Wisconsin is a beautiful little state, and this makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers, vacationers, and lovers of all things cheese.
Despite its charming locale, the state doesn’t have the most diverse wildlife variety.
Thankfully, there are several types of geese found in Wisconsin that offer a unique identity to those searching in the area.
What Geese Are in Wisconsin?
There are five different types of geese in the state of Wisconsin.
- Canada Goose
- Snow Goose
- Ross's Goose
- Cackling Goose
- Greater White-Fronted Goose
Additionally, there are three types of swans in Wisconsin - Tundra Swans, Trumpeter Swans and Mute Swans.
DOWNLOAD GEESE IN WISCONSIN ID CHART
Where to Watch Geese and Other Waterfowl in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is well-known for its abundance of natural beauty, and its numerous lakes and wetlands are a big part of that.
If you’re looking to explore the state’s waterfowl population, there are a few great places to start. Horicon Marsh is one of the largest freshwater marshes in the United States, is along the Mississippi River flyway and it’s home to a wide variety of birds, including (Mississippi Valley Population) MVP geese, ducks, herons, and cranes.
MVP geese select their nesting grounds in along the western shores of James Bay and the southern edge of Hudson Bay.
Moreover, many wintering geese spend time during fall migration in southern Wisconsin from their breeding grounds in the north.
Some snow and blue geese use the Horicon zone as a stopover before their head to their final wintering grounds in southern Illinois, Western Kentucky and Tennessee.
In east central Wisconsin, you’ll find Rock Island Woods State Natural Area, which is a popular spot for watching migrating waterfowl.
And if you venture into the state’s interior, you’ll find many small lakes that are teeming with waterfowl.
Are There Any Resident Geese Flocks In Wisconsin?
Wisconsin does have resident Canada geese.
These geese are part of the Mississippi Valley Population (MVP).
This is a group of geese that flies exclusively from Canada through Wisconsin along the Mississippi River flyway, which includes Horicon Marsh and other south-eastern Wisconsin refuges.
The species most often settling in Wisconsin all year round is the giant Canada goose.
Local breeding population of giant Canada geese are often found in areas with access to water, such as lakes, rivers, golf courses and wetlands.
In the winter, large flocks are sighted in open spots in fields and parks where they can find food such as aquatic vegetation.
Geese Hunting in Wisconsin
Hunting is a popular pastime in Wisconsin, and there are many different types of game that can be hunted in the state.
In order to hunt geese in Wisconsin, hunters must have a small game license as well as a Wisconsin Waterfowl stamp.
In addition, if they are hunting Canadian geese, they must also have a Canadian Goose Permit. These permits can be obtained from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Can You Shoot a Goose in Wisconsin?
Yes! When choosing a hunting method, it is important to keep in mind that only non-toxic sizes BB, BBB, T or smaller are legal. With this in mind, hunters should have no trouble finding a hunting method that works for them.
Additionally, you should be familiar with Wisconsin’s daily bag and possession limits for waterfowl during the goose hunting season which takes place from September to January.
Where Can I Hunt Geese in Wisconsin?
There are a couple of different areas where you can find geese in Wisconsin.
One place fields around southeastern Wisconsin.
Another place is the state area of the Horicon Marsh.
You can’t hunt in the northern portion of Horicon Marsh though because it’s owned by the federal government and is known as the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge or federal refuge.
Waterfowl hunting is only allowed in the state area of the Horicon Marsh.
Conclusion on Geese in Wisconsin
While there are only three types of swans in Wisconsin, the state is home to five different types of geese.
If you’re ever in the area and want to see some beautiful birds, be sure to check out a local park or lake!