Phelps: I don't have this information yet for 2006; it won't be out until July of this year. Duck stamp sales estimates for '04 and '05 are preliminary and appear to be about 21,500 per year for those two years. The '01-05 average is 25,700, so sales are down. Keep in mind that sales do not strictly equate to hunter numbers, as collectors, birders, etc., often buy these stamps as well. The '04 and '05 estimates are well above the average number of sales from 1976-1995, so we've seen lower periods of sales in the past. However, it is important to note that the higher numbers now may be due to non-hunter purchases.

G&F: Are resident populations of Canada geese continuing to grow? If so, will the nuisance goose season be extended or modified?

Phelps: It appears that Indiana's breeding population of Canada geese is continuing to grow. It does appear that the population is still increasing. It is a misnomer to call them "residents"; however. Canada geese banded in Indiana have been shot in 30 states and provinces since 1996. These birds do migrate seasonally as well as moving at other times of the year. Even relocated nuisance birds have been shot in 10 states and provinces, including northern Canada, Tennessee and Pennsylvania.

It is unlikely that the special September season will be modified anytime soon. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service is unwilling to allow more flexibility than Sept. 1-15 (for instance, taking 15 days between Sept. 1-20). This appears to be because they prefer all states to have the same regulations, and some northern states have migrants appearing by Sept. 16-20.

The next few years are likely to see changes in how we manage Canada geese as a whole. This may include a special late season in late January to early February, but I don't know.

G&F: We'd like to thank Mr. Bivans and staff of professionals for their responses.

Find more about Indiana fishing and hunting at: IndianaGameandFish.com