Wisconsin Ag Connection - Early Canada Goose, Dove Seasons Open September 1

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Early Canada Goose, Dove Seasons Open September 1
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 08/28/2007

Hunters anxious for the fall hunting seasons will have their first opportunities when the 2007 Wisconsin early Canada goose and mourning dove hunting seasons open September 1. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says the early Canada goose season runs through September 15, with a daily bag limit of five geese. It specifically targets local breeding giant Canada geese and is held before migratory geese begin to move into Wisconsin.

State DNR Ecologist Kent Van Horn says this has become a popular early hunting season and an important part of our resident Canada goose population management.

"Hunters should note that this season requires a special permit and $3 fee," Van Horn said. "The 2007 breeding population estimate for giant Canada geese nesting in Wisconsin was 125,195, which is down seven percent from 2006 but 64 percent above the 21-year long-term mean."

This is the eighth year Wisconsin has held an Early September Canada goose season, and more hunters are joining in on this hunt each year. Van Horn says hunters harvested an estimated 20,000 geese during the early season in 2006.

In addition to a Wisconsin hunting license, hunters must possess: an Early September Canada Goose Hunting Permit (available for $3 from DNR offices and license vendors through the season); a Federal Migratory Bird Stamp; a Wisconsin Waterfowl Stamp Privilege; and a valid hunter education certificate (if born on or after Jan. 1, 1973). Additionally, all migratory game bird hunters, including those participating in the early September season, must be registered with the Harvest Information Program (HIP) before they can hunt migratory game birds (ducks, geese, woodcock, coots, rails, snipe, and gallinule). Hunters can register for HIP free of charge at most license vendors. Hunters must also report each goose taken within 48 hours of the harvest by calling 1-800-99-GOOSE.

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