begins Saturday

(KNSI) — Thousands of duck and goose hunters will be on the water for the start of Minnesota’s waterfowl season on Saturday.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says waterfowl hunters must take precautions for bird flu when handling birds to minimize the virus’s risk. Avian influenza poses a low risk to people but can be spread by contact with sick birds and hunting equipment.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommends not handling or eating sick game, field dress and preparing birds outdoors or in a well-ventilated area; wear rubber or disposable latex gloves while handling and cleaning the game. After handling the birds, they say to wash your hands thoroughly with soap or disinfectant and clean knives, equipment, and surfaces that come in contact with waterfowl and don’t eat, drink, or smoke while handling animals.

The 2022 regulations are the same as last year.

For more information, click here.