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West Virginia’s waterfowl season begins September 1 with the opening of the early goose season, according to Bernie Dowler, Chief of the Division of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Section. An abundance of resident birds should provide hunters plenty of shooting opportunities and high success rates.
The 2000 September Canada goose season will be open statewide September 1 and continue through September 16. The bag limit is three Canada geese/day with a possession limit of 6. Shooting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise until sunset. All other general waterfowl hunting regulations including plugged guns and non-toxic shot will apply to the September season. No special permit is required but hunters must possess state and federal waterfowl stamps and a Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration card in addition to their hunting license.
Two toll free numbers are available that all waterfowl hunters should remember. 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 band and find out when and where the bird was banded. "The 800 number for reporting band recoveries and the HIP will result in better migratory game bird management on state and national levels," Dowler said. "The 1-800 number for reporting bands has increased band reporting rates providing better data on survival and movement. The HIP improves the accuracy of harvest estimates by providing a complete sample frame for conducting surveys."
Early season goose hunting can be very productive for hunters willing to devote extra effort to scouting. Geese are very mobile and feeding areas can change from day to day. Scouting the day before you plan to hunt and knowing when and where birds are feeding are common traits of successful early season goose hunters.
Grilled marinated goose breast is delicious and easy to prepare. Contact any Wildlife Resources Section office for a copy of the recipe.
Uploaded: 8/18/2000
Uploaded: 8/18/2000