A New NYSDEC Press Release Has Been Issued: DEC Announces Changes to September Canada Goose Hunting Seasons

Hello,
The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation has issued the following press release:

DEC Announces Changes to September Canada Goose Hunting Seasons

Special Measures Adopted to Address Overabundant Goose Populations Statewide

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens today announced several significant changes to September Canada goose hunting seasons throughout the state. The season dates are similar to past years, but higher bag limits and other special measures will be allowed this year because local-nesting (a.k.a. "resident") Canada goose populations remain too high in many areas. The updated regulations are now posted on the DEC website.

"When DEC established the September goose hunting season in the early 1990s, New York's resident Canada goose population was estimated to be around 130,000 birds, but today we have more than 200,000 birds," Commissioner Martens said. "New York waterfowl hunters annually take more than 50,000 Canada geese during the September season, and we hope the changes adopted this year will enable hunters to take even more to help reduce the population."

DEC's management efforts are working toward a reduction in the population to eventually hit approximately 85,000 birds to alleviate the variety of problems they are causing in urban, suburban and rural areas.

Season Dates and Bag Limits

The opening and closing dates for the upcoming September Canada goose season are set for specific goose hunting areas, as follows:

• Lake Champlain: September 3 - September 25
• Central and Eastern Long Island: September 3 - September 30
• Western Long Island: closed
• The rest of New York State: September 1 - September 25

Each of these areas is outlined on the Canada Goose Seasons page. Western Long Island does not have a September season because federal regulations allow DEC to have a longer regular goose season later in fall and winter, when hunting opportunities are preferred by most waterfowl hunters in that area.

During most of the September goose hunting seasons, hunters are allowed to take up to 15 Canada geese per day. The previous limit was eight per day; however, as several other eastern states with overabundant resident geese have done, DEC has allowed the maximum number acceptable under federal regulations. Although few hunters will take a full daily limit, the opportunity to do so may be helpful in some chronic problem areas where hunting is allowed and hunters are particularly successful. The only exception is the Lake Champlain Zone, which will continue to have a daily limit of five Canada geese per day, consistent with adjoining areas in Vermont. Possession limits for waterfowl have also increased this year to three times the daily bag limit.

Special Regulations (New)

In addition to the higher bag limit, three other changes will be in effect during the September season in most areas: 1) shooting hours will be extended to one-half hour after sunset instead of the usual closing at sunset; 2) hunters will be allowed to use electronic calling devices to help entice geese within shooting range (typically 50 yards or less); and 3) hunters will be allowed to use shotguns capable of holding more than three shells at a time, but no more than seven. The only time and place where these three measures are not allowed are during September 21-22 in the Northeastern Waterfowl Hunting Zone. That is the Youth Waterfowl Hunt weekend in that area, when junior hunters may be afield hunting both ducks and geese. Federal regulations do not allow the special measures for Canada geese whenever any other waterfowl hunting seasons are open.

License Requirements

To participate in the September Canada goose hunting season, hunters must: 1) have a 2012-13 (last year's) hunting license, with small game hunting privileges, as these licenses remain valid through September 30, 2013; and 2) be registered for 2013-14 in New York's Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP). HIP registrations expire on June 30 annually, so all hunters must register now to hunt during September. To register in HIP, call toll-free 1-888-427-5447 (1-888-4 ASK HIP) or visit the New York's Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program website.

Hunters age 16 years or older must also have a new (2013-14) federal duck stamp to hunt during the September goose season. Federal duck stamps cost $15 and are available at most post offices and some sporting goods stores. They are also available by calling toll-free 1-800-852-4897 or you can visit the Duck Stamp website. Stamps must be signed across the face by the hunter before they become valid, but they do not have to be attached to the hunting license.

Hunting Safety

Commissioner Martens reminded hunters to follow simple safety guidelines and use good judgment when choosing a time and place to hunt. Being considerate of other people enjoying the outdoors or who live nearby can help avoid potential conflicts and ensure a safe and enjoyable season. As coastal areas become more populated, new landowners unfamiliar with the safety, ethics and traditions of waterfowl hunting sometimes respond by seeking to limit hunter access to popular waterfowl hunting areas. Hunters should be considerate and try to minimize disturbance of local residents whenever possible.

For More Information

New York's 2013-2014 Waterfowl Hunting Seasons and Regulations brochure, with all the waterfowl season dates and bag limits, will be available on the DEC website in late August, and a limited supply of paper copies will be distributed in September to all license-issuing agents and DEC regional offices.

For more information about waterfowl hunting in New York, including public hunting areas around the state, visit the DEC's website or contact any DEC wildlife office.