West Virginia’s 2008-09 waterfowl seasons will begin statewide on September 1, 2008, with the opening of the early Canada goose season, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Division of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Section. The early season will end on September 20. Shooting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise until sunset. All other general waterfowl hunting regulations apply to the September season. Hunters must possess a federal waterfowl stamp and a free Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration card in addition to their regular hunting license. HIP registration is free and available from DNR offices and all hunting license outlets.
“There are huntable numbers of Canada geese throughout West Virginia,” Taylor said. “Canada geese are very mobile and will respond quickly to crop harvesting and hunting pressure, so hunters must scout regularly and adjust their tactics to be consistently successful.”
Most goose hunting is found on private lands, so it is important for hunters to maintain good relationships with landowners. Goose hunting is also available on some wildlife management areas and hunters should contact the appropriate district office for information about specific areas.
Waterfowl hunters are reminded of two important toll free numbers. Federal waterfowl stamps may be purchased with a credit card by calling 1-800-782-6724. Also, hunters who harvest a banded bird may call 1-800-327-2263 to report the bird and find out when and where it was banded. Banded birds may also be reported online at
Reporting Encounter of Marked Bird with a Metal Federal Band/Signaler un oiseau portant une bague métallique du gouvernement fédéral/Reporte del encuentro de un ave con anillo metálico del gobierno federal de los EE.UU. and select bird banding lab.
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