While the Sept. 1 dove opener may mark the traditional start of the hunting season in Kansas, many avid waterfowlers look forward to the arrival of another early migratory bird — teal.

Both blue-winged and green-winged teal are arriving in the Sunflower State, and the season looks promising.

“I’d say the big factor for hunters this year is habitat,” Wildlife and Parks biologist Marvin Kraft said. “Overall numbers of ducks on the breeding grounds in the north may be down some from last year, but our chances for good hunting may be up because we have a lot more water in the state than we did last year.”

Many waterfowl marshes — both public and private — from the central portions of the state east are much-improved from last year and should accommodate these small, fast-flying ducks, as well as their larger cousins later in the fall.

Early teal season east of U.S. Highway 283 will start Thursday and run through Sept. 26. West of U.S. 283, the season will run from Thursday through Sept. 25.

Daily bag limit is four with a possession limit of eight.

Hunters who plan to hunt public waterfowl areas should phone the KDWP office nearest the area before going afield.