August 25, 2006
Press Release

Minnesota DNR - News Releases

Early September Canada goose hunting season is important management tool

Goose band returns from locally banded Canada geese in northeast Minnesota indicate that nearly 70% of the goose harvest occurs during the early season. “This information indicates how important the early September Canada goose season is for impacting the growth of the local goose population,” states Perry Loegering, area wildlife manager, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Each year since 2002, wildlife managers in Northeastern Minnesota have been capturing and banding 500 locally raised Canada geese. Hunters that bag banded geese report the band number along with date and location of harvest. The band information is valuable to the DNR for researching goose populations.

The results indicate that for local geese, 23% of the adults and 25% of the young are harvested each year. The reports also show 66% of the geese were harvested in Minnesota, 27% in Illinois, 3% in Iowa and less that 1% in other states including Wisconsin and New Jersey. Of the local birds harvested in Minnesota, 69% were harvested in the early season, 31% were harvested during the regular season, and none were harvested during the late season.

“Legal hunting harvest is the DNR’s number one tool for managing wildlife populations such as local Canada geese. Landowners experiencing problems with local geese should consider this when hunters ask for permission to hunt geese on their land,” said Loegering.

“Early and late Canada goose hunting seasons take place when most migrant geese are not in the state, so hunting will not have a significant impact on those populations, said Loegering. “The early seasons are specifically designed to harvest local geese.”

The early September Canada Goose season starts Saturday, September 2 and ends September 22. Bag limits are five per day and 10 in possession, with shooting hours one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

For more information, contact: Perry Loegering, DNR Grand Rapids Area Wildlife Manger, 218-999-7939

Waterfowl regulations supplement available online

The 2006 waterfowl regulations supplement, with information on special goose hunts, waterfowl limits and season dates, is currently available online at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

A printed version will be available by late August wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold and at the DNR License Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul.

This year’s supplement also contains color illustrations to help hunters identify ducks on the wing as well as shooting tips, license information and general waterfowl regulations.

“With a number of species specific bag limits and seasons, we feel that it’s important to give waterfowl hunters better information to help them identify ducks on the wing,” said Steve Cordts, DNR waterfowl specialist. “Hunters will also find additional information on waterfowl issues and management.”

The supplement contains waterfowl regulation information not available when the 2006 Hunting Regulations Handbook was printed in late July. Waterfowl hunters must follow all state and federal regulations listed in the 2006 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Handbook.

See Minnesota fall colors on DNR Web site beginning Aug. 28

Recent warm, sunny days and cool nighttime temperatures have jumpstarted the appearance of fall colors in some areas around the state. To find out what is changing where, people can follow the progress of the fall color season beginning Monday, Aug. 28 by checking out the “Fall Color Reports 2006” on the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

The color reports on this site are gathered from information provided by color observers in state parks across Minnesota.

Because the colorful fall show in Minnesota includes more than leaf color, these reports contain some extras such as changing fall colors among the native grasses and wildflowers, notes on birds, butterflies and other wildlife that are migrating or preparing for winter, and a listing of the berries, nuts and fruits that are ripe for harvesting. The site also features highlights about autumn events in Minnesota and photos of the changing fall colors.

WEB SITE PHOTOS ILLUSTRATED CURRENT FALL COLOR STATUS

Fall color information can be accessed from the DNR home page by selecting "2006 Fall Colors." Click on a region of the fall leaf color map to be linked to detailed reports from state parks in that region. Fall color photos contributed by the public are included in these reports. For those who can’t get away to see the fall colors in person, these photo galleries will provide a first-hand look at the autumn scene in parks across the state.

The public is invited to share their current fall color photos online by following instructions listed on the site.

Typically, colors peak in along the Canadian border in mid to late September. Peak colors arrive in the northern third of Minnesota the last week in September or early October. The following weekend peak colors usually arrive in central Minnesota including the Twin Cities area. The southern and southeastern part of the state should have good color through the third week in October.

“The fall color season always brings visitors out to enjoy the scenic beauty of our state parks,” said Courtland Nelson, director of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “Since all 72 state parks and recreation areas are open to the public year-round, people have the opportunity for recreation and relaxation in all seasons. Our outdoor education programs and the opportunity to witness seasonal events such as bird migration, fall colors and wildlife activities, also help bring visitors out to enjoy picnicking, camping and other recreational activities.”

Nelson cited another major factor that helps boost visitation – fewer bugs and mosquitoes. “Campers especially appreciate the lower bug levels in fall,” Nelson said. “If the string of good weather continues, I expect our campgrounds will continue to see good business this fall.”

Nelson also recommends a midweek visit to state parks this fall. “On weekends, our parks are usually pretty busy in the fall,” Nelson said. “During the week, camping is more available and reservations are likely not necessary.”

Those without Internet access may get fall color reports by calling the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or toll free at 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367). For an audio report of fall color status, call Explore Minnesota Tourism toll free at 1-888-868-7476.