Goose Season Starts Friday Morning

LIVINGSTON COUNTY – Shotguns rang out across the county Friday morning, the opening morning of goose hunting season.

According to a press release from Basil Seggos, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the hunting season for Canada geese in all upstate hunting zones open Sept. 1 and run through Sept. 25.

“New York is home to more than 200,000 resident Canada geese, and the September seasons are designed to allow recreational hunters the most opportunity allowed by Federal hunting season frameworks to help the state reach our population goal of approximately 85,000 nesting birds,” said Seggos. “Each year, goose hunters from around the state harvest approximately 50,000 Canada geese during these special seasons.”

The DEC says that this year’s seasons include liberal bag limits, extended shooting hours, and other special regulations to maximize hunter success.

September hunting seasons are an important part of managing ‘resident’ Canada goose populations (i.e., geese that breed in New York and adjacent states).

Seggos included some basic hunter safety guidelines with his press release and reminded hunters to 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,” said Seggos. 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 disturbances of local residents whenever possible.”

Seggos suggests:

Contacting landowners adjacent to where you will be hunting well in advance of your hunt. Let them know when and where you will be hunting. They may be less concerned if you only plan to hunt a few days, or at certain times of the day.

Taking the time to explain to the landowner your intent to abide by the laws and regulations pertaining to waterfowl hunting, your familiarity with the locations of houses, and your desire to be safe.

Planning out your shooting directions and verifying that the spot you choose to hunt is safe and in compliance with the law. Keep in mind that shot pellets, especially when discharged at a high angle, can sometimes travel farther than 500 feet.

Identifying any concerns the landowner may have and discussing them before you go hunting.

Leaving your hunting location as clean as you found it, being sure to pick up your empty shell casings and other litter you may find.