Major Changes in 2015-16 Area 2A / 2B Goose Seasons

[h2ofowlr]

This is a bad move. I have no problem with increased hours, but making taking a dusky a violation is ridiculous. Hunters will either not shoot or they'll break the law. The 2 million geese which now winter down here, will increase because people are afraid to shoot them. The farmers will suffer, the hunters will suffer. The only things that won't will be the steadily increasing goose populations.

Protecting dusky geese is a no-win opposition to natural selection. They lost their breeding area because of an earthquake, not because of man. Left to nature, they'd be gone now. There are 6 other subspecies that are doing just fine and they should let nature take its course. It's incredible how egotistical some humans are to think that we should change what nature has in store. 

Earth quake lost breeding grounds?

Keep in mind I don't hunt waterfowl, just curious about this earthquake. 

Pianoman is correct on the earthquake. It raised up the areas around their breeding ground to allow brush to grow. This allowed for predation to take it's toll on the dusky population.

Also, according to the WDFW, a dusky killed carries the same punishment it has only there won't be any check stations.

If you shoot a dusky, you will be done hunting geese the rest of the season in 2A/2B, you will have to retake test and be fined for harvesting it.  Probably $150-$175 dollar ticket.  This required mandatory court appearance and stays on your record as a misdemeanor offense.  A slightly bigger deal.  You used to be able to get one per season, no fine, just a punched card and finished goose hunting for the remainder of year.
My guess is there will be more coyote bait this year for those that can't identify birds. 

[pianoman9701]

This is a bad move. I have no problem with increased hours, but making taking a dusky a violation is ridiculous. Hunters will either not shoot or they'll break the law. The 2 million geese which now winter down here, will increase because people are afraid to shoot them. The farmers will suffer, the hunters will suffer. The only things that won't will be the steadily increasing goose populations.

Protecting dusky geese is a no-win opposition to natural selection. They lost their breeding area because of an earthquake, not because of man. Left to nature, they'd be gone now. There are 6 other subspecies that are doing just fine and they should let nature take its course. It's incredible how egotistical some humans are to think that we should change what nature has in store. 

Earth quake lost breeding grounds?

Keep in mind I don't hunt waterfowl, just curious about this earthquake. 

Pianoman is correct on the earthquake. It raised up the areas around their breeding ground to allow brush to grow. This allowed for predation to take it's toll on the dusky population.

Also, according to the WDFW, a dusky killed carries the same punishment it has only there won't be any check stations.

If you shoot a dusky, you will be done hunting geese the rest of the season in 2A/2B, you will have to retake test and be fined for harvesting it.  Probably $150-$175 dollar ticket.  This required mandatory court appearance and stays on your record as a misdemeanor offense.  A slightly bigger deal.  You used to be able to get one per season, no fine, just a punched card and finished goose hunting for the remainder of year.
My guess is there will be more coyote bait this year for those that can't identify birds. 

And, for those of us who've spent countless hours to earn and keep the Master Hunter certification, this would have us kicked out of the program. Any infraction of hunting laws is reason for immediate dismissal. Let's make sure we create laws that make it easier to to break and pay the government. Makes perfect sense, right?

[h2ofowlr]

Other challenges are that it is the discretion of the officer.  Most don't have a clue.  Cullman length would have to fall within 40-50mm, "dirt" color chart they use would be around a 5.  The officer would then have to determine if it was a mature bird or juvenile by the tail feathers.  I have seen some very dark lessors that fall into the category.  Cackler is easy and most Vancouver's are very light breasted.  Weskie, it may go over the 50mm, but be a dark bird.  Given the early shooting period, I know duskies will get blasted.  Seen it to many times over the years.  The biggest mess always seem to fall around Shillapoo and Ridgefield.
I would put money on the fact that many will be identified and sized up in the field once on the ground.  As it is difficult to ID with some of those yahoos that are running 3-1/2" BBB and busting wings at 100 yards. 

[Tealer]

It's a "munsel soil color chart" normally found in biology text books. In case you want to carry one this season.


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[Linder]

If you watch the video it is simple enough. Just don't shoot the ones that have a belly that ranges from white to dark brown, has a shortish to long neck, may or may not be aware or lured to goose calls, has a bill, is bigger than a teal but smaller than an eagle, or resembles a goose in any way shape or form. Other than that all geese are fair game!

[h2ofowlr]

It's a "munsel soil color chart" normally found in biology text books. In case you want to carry one this season.


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I used to carry one along with calipers.  It was a clean chart unlike what they typically used.

[CP]

It's a "munsel soil color chart" normally found in biology text books. In case you want to carry one this season.


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I used to carry one along with calipers.  It was a clean chart unlike what they typically used.

Once you need the calipers and color chart it's too late. 

I know at least one hunter that carries a bottle of water/bleach/detergent mix in his blind bag.

[pianoman9701]

You don't think the clean linen smell might tip-off the gamie?