Welcome to the captivating world of geese in Colorado! With its diverse landscapes and abundant wetlands, Colorado serves as a haven for various species of geese. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the serene lakeshores and open plains, the state offers a rich tapestry of habitats that attract these graceful migratory birds.
What Kind of Geese Are in Colorado?
Colorado is the home of 6 goose species and 2 swan species namely:
| Goose | Frequency in Colorado | Resident Population | Specific Locations in Colorado |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Goose | Common | Yes | Cherry Creek State Park, Barr Lake State Park |
| Snow Goose | Uncommon | No | San Luis Valley, Lamar area |
| Ross's Goose | Uncommon | No | Pueblo Reservoir, Chatfield State Park |
| Cackling Goose | Common | No | Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat, St. Vrain State Park |
| Greater White-fronted Goose | Uncommon | No | Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, South Platte River |
| Brant | Uncommon | No | Bear Creek Lake Park, Cherry Creek State Park |
The two swans species present are Tundra Swan and Trumpeter swans.
DOWNLOAD GEESE IN COLORADO ID CHART
Geese Species Found in Colorado
Where to Spot Colorado’s Geese
Barr Lake State Park: Located in Brighton, Colorado, Barr Lake State Park is a popular spot for birdwatching, including geese.
Cherry Creek State Park: Situated in Aurora, Colorado, Cherry Creek State Park offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and spotting geese.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge: Located near Denver, Colorado, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge provides a sanctuary for wildlife, including geese.
San Luis Valley: Situated in southern Colorado, the San Luis Valley is an important stopover for migrating geese. The valley’s wetlands and agricultural fields provide ample food and resting grounds for these migrating birds.
South Platte River: The South Platte River, flowing through multiple areas in Colorado, serves as a vital corridor for waterfowl, including geese.
| Neighboring State | Best Spots to See Geese |
|---|---|
| Wyoming Geese | 1. Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge 2. Yellowstone National Park 3. Jackson Hole |
| Nebraska Geese | 1. Rowe Sanctuary 2. Lake McConaughy 3. Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge |
| Kansas Geese | 1. Quivira National Wildlife Refuge 2. Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area 3. Milford Reservoir |
| Oklahoma Geese | 1. Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge 2. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge 3. Great Salt Plains Lake |
Are There Any Resident Colorado Geese?
Yes, there are several resident flocks of geese in the Centennial state. The most common variety is the Canada Goose, which can be found in many Colorado parks and open spaces throughout the state.
These geese are year-round residents (mainly due to climate change), and they often form large flocks (literally hundreds of thousands) that can be quite noisy, you may need to use some deterents (even more than one method including visual barriers and noise - see our guide to sounds that scare geese) to discourage geese from your land or urban areas.
Remember it is illegal to kill Canada geese, unless permitted under Canada Geese Protection Colorado. Instead use one of the methods we suggest to deter geese and stay persistent in trying to deter them, from gardens, golf courses and Denver parks.
Hunting Geese in Colorado
In Colorado, it is legal to hunt geese with a small-game license, as long as you have the correct permits allowed by the wildlife service.
The state offers several different types of licenses, so be sure to purchase the one that covers waterfowl hunting and ensure you are in the hunting season and stick to the bag limits.
Can You Hunt Geese in Colorado?
Colorado is known for its abundance of wildlife, and birdwatching is a popular pastime in the state.
However, some residents take a more active role in managing the state’s bird population, and hunting is permitted in certain areas, as geese have no natural predators there is an overabundance of them.
Colorado has a daily bag of three (3) dark geese and a possession limit of six (6) dark geese. You can read the full daily bag and possession limits of Colorado here.
Where Is the Best Place to Hunt Geese in Colorado?
If you’re looking for a great place to hunt geese in Colorado, the South Platte River is a good bet. This river flows through northeastern Colorado, and it’s a popular spot for migrating birds.
The South Platte River is also home to a variety of other wildlife, so you’re sure to see plenty of other animals while you’re out hunting.
Is There a Goose Hunting Season in Colorado?
Depending on the goose species, the goose hunting season in Colorado starts in October and ends in April. Here is the full list of goose hunting seasons in Colorado.