NW Oregon and SW Washington have a complex history of goose management. Currently
seven subspecies
of Canada geese winter in this region, some populations with depressed numbers and others that are very abundant.
How many subspecies of Canada geese are there?
At least 11 subspecies
of Canada Goose have been recognized, although only a couple are distinctive. In general, the geese get smaller as you move northward, and darker as you go westward. The four smallest forms are now considered a different species: the Cackling Goose.
What Canada goose subspecies has experienced a shift in wintering distribution from California to Oregon and Washington?
The Aleutian Canada goose
nests on a few islands in the Aleutian Chain of Alaska and winters primarily in California. Small populations also winter and migrate along the Oregon and Washington coasts, but this subspecies is rarely encountered in the special goose hunt areas.
What goose is winter in Oregon?
Emperor Geese
normally spend the winter in the Aleutian Islands, but a few make it to Oregon in winter, causing quite a stir in the birding community. The Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex was established in the 1960s to protect habitat for the rare Dusky Canada Goose.
How can you tell a Canada goose Dusky?
The dusky Canada goose (Branta canadensis occidentalis) is a subspecies of the Canada goose. They are the darkest variant, similar to the Pacific cackling goose. Tagged dusky geese have red
bands
with white letters on them attached to their neck.
Are Canadian geese protected in Washington state?
Legal Status. Canada geese
are protected under federal and state law
and a hunting license and open season are required to hunt them.
Can you hunt Canada geese in Oregon?
With both resident and migratory populations, there are ample numbers of Canada geese in Oregon. … Techniques: Canada geese can be
hunted
like other waterfowl. From jump shooting to calling birds into a decoy spread, Canada goose hunting can be productive.
Is it illegal to feed ducks in Oregon?
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife issued a fine, feathered plea on Thursday:
Please don't feed ducks and geese
. When too many ducks or geese gather in parks, on golf courses or lakes, they can foul the water, leading to trouble for birds and humans. …
Are geese native to Oregon?
Canada geese
, brant, snow geese, Ross' geese, white-fronted geese. There are eleven subspecies of Canada geese, of which seven are found in Oregon. These include the dusky, Taverner's, lesser, cackling, Vancouver, Western, and occasionally, the Aleutian. Geese are slower to mature than are the smaller ducks.
How can you tell the difference between a snow swan and a goose?
A snow goose can be told
apart from all swan species because of its wings
. Swans have all white wings with long, slender necks, while a snow goose has black primary feathers and a short neck.
Is a dusky goose bigger than a Vancouver?
The dusky is
larger than the cackler
, Aleutian, Taverner's and lesser; and smaller than the Vancouver and western.
How big is a dusky goose?
The dusky Canada goose (Branta canadensis occidentalis Baird) is a distinctive race of
medium-size geese (about 3 kg)
with dark brown plumage that primarily nests on the Copper River Delta (CRD), Alaska, migrates through south- eastern coastal Alaska and coastal British Colum- bia, and winters primarily in southwestern …
Can you hunt dusky geese?
Dusky geese are NOT legal to harvest
. The season for dusky Canada geese has been closed since 2015 in southwest Washington and northwest Oregon. … If a hunter harvested a dusky, their goose permit would be invalidated, and they could no longer hunt geese for the remainder of the season.
How do you get rid of geese on your property?
The best way to keep geese away from your property or pond is to use a combination of products. By
placing a liquid deterrent around the edges of ponds
and near your buildings or populated areas along with installing decoys in key locations, you can effectively prevent geese from ever returning.
What is the penalty for killing a Canadian goose?
NORFOLK — Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, killing Canada geese is an offense punishable by
fines or jail time
.
Is it illegal to shoot Canadian geese?
Yes,
the Canada goose is still federally protected
. What this means is that Canada geese can only be hunted during specified hunting seasons and within specified hunting parameters.
