Hunting Washington Forum
Other Hunting => Waterfowl => Topic started by: jordanwlee on October 13, 2013, 08:41:14 PM
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Hello all, I hope this doesn't come off as a dumb question, but I'm a but confused by the regs and when I purchased my waterfowl license today. This is the first time I will be hunting Canada Goose.
I want to hunt Canada Geese in area #3 (southern WA). The regs say I need to test for area 2a and 2b. When I purchased waterfowl license today I mentioned if like to hunt geese as well. I see that I need the small game, state permit and federal stamp. The person sold me a migratory bird stamp with my small game and migratory bird permit.
My question is related to the stamp I have. It's a $15 migratory bird hunting stamp with a common goldeneye pictures on the stamp. Is this stamp only for Goldeneye or does this apply to Canada Geese in the area #3 - which doesn't state that I need to pass a test to hunt in this area.
I'd like clarification if this stamp applies to all migratory birds or if I possibly was sold the stamp that only applies to Goldeneye. Do I still need to test to hunt in area #3?
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The stamp you have is the federal migratory bird stamp, which is required to be signed across it's face and attached to your license. The test only applies if you're hunting Canada Geese in areas 2a or 2b. No test required for area 3. From what I can see you only need more stuff if you want to hunt sea ducks, snow geese (or ross/blue), or brant.
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You need a small game license, a state migratory bird endorsements and a federal duck stamp. The federal duck stamp is an actual stamp that will be placed on the back of your license which needs to be signed across the face of it. Only required if over 15 years of age. The goose authorization is required only if you are hunting in the dusky zone 2A / 2B.
As for the duck stamp, they usually pick an artist print and it's kind of a big deal if you get one of your prints selected as the stamp of the year. Each year it's different dating back to the 30's. If you hunt sea ducks in Western Washington, you are required to get a sea duck harvest report card.
The main cards required are
2A/2B - Goose
Brant Harvest card
Snow goose harvest card
Sea Duck harvest card
Read the regs, if you have additional questions throw them out. I would encourage you to take the goose ID course. It seems pointless and a waste of time to most, but you only get out of the sport what you put into it. Birds can be a challenge for new shooters, so if you can get some additional help, why not. You will be that much more knowledgeable.
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:yeah:
and of course Goldeneye (common and barrows) are considered sea ducks in Western Washington so you will need a sea duck card for them. :chuckle:
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Thank you all very much! I read through the regs multiple times before purchasing and I just wanted to be clear as I was still confused after my purchase when I got home. Better safe than sorry and lose my hunting privileges.
Last night I spent a few hours reading up on WDFW site with the test prep info and the videos. I'll be taking the test just to see how I do.
Thanks again for all the help. I have a pack of geese living in my backyard and it sparked some interest to harvest a few before they leave town.