Canada goose
Branta canadensis · Black neck and a white chin strap. Resident and migrant birds both.
- Length
- 30–43 in
- Weight
- 6.5–14 lb
- Wingspan
- 50–71 in
- Group
- Goose
Typical adult size.
How to identify a canada goose
Adults
Black head and neck with a white chin strap, brown back and pale breast. The sexes look alike.
Young birds and sexes
Same as the gander.
In flight
Big, slow wingbeats in V's with deep honking. White band across the rump under a black tail.
Look-alikes
- Greater white-fronted goose: Specklebellies are brown all over with orange legs and no chin strap.
Canada goose gallery
Canada goose call
Recording: NPS & MSU Acoustic Atlas / Jennifer Jerrett · Public domain · source
Canada goose limits in six Mid-South states
Mississippi
| Season | Dates | Daily | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept season | Sept 1–30, 2026 (closed on Roebuck Lake, Leflore Co.) | 5 | 15 |
| Regular season | Nov 13–29; Dec 4–6; Dec 9, 2026–Jan 31, 2027 | 5 | 15 |
MDWFP Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits · checked Oct 22, 2026 · Mississippi rules
Tennessee
| Season | Dates | Daily | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| September season | Sept 1–20, 2026 | 5 | 3× daily (1× on opening day, 2× on the second day) |
| Later segments | Oct 10–22; Nov 28–29; Dec 5, 2026–Feb 14, 2027 | 3 | 3× daily (1× on opening day, 2× on the second day) |
TWRA Waterfowl and Migratory Birds · checked Oct 22, 2026 · Tennessee rules
Arkansas
| Season | Dates | Daily | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early season | Sept 1–Oct 15, 2026 | 5 | 15 |
| Regular season | Nov 21–29; Dec 10–23; Dec 26, 2026–Jan 31, 2027 | 2 | 6 |
AGFC Waterfowl Season Dates, Rules and Regulations · checked Oct 22, 2026 · Arkansas rules
Louisiana
| Season | Dates | Daily | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular season (closed in part of SW Louisiana) | Nov 14–Dec 6; Dec 19, 2026–Feb 7, 2027 | 1 | 3 |
LDWF Seasons and Regulations · checked Oct 22, 2026 · Louisiana rules
Missouri
| Season | Dates | Daily | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early season (Canada geese and brant) | Oct 3–11, 2026 (closed) | 3 | 9 |
| Regular season | Nov 11, 2026–Feb 6, 2027 | 3 (Canada geese and brant combined) | 9 |
MDC 2026–27 Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest · checked Oct 22, 2026 · Missouri rules
Kentucky
| Season | Dates | Daily | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| September season | Western Zone Sept 1–15; Eastern Zone Sept 16–30, 2026 (closed) | 5 | 15 |
| Regular season | Nov 26, 2026–Feb 15, 2027 | 3 (inside 5 dark geese combined) | 3× daily |
KDFWR 2026–27 Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Guide · checked Oct 22, 2026 · Kentucky rules
Regular-season limits from each state’s official 2026-27 regulations. Possession limits count birds at home too. Federal rules apply on top of state rules, and some WMAs and refuges set stricter limits. Louisiana and Missouri set duck seasons by zone; the dates shown are for every zone.
When and where on public land
Timing
Resident birds are here all year and are the target of the September seasons; migrants add to them in winter.
Habitat
Fields, lakes, rivers and reservoirs; residents also live on golf courses and city ponds.
More gooses
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