For Release: August 15, 1997

Contact: Charles C. Allin 277-1267 or 789-0281

Stephanie Powell 277-2771 ext. 4418

PROVIDENCE - The RI Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced a special state-wide 15-day resident Canada goose hunting season beginning September 11. The special season has been established to help reduce the State's growing resident Canada goose population and the numerous nuisance complaints that DEM and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service receive annually about the geese, according to Michael Lapisky, DEM's Deputy Chief of Wildlife Resources. The season dates occur before migratory Canada geese arrive.

The daily bag limit is five birds, with a possession limit of 10 geese.

Each hunter must have an individual permit, which can be picked up at the Fish and Wildlife Division's Great Swamp Field Headquarters off Liberty Lane in West Kingston, or obtained by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Goose Permits, DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife, PO Box 218, West Kingston, RI 02892.

The permit must be returned to the Division by October 15 for continued goose hunting privileges during the 1998 season. The 1997 Rhode Island waterfowl stamp on the permit is valid only during the September hunt, and must be signed across the face of the temporary stamp to be valid. Hunters must still purchase a 1997 federal duck stamp in order to hunt during this season.

Returning the hunting record card on the permit is important to the Division in determining the success of the season, Lapisky said. "It must be filled out each day of your hunt, even if you are unsuccessful. And, if you are unable to hunt during this season, note that, too, and return the filled card to the division."