Goose hunting changes come to Lac qui Parle WMA

Significant changes designed to allow hunters to harvest more Canada geese, have been established for the fall season, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Minnesota goose hunters will note some significant changes in goose hunting regulations this year. The daily bag limit has been raised to three Canada geese statewide this year; the season length has been extended throughout the state; most goose hunting zones have been eliminated and there will no longer be a special December season.

“We’re attempting to provide additional hunting opportunity aimed at resident giant Canada geese,” said Steve Cordts, DNR waterfowl specialist.

Historically, Minnesota goose hunters were very dependent on the Eastern Prairie Population (EPP) of Canada geese. These geese nest along the west shores of Hudson Bay and migrate into western Minnesota, especially around Lac qui Parle WMA.

Minnesota has a long history of using special regulations, including goose zones, quotas, smaller bag limits and shorter seasons, to minimize harvest of EPP Canada geese in western Minnesota. But EPP goose numbers are as high as they’ve ever been and more than 90 percent of the state’s Canada goose harvest now is comprised of giant Canada geese.

“Since our resident giant Canada goose population remains high, this is a good time to expand hunting opportunity,” Cordts said. “Minnesota has not had a Canada goose bag limit of three during the regular waterfowl season since 1941 so this is fairly exciting and should be well-received by goose hunters.”

As a result of these changes, the West Central and West goose zones have been eliminated so goose seasons in those areas will be the same as the rest of the state.

At Lac qui Parle WMA, waterfowl hunters still will be required to obtain a daily permit for a blind (via reservation or daily drawing) from Oct. 21 to Nov. 30. From Dec. 1 until the end of goose season, hunters still can use designated hunting blinds but access will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Minnesota’s regular goose season will open statewide in conjunction with duck season on Saturday, Oct. 2, and close on Saturday, Dec. 25, except for the Rochester goose zone.
Beginning Monday, Aug. 23, goose hunters can apply to reserve a date to hunt from a blind in the controlled zone at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Lac Qui Parle Wildlife Management Area.

Applications postmarked between Monday, Aug. 23, and Wednesday, Sept. 15, will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

To apply, hunters must submit a standard 3-1/2 inch by 5-1/2 inch postcard with their full name and address as well as listing their first and second choice of hunting dates.

The limit is one postcard per hunter. Send postcards to Controlled Hunt, Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area, 14047 20th St. NW, Watson, MN 56295.

Successful applicants will receive notification by mail designating the date of their hunt. Hunters may bring one or two guests. All hunters in the Lac qui Parle controlled hunting zone who are 18 and older will be charged a $3 fee on the day of their hunt to partially cover controlled hunt expenses.

The DNR will assign goose-hunting stations during a drawing on the morning of the hunt.
For more information, call the Lac Qui Parle headquarters at 320-734-4451.