The waterfowl hunting season commences Saturday in the North Country.

Hunters can take ducks, coots, mergansers, and sea ducks from Oct. 1 to Oct. 10 and Oct. 22 to Dec. 10; snow geese from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 and Feb. 25 to April 15, and brant from Oct. 1 to Nov. 19, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

The Canada goose season in the North Country is Oct. 22 through Dec. 5 with a three-per-day limit.

This year's season selections were developed by a team of DEC biologists from around the state, with input from waterfowl hunters, including hunter task forces. DEC has looked to task forces to help select waterfowl hunting season dates for more than a decade.

Information about the upcoming waterfowl hunting seasons, including season dates throughout the state and updated regulations, is now available on the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28503.html.

DEC biologists say that most duck populations in New York are doing well this year due to excellent habitat conditions across the continent for waterfowl nesting and brood-rearing. However, breeding populations of eastern mallards and wood ducks - the two most commonly harvested ducks in New York – were lower this spring than in 2009, and Atlantic Flyway biologists are concerned about a long-term decline in eastern mallards that became more apparent in recent years. 60-day duck seasons were approved by federal and state authorities for another year, but this situation will be closely monitored in the future. Bag limits for all duck species will be the same as in 2010-11 and can be seen at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28888.html.

Resident Canada geese remain abundant in many areas of the state, and migratory populations that pass through New York were estimated to be higher last spring.

A special spring season for snow geese will continue for the fourth year in all of upstate New York. These birds have become so abundant that they are causing harm to wetland habitats throughout their range, DEC says. Special spring seasons have been established in many eastern states and provinces to increase hunter harvest and help reduce this population. The daily limit for snow geese is 25 per day.

Hunters 16 or older must have a 2011 federal duck stamp to hunt during the 2011-2012 seasons. Federal duck stamps cost $15 and are available at most post offices and some sporting goods stores.

All migratory game bird (waterfowl, woodcock, snipe, rails and gallinules) hunters, including junior hunters (age 12-15), must register with New York's Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) prior to hunting in any of the 2011-2012 seasons. To register in HIP, call toll-free (888) 427-5447 or visit www.NY-HIP.com.