Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : August 11, 2005

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3380 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Bret Preston, Wildlife Resources Section (304) 558-2771 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

Canada Goose Season Opens September 1

  West Virginia 's 2005-06 waterfowl seasons will begin September 1 with the opening of the early Canada goose season, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Division of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Section.

  The 2005 September Canada goose season will be open statewide September 1 through September 17. The daily bag limit is five Canada geese and the possession limit is 10. Shooting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise until sunset. All other general waterfowl hunting regulations apply to the September season. Hunters must possess both state and federal waterfowl stamps and a free Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration card in addition to their regular hunting license.

  Canada goose populations remain high and production was good this year so plenty of birds should be available. “Even with large numbers of geese, hunting can be difficult,” Taylor advised. “ Canada geese are very intelligent and will quickly change their habits and feeding areas in response to hunting pressure or crop harvesting.” Successful hunters scout regularly, maintain good relations with numerous landowners and adjust their tactics regularly.

  Finally, waterfowl hunters are reminded of two important toll free numbers. Federal waterfowl stamps may be purchased with a credit card by calling 1-800-Stamp24 (782-6724). Hunters who harvest a banded bird may call 1-800-327-Band (2263) to report the bird and find out when and where it was banded.

**DNR**