It won’t be long. The first of the duck seasons almost is here.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Ducks Unlimited bring back the popular Nebraska Duck Slam, a challenge for duck hunters to take advantage of Nebraska’s duck hunting opportunities.

The Duck Slam challenges hunters to harvest a teal (blue-winged or green-winged) of either sex, as well as drakes of three other species: an American wigeon, a mallard and a northern pintail.

All ducks must be harvested in Nebraska and hunters must upload a photo of each harvest at OutdoorNebraska.org/DuckSlam.

Those who successfully complete the slam will receive an official certificate, a Duck Slam pin and Central Flyway bragging rights. Additionally, all hunters who complete the slam during the 2022-2023 season will be registered to win one of several prizes donated by Ducks Unlimited. A drawing for the grand prize, a Ducks Unlimited Special Edition Franchi Affinity Elite 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun, will take place next February.

The Duck Slam officially opens Sept. 3, the first day of early teal season, and runs through Jan. 25, 2023, when duck and coot season ends in zones two and three. Season dates vary by species and zones.

Hunters can find detailed season dates and a link to the Small Game and Waterfowl Guide at OutdoorNebraska.org/DuckSlam.

Hunters can view land open to public hunting in our Public Access Atlas at OutdoorNebraska.gov/PublicAccessAtlas.