This ran August 18th.
Canada goose populations high as opener nears
Forum staff reports
The Forum - 08/18/2002
North Dakota's early September Canada goose season has been set, and regulations will be similar to last year's early season, according to Mike Johnson, waterfowl biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
The season is Sept. 1-20. Hunters will have a daily limit of five Canada geese and a possession limit of 10.
Last year more than 7,500 hunters bagged an estimated 38,000 Canada geese statewide during the early season. Geese were taken in 45 counties, with the highest number of birds killed in Stutsman County with an estimated 14 percent of the harvest.
This is the third year of a three-year experimental season permitted under U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service frameworks allowing an extended September Canada goose season.
The giant Canada goose population continues to expand statewide, with numbers at or above population goals. The spring 2002 index showed more than 120,000 resident Canada geese, well above the management objective of 80,000.
The growing population has resulted in increased reports from landowners concerning depredation on crops and other nuisance problems. The early season can specifically address these resident goose populations, Johnson said.