Recently, Ruby Lake NWR extended the hours that birders, hunters and anglers may go out on the refuge to pursue their interests from one hour before sunrise, to two hours before sunrise. Visitors must still be off the water within two hours after sunset.

With the opening of the Northeast Waterfowl Zone next Saturday, September 26, this is good news for waterfowl hunters. This will allow hunters more time to get out to set up decoys and blinds and be ready for legal shooting hours.

Hunters should be aware that while they can travel out on the marsh earlier than before, they can’t start hunting until a half hour before legal sunrise. Hunters are reminded that allowable species include ducks, dark geese, coots, common moorhens, and snipe. Migrant waterfowl have been arriving in small numbers throughout the past month and should provide for an exciting opener. Water levels on the South Marsh are very low this year and motorized boat access will be very difficult. Walk-in hunters and those with shallow draft boats such as kayaks will have better access.

Hunters and anglers can go to www.ndow.org to get more information on hunting and fishing regulations as well as tables for legal sunrise and sunset times.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. Find us on Facebook, Twitter or visit us at www.ndow.org.

The photo is courtesy of National Wildlife Refuge 2015 Photo Contest. Congratulations to runner up Sharon Lindsay for this fabulous photo of the Ruby Lake NWR.