By Brandon Butler | Dust off your blaze orange, fall is almost here. Camping becomes much more tolerable this
month, fishing really begins to pick up, and hunting seasons for dove, waterfowl, deer and more
open. September is a premiere month for outdoor enjoyment. With so much hunting and fishing
opportunity this month, you’re almost obligated to conduct a few cast and blasts.
Waterfowl hunters should look to take advantage of early seasons across the region. Indiana
offers many public doves fields at various fish and wildlife areas. Wade fishing a Missouri
Ozarks river for smallmouth on an warm summer evening is a great way to soak in the changing
of the seasons. The state’s Smallmouth Slam gives anglers motivation to get out there. Youth
Deer Season is a big deal in Kansas, and it happens this month. Don’t miss out on all September
has to offer. It’s some of the best fishing and hunting of the year.
Illinois – Early Canada geese
There are over 6-million Canada Geese on the planet. Many say that’s too many, especially in
nuisance areas like lake side parks, subdivisions, and golf courses. Additional Canada Geese
seasons have opened in many states, including Illinois. The state’s Early Canada Geese Season
runs from September 1 – 15. The limits are five daily with a possession limit of 15. The season is
open statewide. Rend Lake and Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area, which provides access
along the Illinois River are two top public hunting spots for geese. Demand for geese hunting
spots isn’t super high, though, so this is opportunity to obtain permission on private land. Ask
wherever you see a lot of geese.
Indiana – Doves
The September 1st dove opener marks the return of hunting season for many. The fast action of a
high-quality dove shoot will tune up even the rustiest wing shooter. Doves roost overnight and
head to water early. Position yourself between a wood line where they’re roosting and the nearest
water source, and you should have some shooting. Bring lots of shells. Even crack shots miss a
lot of doves. Hunting along fence rows next to grain fields is ideal. Three top public Fish and
Wildlife Areas with managed dove fields are Atterbury, Crosley, and Goose Pond. Doves are
great table fare. Wrap the breasts in a piece of bacon, soak in a little Worcestershire, salt and
pepper to taste, and grill to medium rare over charcoal.
Kansas – Youth Deer
Deer hunting is a big deal in Kansas. The only thing more exciting than punching your tag on a
big Kansas buck is watching a kid do the same. The Kansas Youth Deer Season runs September
5 – 13. Youth hunters under 17 must be under the immediate supervision of an adult 18 or older, and all participants in the hunt must be wearing blaze orange. Many landowners will open their
property to a youth hunter, so it is worth seeking permission on private land. For those sticking
with public ground, the southeast portion of the state has a number of public properties,
including 13,000 acres of quality deer habitat available at Mined Land Wildlife Area. With great
fishing, too, Mined Land is a perfect place to take a youth hunting, fishing, and camping in one
trip.
Minnesota – Trout Run Creek Trout
Some consider Trout Run Creek near St. Charles to be the premiere trout fishing destination in
Minnesota. It’s located in western Winona County and flows into the Middle Branch of the
Whitewater River. With easy access, Trout Run sees a lot of anglers, but it still produces
outstanding angling days. The Minnesota DNR reports that brown trout abundance is high, with
Estimates of around 100 brown trout greater than 12 inches per mile. Anglers can access Trout
Run Creek within the boundaries of Whitewater State Park.
Missouri – Smallmouth Slam
Missouri has incredible smallmouth bass fishing in the state’s southern rivers and streams. To celebrate the best bronzeback waters, MDC created the Missouri Smallmouth Slam. The actual slam recognizes anglers who
have caught a smallmouth bass in at least 6 of these 12 streams. Participants who choose to, can have their
successes listed on the MDC website. The 12 waters include in the slam are: Big Piney River, Big River,
Eleven Point River, Elk River, Gasconade River, Jacks Fork River, James River, Joachim Creek, Meramec
River (Mineral Fork, Osage Fork of the Gasconade River, and Tenmile Creek. Each of these waters has a
specific area that qualifies for the slam. Look them up on mdc.mo.gov
Wisconsin – Early Teal
Teal arrive out of nowhere and often buzz the decoys before you have time to raise your shotgun.
These fast-flying small ducks are duck hunter’s first opportunity of the season, and many of us
have a hard time shaking off the rust and filling our limit. No matter. Just being in the marsh
hunting ducks again is enough to stir the soul of any dedicated waterfowl hunter. In Wisconsin,
Early Teal Season runs Sept. 1 – 9. You may hunt blue-winged teal, green-winged teal and
cinnamon teal. The daily bag limit is six. Hunters must possess a small game license, federal
duck stamp, state duck stamp, and HIP registration. Sloughs along the Mississippi River in
southwest Wisconsin are legendary teal waters.
See you down the trail…
Pic: Dove hunting in early September is a gateway to another fall full of hunting seasons.
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