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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2022-12-22

Contact: Taylor Finger, DNR Game Bird Ecologist
Taylor.Finger@wisconsin.gov or 608-212-2923

Southern Goose Zone Holiday Hunt Now Open

Split Season Provides Additional Harvest Opportunities

A flock of Canadian Geese takes flight from the edge of ice on a lake toward the sunrise. Goose hunting in the Southern Goose Zone is open until Jan. 3, 2023. Photo credit: iStock/James Brey

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds goose hunters that the goose season is again open in the Southern Goose Zone. This opportunity will remain open until Jan. 3, 2023.

Additionally, this portion of the Canada goose season in the southern zone has an increased daily bag limit of five Canada geese, which began in 2021.

The split goose season allows hunters the opportunity to hunt geese over the holidays when many have time off from work and school or may be returning home to Wisconsin for the holidays.

In the northern zone, the goose season wrapped up on Dec. 16. The Canada goose season in the Mississippi River Zone ends on Jan. 3, 2023, with a daily bag limit of three Canada geese.

While out in the field, goose hunters are reminded that they must carry either an electronic or physical copy of their Canada goose harvest permit and license. Acceptable methods of proof include a paper copy, a department-approved PDF displayed on a mobile device, a Wisconsin driver's license or a Go Wild Conservation Card. Also, registration of Canada geese and in-field validation of the Canada goose hunting permit is no longer required.

More information on goose hunting, including how to find places to hunt and the regulations, can be found on the DNR’s website.