HARRISBURG — Most Pennsylvania state parks are now open for the extended Canada goose hunting season. An exception is the southeast section of the state, within the Atlantic Population Zone, which will be open to hunting starting Nov. 15.
Hunters should contact individual park offices for specific information since the season will open and close intermittently through February and some parks are closed to hunting.
A significant growth in the non-migratory Canada goose population has drawn complaints of crop damage and nuisance problems in residential neighborhoods. Many state parks also are seeing the effects of overpopulation and have taken measures, including anti-goose fencing and the use of loud noisemakers, to scare geese away.
High concentrations of Canada geese and their droppings often are linked to high fecal coliform counts at Pennsylvania state park beaches, causing swimming restrictions during peak-use periods.
Game Commission rules and regulations regarding Canada goose season—which can be obtained by writing PA Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797, or by calling (717) 787-4250—will apply.