Now that California has taken advantage of the ability to end duck season on Jan. 31 instead of on the last Sunday of January, hunters need to be aware of key dates, and the fact that duck and goose seasons do not end on the same day in the Balance of State Zone. Here is the round-up of key dates by zone:

Northeastern

• Canada goose season ends Sunday, Jan. 12 and all other seasons end Jan. 17.
• Spring white- and white-fronted goose season runs from Feb. 7 to March 10, except in the Klamath Basin Special Management Area.
• There is no post-season Youth Hunt Weekend because that event is held before seasons begin, not after they end.

Balance of State

• General goose season ends Sunday, Jan. 26, and duck seasons are open through Friday, Jan. 31.
• Spring white- and white-fronted goose season runs Feb. 8-12.
• Youth Hunt Weekend for hunters 17 and younger is Feb. 8-9.

Southern San Joaquin Valley and Southern California

• Duck and goose seasons end Friday, Jan. 31.
• Spring white goose season runs Feb. 8-26 in the Imperial County Special Management Area.
• Youth Hunt Weekend for hunters 17 and younger is Feb. 8-9.

Colorado River (our regulations must match Arizona's regulations across the river)

• Duck and goose seasons end Sunday, Jan. 26.
• Youth Hunt Weekend for hunters 17 and younger is Feb. 1-2.

State-run Type A and B wildlife areas and national wildlife refuges in zones where hunting goes through Jan. 31 will be open on Wednesday January 29. Most wildlife areas are open on youth hunt weekend; call ahead to ensure you don't wind up at a locked gate at 0-dark-30 with a disappointed youth hunter.