Pennsylvania State Parks again will allow Canada goose hunting during the state's early season beginning September 1 and running through September 25.

Hunters should contact individual park offices for starting dates and other details. Some parks are closed to hunting. Also, with the early-season starting date falling just before the busy Labor Day holiday, some parks will not allow hunting until September 5, the day after Labor Day.

Sportsmen's groups interested in volunteering for waterfowl habitat improvements and other projects in state parks should contact their local state park manager.

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 cause of high fecal coliform counts at some Pennsylvania state park beaches, forcing swimming restrictions during peak usage periods.

Many state parks have taken measures, including anti-goose fencing and or the use of loud noisemakers, in an attempt to deter the waterfowl, or scare them away.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service again have authorized the early goose hunt. Sunday hunting is not permitted in Pennsylvania.

A statewide eight-goose daily bag limit, and a 16-bird possession limit will be in effect.

All Game Commission rules and regulations governing the early Canada goose season will apply at state parks. Additional details can be obtained from the Game Commission by writing Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797, or by calling 717-787-4250.

Persons with disabilities wanting to hunt geese in the early season should contact specific state parks for further information. Park phone numbers can be obtained by calling 1-888-PA-PARKS, or visiting the DCNR’s State Parks website.

9/1/2006