HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania state parks again will allow Canada goose hunting when the state’s season opens on Thursday, Sept. 1.
Hunters should contact individual park offices for local starting dates and other details as some parks are closed to hunting.  Also, with the early season starting date falling prior to Labor Day, some parks will not allow hunting until Tuesday, Sept. 6, the day after Labor Day. Sunday hunting is not permitted in Pennsylvania.
Non-migratory Canada goose populations have increased drastically in recent years, causing crop damage and nuisance problems in residential neighborhoods. Park visitors often complain about goose excrement on state park beaches and other facilities, and water quality at some state parks has been adversely affected.
Resident Canada geese have been among the suspected causes of high fecal coliform counts at some Pennsylvania state park beaches, which has forced swimming restrictions during peak use periods.
Many state parks have taken measures, including anti-goose fencing and/or the use of loud noisemakers, in the attempt to deter the waterfowl or scare them away.
All Game Commission rules and regulations governing the early Canada goose season will apply at state parks. Complete details on Pennsylvania’s 2011-2012 waterfowl seasons, regulations and bag limits can be found on the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s web site. State park information can be found at DCNR’s web site (select State Parks).
Persons with disabilities wanting to hunt geese in the early season should contact specific state parks for further information. Sportsmen’s groups interested in volunteering for waterfowl habitat improvements and other projects in state parks should contact their local state park manager.
