The Virginia duck season started Saturday, Nov. 17 and will run until Dec. 1. Some residents who live near local creeks and along the Potomac River have complained or expressed concern about hearing shots in the early morning during duck season.

Officer Randy Grauer with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries said these complaints are not uncommon, but he doesn't often issue violations during the season.

"They stick to the laws, and are very cautious about what they're doing," Grauer said of the hunters. "I understand that they're [residents] concerned and we receive noise complaints, but I usually walk the areas and they take it very seriously."

Grauer explained that when waterfowl hunting season starts, licensed hunters are allowed to start shooting 30 minutes before sunrise and they have to stop shooting before sunset.

"We're out there in the morning, and when people hear the shots, it sounds like it's right on top of them. If they look out their window, it seems like it's still dark out. But it's just light enough so they can see what they're shooting."

Grauer said safety-wise there shouldn't be any problems, but he can understand why residents are complaining about gun shots that wake them in the early morning hours.

For those planning to hunt, the rules and regulations and information about permits and licenses can be found on the website for Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.