The two-day youth only waterfowl season takes place in the southern region of Iowa this weekend, a chance for kids to get acquainted with the sport while learning from more experienced hunters.

The season lasts from September 26-27 and is open only for residents 15 years old and younger who don’t need a hunting license, federal duck stamp, or a paid Iowa habitat or migratory game bird fee. However, they must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older that does have a hunting license and has paid the accompanying fees. Iowa Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer for Audubon, Greene, and Guthrie counties Jeremy King says unfortunately waterfowl seasons are not as popular as others in the region, so he encourages experienced hunters to pair up with interested youth this weekend, “It’s very difficult, anybody who hasn’t duck hunted, to try to identify ducks on the fly. And that’s actually a great time for kids and adults to hone their skills, looking at calls and body silhouettes to try to learn and identify those ducks prior to shooting them which you have to do with ducks.”

King reminds hunters that only youth may participate in the special hunt, and only ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots are legal species. All other regulations for the regular waterfowl seasons also apply during the youth hunt.