Wood Duck (Photo provided)

Indiana Conservation Officers cited three Indiana men for the illegal taking of wood ducks during closed season on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014, on Knepper Marsh located on the Tri County Fish and Wildlife Area.

Ryan Stork, 25, of Goshen, Russell Brown II, 27 of South Bend, and Taylor Vervidh, 24, of Elkhart were each issued a summons for the offense.

Blue Winged Teal (Photo provided)

Indiana Conservation Officer Mark Richter reported that officers observed the three men shoot the wood ducks at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Saturday morning. Saturday morning began the early migratory waterfowl duck season for teal only. The season for wood ducks in the Tri County area begins on Oct. 18, 2014. Teal are a smaller duck weighing in at one pound or less. The two species which frequent Indiana are the blue winged teal and green winged teal.

The hunters failed to identify the wood ducks correctly before shooting them. Shooting hours for teal are sunrise to sunset to help aid hunters in identifying their target. Shooting hours in the later seasons are a half hour before sunrise to sunset. Officer Richter wants to remind waterfowl hunters that it is imperative you positively identify the bird you are shooting and if you are not sure, don’t shoot.

Green Winged Teal (Photo provided)

According to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service reports, there is a large migration of teal expected to pass through Indiana on their way to the southwestern United States and South America. The daily bag limit for teal during the early season which runs from Sept. 6 to Sept. 21, 2014 is six birds.

Waterfowl hunters are also required to hunt with a shotgun capable of holding no more than 3 shells, purchase waterfowl stamps and a hunting license, register with HIP (Harvest Information Program), and use only non toxic shot in their firearms. For a more comprehensive list of waterfowl hunting regulations please visit http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/2713.htm.

All suspects cited by the officers are innocent until and if proven guilty in a court of law. The charges filed against them are merely allegations at this time and should not be considered a reflection of their guilt.

Indiana Conservation Officers can be reached 24/7 by calling 1-812-237-9536 or you may report a violation by calling 1-800-TIP-IDNR. You may remain anonymous. Indiana Conservation Officers are dedicated to working with ethical sportsmen to preserve and protect our bountiful natural resources.