California's "Balance of the State Zone" waterfowl hunting season officially opened last Saturday, but due to the delayed rice harvest, most of the popular north state public refuge hunts will not get underway until tomorrow [Sat. Oct. 29].

For the lucky hunters who already have water, the season has definitely started off with a bang, reported local waterfowler Harry Boyle. "I can't recall a better opener", remarked Boyle. "It's been wall to wall birds every morning since the opener. A lot of clubs won't get their water for several weeks, but when they do, they'll do well.

"There are an amazing number of birds; it's beautiful to see and listen to. The sprig are not colored up well, but they will be in a few weeks. The whistling birds are already whistling. Everything bodes well for a great waterfowl season."

Plenty of anticipation has built up for the refuge hunts, according to Dave Ebright at Chico Sportsman's Den. "Everybody's excited and looking forward to finally being able to get out there", observed Ebright. "There are a lot of ducks in the area; it should be a very good hunt."

Ebright continued, "When purchasing a new license, hunters need to know that the old 'Declaration Form' is no longer valid; they must have a copy of their old license or hunter safety course. If your old license is from out-of-state, it cannot be more than two years old."