MADISON - The exterior zone Canada goose hunting seasons will likely last the full authorized time period, according to Department of Natural Resources wildlife officials monitoring the harvest.
"The scheduled closing date for the Rock Prairie subzone is Dec. 15; for the Mississippi River subzone its Dec 18; and for the north and south portions of the Exterior zone is Dec. 24, as listed in the 2000 edition of the Migratory Gamebird Regulations pamphlet" said Jon Bergquist, DNR's migratory gamebird biologist.
"At this point, we don't anticipate having to close season early. If the harvest rate follows the historical patterns for this time of year, we'll stay within the quota given us by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service."
Each season, harvest quotas are set by the U.S Fish and Wildlife service following spring breeding surveys. State harvest quotas are set, usually in August, each year. Exterior zone hunters are required to report their kill promptly. State wildlife officials monitor the harvest and must close the season early if the quota will be reached before the seasons run their full length.
Portage County is in the exterior zone.