The Oregon and Washington Fish and Wildlife Commissions have approved new regulations for northwest Oregon and southwest Washington goose hunters, including a closed season for dusky Canada geese. See the Migratory Waterfowl and Upland Game Seasons pamphlet for more information. New hunters and those who had their previous year’s hunting authorization invalidated for Goose Management Area 2 (Coast and Inland) need to pass an exam with a minimum of 80 percent to receive their current year hunting authorization.
Hunters who fail a test must wait 28 days before retesting, and will not be issued a reciprocal authorization until that time.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Dusky Canada goose season is closed in Goose Management Area 2 (Coast and Inland) during October -- March. If a hunter takes a dusky Canada goose, or does not comply with field check requirements, the authorization will be invalidated and the hunter will not be able to hunt geese in Goose Management Area 2 (Coast and Inland) for the rest of the season. It is unlawful to fail to comply with all provisions listed above for Goose Management Area 2 (Coast and Inland).
Follow these steps to get authorized:
1. Review
A guide to Canada goose identification and management considerations in the Pacific Northwest is available to review before taking the test.
Study Guide: Pacific Northwest Goose Management (PDF)
Enhanced Goose Identification (Goose Management Area 2 - Coast and Inland):
| Goose Identification | Notes |
| Dusky Canada Goose (PDF) | Closed to Harvest. |
| Cackling Goose (PDF) |
Harvest allowed. Most numerous goose in GMA-2. Smallest of these geese. Dark plumage coloration resembles that of the larger Dusky Canada Goose. |
| Taverner's Goose (PDF) |
Harvest allowed. Common in GMA-2. |
| Aleutian Goose (PDF) |
Harvest allowed. Occasionally encountered in GMA-2. |
| Western Canada Goose (PDF) |
Harvest allowed. Very common in GMA-2. |
| Lesser Canada Goose (PDF) |
Harvest allowed. Common in GMA-2. Similar in appearance to Taverner's Goose. |
| Vancouver Canada Goose (PDF) |
Harvest allowed. Occasionally encountered in GMA-2. |
Other Material:
Additionally, view the video below. It is also available for purchase through Videoland Productions, Inc. See their website or call 360-491-1332.
This video is designed to assist hunters in successfully passing the Canada goose exam for Oregon or Washington by providing information about goose management issues in the region and ways to identify geese while hunting.
2. Take the examination
Once hunters have reviewed and understand the review materials, they will be ready to take the examination. There are two different ways to do this:
- Hunters can login to their WILD account and select Mandatory Species Identification Tests on the left side of the screen. This will take them to the online version of the test.
- Hunters can schedule a test at a WDFW office by appointment only (call the nearest office for the schedule).
Hunters who fail an examination must wait 28 days before retesting, and will not be issued a reciprocal authorization until that time.
3. After passing the examination
A hunter can attempt the examination up to three times per calendar year. Once a passing score is achieved, a goose hunting permit can be purchased.