Governor O'Malley Reminds Hunters of Exceptional Goose Opportunities this Fall

Annapolis, Md. (September 23, 2010) —  Governor Martin O’Malley joined the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in announcing Maryland’s Atlantic Population Canada goose hunting season will kick off November 20. The season will run November 20 through November 26, 2010; and December 16 through January 29, 2011. The daily bag limit is two Canada geese.

“Few sights and sounds symbolize the changing of the seasons like the first waves of Canada geese arriving from their breeding grounds along distant Hudson Bay,” said Governor O’Malley. “These magnificent birds are a vital part of what makes the Chesapeake region a fabulous place to work, live and play.”

"The Atlantic Population is the largest Canada goose population in North America,” said DNR Waterfowl Project Leader Larry Hindman. “A normal spring thaw resulted in a productive hatch this year. Hunters and non-hunters alike can look forward to seeing large numbers of Canada geese returning to Maryland this fall.”

Information on waterfowl hunting and a detailed map of the Canada goose hunting zones is online at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/lwfchart.asp. The 2010-2011 Maryland Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons flier is also available online and at most licensing agents.

Hunters are encouraged to report banded migratory game birds by calling toll-free 1-800-327-BAND (2263). For added convenience, banded migratory birds may also be reported online at www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/homepage/call800.htm.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov