In their report earlier this year, MVP population researchers state, 'Spring 2007 was very early on the MVP breeding grounds, second only to 2006, which was the earliest recorded. However, there was less snow on the ground during the 2007 survey than for the 2006 survey. The snowpack was less than normal last winter along the Hudson Bay coast, which may have been the reason for the relatively quick snowmelt.

'The estimated 2007 breeding population of 402,640 was the highest recorded since 1999 and was 10 percent above the 1989-2007 average,' the report continues. 'Nest densities were above average in all three strata (areas.) The spring population estimate was 681,029 and was 4 percent above the 1989-2007 average. The transect level count of indicated breeding pairs was significantly higher in 2007 compared with the previous five years.'

The bottom line is this: MVP numbers are up, goose reproduction was excellent, and hunters who target the U.P. and west side of the state would enjoy a long season and see plenty of birds.

Spring 2007 population estimates for the SJBP Canada geese were not as promising, according to researchers. Studies showed approximately 98,000 geese on the breeding grounds this spring compared with 160,000 last year.

'As occurred in the previous two years, spring arrived early in northern Ontario,' stated the report issued by SJBP researchers. 'Below-average snow accumulation during the winter made for an early peak in runoff and may make for dry conditions earlier than average. Similar to the last two years, a preliminary assessment from the nesting ecology study on Akimiski Island showed high nest densities, large clutch sizes and good nest success. In fact, crews found the highest number of nests on record on Akimiski Island.' A large portion of the SJBP nests on Akimiski Island.

The SJBP geese that nest on the mainland didn't fair as well, according to the researchers.

'Clearly, the estimated number of indicated breeding pairs was much lower on the mainland than in 2006 and was almost significantly lower than the previous five-year average,' their report stated. 'The apparent decline in the mainland population is only noteworthy in light of last year's record high population estimate. A third consecutive early spring throughout the range should result in good production of goslings, and so far all signs from nesting studies currently under way on Akimiski Island point to that being the case.'

What does this mean to Michigan waterfowlers? Goose-hunting seasons and bag limits in the eastern portion of the state will probably be similar to 2006.

Having the goose-hunting season run concurrently with the duck-hunting season into October allows hunters to capitalize on migratory geese moving through the state. Their numbers generally peak in November, but plenty of migratory birds were around even in early October, as illustrated by a hunt I was fortunate enough to take part in last year.

An Anecdote of Action!
My son, Matt, asked me last season to join him and some of his buddies to hunt a chopped corn field they'd been scouting. The field had just been cut a few days earlier, and the geese were pouring into the field. I wasn't keen about hunting in a group of eight hunters, but Matt assured me that there was plenty of room and everyone would get some shooting.

Shooting time had just arrived as we gathered up some cornstalks to put the finishing touches on our ground blinds. There weren't any signs of geese yet, but wood ducks began to buzz the spread in the faint light, and we bagged a couple of bonus woodies before the geese made an appearance.

Everyone dove for their blinds when someone yelled, 'Geese!' The birds were headed straight at us from the southwest when a voice said, 'No, they're ducks.'