07-09-2004, 12:27 AM
Lincoln, Neb. – An experimental early Canada Goose hunting season in part of eastern Nebraska was approved by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commissioners at a July 8 meeting in Lincoln.
Waterfowl program manager Mark Vrtiska said growing numbers of Canada geese have become a nuisance in some metropolitan areas, most notably in the metropolitan areas of Lincoln and Omaha, and that increases in goose numbers in those areas may lead to serious concerns with human health and safety given proximity to local airports.
“Although a crisis situation has not been reached in terms of dealing with nuisance problems or populations, the wildlife division staff does not foresee a decrease in the number of Canada geese or in the number of complaints. In fact, the staff expects both to increase in the relatively near future,” he said.
“These expectations are based on continued urban expansion of both cities, leading to an increase in urban habitat for geese which concurrently decreases hunting opportunity, ultimately resulting in more conflicts as the frequency of interactions between Canada geese and humans occur,” Vrtiska said.
The experimental season will be Sept. 11-19.The area open will be south of U.S. 30 from the Missouri River west to Neb. 15, east of Neb. 15 from U.S. 30 south to Neb. 41, north of Neb. 41 from Neb. 15 to Neb. 50, west of Neb. 50 from Neb. 41 to Neb. 2, and north of Neb. 2 from Neb. 50 to the Missouri River. In that open zone, all areas will be open to Canada goose hunting except federal or state refuges, unless otherwise specified. The daily bag limit will be five geese, the possession limit will be 10
[signature]
Waterfowl program manager Mark Vrtiska said growing numbers of Canada geese have become a nuisance in some metropolitan areas, most notably in the metropolitan areas of Lincoln and Omaha, and that increases in goose numbers in those areas may lead to serious concerns with human health and safety given proximity to local airports.
“Although a crisis situation has not been reached in terms of dealing with nuisance problems or populations, the wildlife division staff does not foresee a decrease in the number of Canada geese or in the number of complaints. In fact, the staff expects both to increase in the relatively near future,” he said.
“These expectations are based on continued urban expansion of both cities, leading to an increase in urban habitat for geese which concurrently decreases hunting opportunity, ultimately resulting in more conflicts as the frequency of interactions between Canada geese and humans occur,” Vrtiska said.
The experimental season will be Sept. 11-19.The area open will be south of U.S. 30 from the Missouri River west to Neb. 15, east of Neb. 15 from U.S. 30 south to Neb. 41, north of Neb. 41 from Neb. 15 to Neb. 50, west of Neb. 50 from Neb. 41 to Neb. 2, and north of Neb. 2 from Neb. 50 to the Missouri River. In that open zone, all areas will be open to Canada goose hunting except federal or state refuges, unless otherwise specified. The daily bag limit will be five geese, the possession limit will be 10
[signature]