Biologist Charlie Swank with Cheyenne Bottoms says the duck numbers could have been better this year. Last week, Swank estimated 7,000 ducks at the wetlands northeast of Great Bend with teals representing roughly half of them.

As teal season closed this past Sunday, bird hunters have duck season quickly approaching but are also getting prepared for quail and pheasant season. Swank is concerned with the recent studies done showing bird population estimates, but is confident in the quail numbers.

Charlie Swank Audio

Pheasant and quail regular season starts November 11 and runs through January 31 statewide. The bag limit for pheasant is four and eight for quail.

Duck season starts October 7 in the Low Plains Early Zone, which includes Cheyenne Bottoms. The Kansas Wetlands Education Center will hold their Hunter Appreciation Breakfast on the that day from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The free breakfast is open to anyone.