There is good news for those dealing with crop and property damage caused by flocks of resident - which many more appropriately refer to as "nuisance" - Canada geese.
This year a change in federal regulations allows Pennsylvania hunters to possess three times the daily bag limit during the early migratory bird seasons, which open Monday, Sept. 2, for Canada geese and doves. Previously, the possession limit was two daily bag limits.
Pennsylvania Game Commission waterfowl biologist Kevin Jacobs said that recent liberalizations in Canada goose hunting opportunities, along with control programs being implemented by many municipalities and public and private landowners, appear to be stabilizing the growth of the state's resident Canada goose population. This spring the state's resident Canada goose population was estimated at 279,212, which is statistically similar to the recent eight-year average of 265,905. However, populations remain significantly greater than the management goal of 150,000.
"Hunting remains the most effective and efficient way to manage resident Canada geese, provided hunters can gain access to geese in problem areas," Jacobs said. "Statewide the season for resident Canada geese will open Sept. 2 and continue through Wednesday, Sept. 25.
"This season retains a daily bag limit of eight Canada geese, but the possession limit has climbed to 24,'' he added. "Shooting hours during the September goose season are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, except for Sept. 14 and Sept. 21, when the season overlaps with youth waterfowl hunting days, and on those days, shooting hours end at sunset."
Youth waterfowl days are open to licensed junior hunters ages 12-15. To participate, a youngster must be accompanied by an adult, who may assist the youth in calling, duck identification and other aspects of the hunt. During those hunts, youth can take ducks, mergansers, coots and moorhens, and both youth and licensed adults can take Canada goose.
During youth waterfowl days, youth and adults have the same daily limit for Canada geese in the area being hunted. Bag limits for ducks, mergansers, coots and moorhens will be consistent with the limit for the regular season that will be announced later in August.
Hunters are encouraged to report leg-banded migratory game bird recoveries online at www.reportband.gov, or by using the toll-free number at 1-800-327-BAND. This information is crucial to the successful management of migratory game birds.
Dove hunting will continue through Saturday, Sept. 28, and daily hunting hours are from noon to sunset. This is the first of three dove seasons, with the second beginning Saturday, Oct. 26, through Saturday, Nov. 30. The third runs from Thursday, Dec. 26, through Wednesday, Jan. 1.
Hunting hours for the final two segments are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. In all three of the dove seasons the daily bag limit is 15 and the possession limit 45.
These regulations cover the Atlantic Flyway, but those traveling to other areas of the state should be aware of some of special regulations. Most of these areas are in western Pennsylvania and in the area of Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, Kleinfeltersville, State Game Lands 46 and portions of Berks, Lancaster and Lebanon counties.
Woodcock season retains its recent longer format this year, opening Saturday, Oct. 19, and continuing through Saturday, Nov. 30, with the daily bag limit three and a possession limit of nine. Common snipe season is also Oct. 19 through Nov. 30, with the daily bag limit eight and the possession limit is 24.
Migratory bird hunters are required to obtain and carry a Pennsylvania migratory game bird license in addition to their hunting license. Waterfowl hunters age 16 and older must also possess a federal migratory game bird and conservation (duck) stamp.
The "Pennsylvania 2013-14 Guide to Migratory Bird Hunting" brochure will be posted on the PGC website at www.pgc.state.pa.us later this month.