The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources this week announced that most of Pennsylvania's state parks will be open for the extended resident Canada goose-hunting season in January and February. As some parks are closed to hunting, hunters should contact individual park offices for specific information.

The extended Canada goose season will run January 15, through February 15, with a daily limit of five birds. Goose hunting will be open during this period at state parks with hunting areas, provided the parks are in the regions of Pennsylvania open to the extended goose season.

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 non-migratory geese overpopulation and have taken measures, including anti-goose fencing and the use of loud noisemakers, to scare them away.

High concentrations of Canada geese and their droppings often are linked to high fecal coliform counts at Pennsylvania's state park beaches, causing swimming restrictions during peak usage periods.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have authorized the extended resident goose hunt. Areas of the state excluded from the hunt include a portion of Crawford county in Northwest Pennsylvania encompassing Pymatuning State Park, and a large section of Eastern Pennsylvania that includes 21 state parks: Tuscarora; Hickory Run; Big Pocono; Lehigh Gorge; Beltzville; Jacobsburg; Samuel Lewis; Locust Lake; Delaware Canal; Ralph Stover; Nockamixon; Tyler; Evansburg; Ridley Creek; Marsh Creek; French Creek; Nolde Forest; Susquehannock; Neshaminy; White Clay; and Fort Washington. Canada goose hunting season ends in this portion of Eastern Pennsylvania on Thursday, January 20.

Game Commission rules and regulations regarding the season will apply. Information on the rules and regulations can be obtained by writing the PGC at 2001 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797, or by calling (717) 787-4250. Persons with disabilities who wish to participate in the hunt should contact the specific state park for further information. Park phone numbers are available by calling 1-888-PA-PARKS, or by visiting the State Parks webpage.

1/7/2005