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Some Pennsylvania State Parks to Allow Early Canada Goose Hunting

The statewide season, designed to reduce local nuisance geese populations, runs through Saturday, Sept. 25.

Licensed hunters should contact individual park offices for local starting dates and other details. 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. 7, the day after Labor Day. Sunday hunting is not permitted in Pennsylvania.

Complete details regarding hunting seasons and bag limits can be found on the Pennsylvania Game Commission's website at www.pgc.state.pa.us.

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 are responsible for high fecal coliform counts at some Pennsylvania state park beaches, forcing swimming restrictions during peak use periods.

Many state parks have taken measures, including anti-goose fencing and/or the use of loud noisemakers, in attempts 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. Park information can be found at www.dcnr.state.pa.us.

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.

Media contact: Terry Brady, 717-772-9101

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources