Statewide Goose Season Begins Saturday - Good Habitat Conditions and Strong Migration Predicted
by Lowell Washburn

DES MOINES - The second segment of this year's statewide goose season begins Saturday, Sep. 30. According to DNR waterfowl biologist, Guy Zenner, hunters can anticipate a long season, will encounter very good numbers of giant Canada geese, a better than average fall flight of arctic nesting Canada geese [including Richardson's Canadas] and above average numbers of lesser snow geese.

"This year's goose migration is already underway and things are looking very favorable for Iowa hunters," said Zenner. "During the past several days we've received a very nice influx of birds into the state as fast moving cold fronts pushed geese southward. On Wednesday [Sep. 20] wildlife biologists began receiving reports of Richardson's Canada geese [commonly referred to as Hutchinson's geese] arriving in northern Iowa. Richardson's Canadas nest in the arctic, so we know those birds were migrants. On Sunday [Sep. 24] another strong migration of larger Canada geese also arrived from the north."

This year's habitat conditions should prove very favorable for attracting and holding geese, says Zenner. The same persistent lack of rainfall, low wetland water levels, and expanses of mud flats that have plagued ducks and duck hunters this fall, will actually be of benefit to migrating geese.

"Geese love to loaf on shallow water and open mud flat areas. If current conditions persist, these habitats will become goose magnets as new birds continue to arrive in Iowa," said Zenner.

"This year's corn and soybean harvest is just beginning and it doesn't look like many fields will be out by Saturday's opener. Hunters will need to keep on top of the crop harvest and then capitalize on those early fields," said Zenner. "Migrating geese are hungry and looking. Once a field is picked, it doesn't take long to find the food."