Kansas Commission debates increase of Canada Goose limit from 6 to 8 birds

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) Commission convened on April 24, 2025, to discuss proposed changes to Canada Goose hunting regulations, specifically the potential increase of the daily bag limit from six to eight geese. The meeting featured significant public input, particularly from seasoned hunters expressing concerns about the implications of such a change.

The session began with a presentation from a long-time hunter who voiced strong opposition to the proposed increase. He outlined three primary concerns: the potential impact on goose populations, the timing of the recommendation, and the effect on hunting quality. He noted that the current population estimates for the Western Prairie Great Plains Canada Goose were at their lowest since 2009, raising doubts about the sustainability of increasing the bag limit. He argued that the original framework allowing for an increase to eight birds was based on a rapidly growing population, which no longer appears to be the case.

Another former commissioner, Troy Sporer, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that maintaining the limit at six would allow for better hunting experiences over time, rather than risking a few high-yield hunts at the expense of overall population health. He expressed concern that an increase could favor commercial hunting interests, which might not align with the interests of average hunters.

Commissioners engaged in a detailed discussion about the data supporting the proposed change. KDWP staff provided insights from hunter surveys, indicating that while 51% of respondents favored the eight-bird limit, this represented only a small fraction of active hunters in the state. The commission questioned the validity of making such a significant regulatory change based on a survey with a limited response rate.

The conversation also touched on the broader implications of hunting regulations, including the potential economic impact on outfitters and the accessibility of hunting grounds for residents. Some commissioners expressed skepticism about the necessity of increasing the limit, suggesting that the current six-bird limit was sufficient and that maintaining the status quo could be more beneficial for both the population and the hunting community.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that there was a consensus among several commissioners to reconsider the proposed increase. The discussions highlighted the importance of balancing hunter satisfaction with sustainable wildlife management practices.

In conclusion, the KDWP Commission's meeting underscored the complexities involved in wildlife regulation and the need for careful consideration of both ecological data and hunter perspectives. The commission plans to further evaluate the feedback received before making a final decision on the Canada Goose bag limit.