For the first time, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is inviting citizens to provide input on the early waterfowl and webless migratory game bird hunting seasons.

People can comment on proposed dates for the seasons, which begin prior to Oct. 1, by going to www.ncwildlife.org and clicking on "Submit Your Comments!" Comments will be accepted until the end of June.

"In the past, people could always write a letter or make a phone call to tell us what they thought of the options for the early seasons," said Joe Fuller, the Migratory Game Bird Coordinator for the Commission. "But there wasn't a formal way for people to give us input. This tool gives us that option, and allows people across the state to easily and quickly let us know what they think."

Each year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Provides frameworks from which to choose the seasons, and the Commission selects the actual dates within these guidelines.

Public-input meetings have traditionally been held to receive comments on the late waterfowl seasons,

However, before this year, there has been no formal way for the public to comment on the early seasons, which includes early seasons for waterfowl and for species such as mourning doves, woodcock, snipe and rail.

Public comments on proposed season dates will be accepted until June 30 at www.ncwildlife. org.

For more information on migratory game birds in North Carolina, visit www.ncwildlife. org/fs_index_04_hunting.htm.