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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2024-08-29

Contact: Taylor Finger, DNR Game Bird Ecologist
Taylor.Finger@wisconsin.gov or 608-212-7923

2024 Early Goose Hunting Season Opens Sept. 1

A flock of Canada geese flying. The 2024 early goose season opens statewide on Sept. 1 and runs through Sept. 15. Photo credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters that the 2024 early goose season opens Sept. 1. This early hunting opportunity is available to hunters throughout the state and will run through Sept. 15.

The early goose season has an increased daily bag limit of five Canada geese and is uniformly regulated across Wisconsin.

The early season targets Wisconsin’s resident goose population before the fall migration passes through the state. The 2024 population estimate for Wisconsin-breeding Canada geese is nearly 155,000, over 40% higher than the long-term average.

While afield, goose hunters must carry either an electronic or physical copy of their Canada goose harvest permit and license at all times. Acceptable methods of proof include a paper copy, a DNR-approved PDF displayed on a mobile device, a Wisconsin driver's license or a Go Wild Conservation Card.

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