1) How was the opening week of the MN Waterfowl Season?

 Opening weekend was fair to good across the state.  Based on hunter bag checks, blue-winged teal, wood duck and mallard dominated the bag.  The number of ducks/hunter at various locations across the state on opening day in 2013 compared to 2012 was:  Thief Lake WMA (1.9 vs. 2.9), Tamarac NWR (2.0 vs. 2.0), Big Rice by Remer (1.9 vs. 1.5), Big White Oak (1.6 vs. 2.0), Mud Goose WMA (2.2 vs. 3.6), Roseau WMA (2.3 vs. 1.6), Canosia WMA (0.7 vs. 0.5), Lac qui Parle WMA (3.2 vs. 4.0), Carlos Avery WMA (1.4 vs. 1.3) and Swan Lake (1.6 vs. 2.9).

2) How does the migration look this week?

 Some migrants have moved into the state over the past week.  Expect many more to arrive with the weather over the next few days.   Hunting reports last weekend were fair.

3) The regulations state that the motorized decoy restriction runs through Oct 5.  Does that mean that you can use them starting Sunday Oct 6?

Yes, you can use them Oct. 6, but they are not allowed on state WMAs the entire season.  The spinning-wing restriction is in statute, which means the Legislature would have to change it.  Until then, they will remain restricted through the Sat. nearest Oct. 8.