BRIGHAM CITY — Division of Wildlife Resources biologists are seeking input about a possible goose-hunting change in northern Utah for the 2016–17 season.
The change would put Northern Goose Area 2016–17 goose season dates in line with general waterfowl season in the rest of the state. The Northern Goose Area covers most of the eastern portion of Box Elder County.
Hunters can share opinions by taking a brief online survey by July 26. See wildlife.utah.gov to find a link to the survey.
Biologists will use responses to form a recommendation to share with hunters at an open house in Brigham City, Aug. 6, 6-8 p.m. at Brigham City Community Center, 24 N. 300 West.
Blair Stringham, migratory game bird coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources, says the idea for the change was suggested by some hunters.
Across most of the state, the Canada goose hunting season starts on the first day of the general waterfowl hunt in October and runs for about two weeks before closing for nine days. Then the goose season reopens and runs until late January.
The current season starts on the first day of the general waterfowl season and runs until mid-January.
Not every hunter wants to see a change. Most hunters who like the current season belong to private hunting clubs in the goose area. The water on many of the clubs freezes by early December. And most of the clubs don't have agricultural fields that draw geese in the winter.