1/17/08

Snow geese spotted in Marysville fields

(Photo by Kathy S. Young)

For the first time, according to locals, snow geese are frequenting Marysville fields.

The change in locale may be attributed to a new program that allows regulated hunting of the fowl on specified farms in Skagit Valley and Stanwood. Licenses for the special hunts are managed by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The Fraser-Skagit River snow geese population has climbed in recent years while its traditional food source, native delta salt marsh plants including the three-square bulrush, has diminished. Crops of winter wheat and grass have increasingly become a target for the birds, to the detriment of local farmers.

The snow goose hunting season began in November 2007 and runs through January 27. More than 420 permits were issued for goose hunters by the wildlife agency.