Cackling goose

Species it is confused with

Check these before deciding what you are looking at. If you are not certain what it is, do not shoot.

• Canada goose · Branta canadensis

Field notes

• Identification Do not identify Cackling goose from colour alone. Compare structure, size, range and the listed similar species before making a field decision.[1]

Where legal take is listed

• British Columbia — migratory bird hunting · 2026-2028 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis
• Canada (federal migratory birds) — migratory bird hunting · Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 (SOR/2022-105), Schedule Parts 7-13 (MB, SK, AB, BC, NT, YT, NU)
• New Brunswick — migratory bird hunting · Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022, Schedule 3, Part 4 (New Brunswick) (current to 2026-09-21)
• Nova Scotia — migratory bird hunting · Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022, Schedule 3, Part 3 (Nova Scotia) (current to 2026-09-21)
• Ontario — migratory bird hunting · Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022, Schedule 3, Part 6 (Ontario) (current to 2026-09-21)
• Prince Edward Island — migratory bird hunting · Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022, Schedule 3, Part 2 (Prince Edward Island) (current to 2026-09-21)
• Québec — migratory bird hunting · Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022, Schedule 3, Part 5 (Quebec) (current to 2026-09-21)
• Saskatchewan — migratory bird hunting · Saskatchewan Hunters Guide 2026-27
• Alaska — migratory bird hunting · 2026-2027 Alaska Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations
• California — migratory bird hunting · 2026-2027 California Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use of Department Lands Regulations
• Colorado — migratory bird hunting · 2 CCR 406-5 Chapter W-5 Migratory Birds (03/04/2026; eff. 2026-05-01)
• Idaho — migratory bird hunting · IDAPA 13.01.06 Rules Governing Classification and Protection of Wildlife
• Kansas — migratory bird hunting · Kansas Hunting & Furharvesting Regulations Summary, Fall 2025-Spring 2026
• Kentucky — migratory bird hunting · Kentucky Hunting & Trapping Guide, August 2026-March 2027
• Maryland — migratory bird hunting · 2026-27 Maryland Guide to Hunting & Trapping (official guide, linked from dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide)
• Montana — migratory bird hunting · 2026 Waterfowl, Sandhill Cranes, Mourning Doves & Snipe Regulations
• Nebraska — migratory bird hunting · Small Game & Waterfowl Guide 2025-2026
• Nevada — migratory bird hunting · Nevada 2026-2027 Small Game Hunting Regulations & Seasons (NDOW official guide, eRegulations-hosted)
• North Dakota — migratory bird hunting · 2026-2027 Small Game, Waterfowl and Furbearer Proclamation
• Ohio — migratory bird hunting · Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations 2026-27 (effective 1 Sep 2026-31 Aug 2027); PDF read from cached copy
• Oregon — migratory bird hunting · 2026-27 Oregon Game Bird Hunting Regulations (official ODFW booklet)
• Rhode Island — migratory bird hunting · Hunting and Trapping Regulations (250-RICR-60-00-9)
• South Dakota — migratory bird hunting · 2026 South Dakota Hunting and Trapping Handbook
• Utah — migratory bird hunting · 2026-27 Waterfowl, Upland Game and Turkey Guidebook
• Washington — migratory bird hunting · 2026 Washington Game Bird and Small Game Hunting Regulations (Jul 1 2026 - Jun 30 2027)
• Wyoming — migratory bird hunting · WGFC Ch. 14 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons and Light Goose Conservation Order (dated Apr 22 2026)

Being listed is not an open season. Seasons, zones, licences, methods and limits decide whether this animal may be taken on a given day and place — check Hunt or the authority before you go. Listings read 2026-09-30.