Hunting season for geese begins in Iceland as experts monitor populations

Hunting season for geese began on Tuesday, and starting September 1, hunters will also be allowed to hunt brent geese. Wildlife biologist Arnór Þórir Sigfússon highlights that, overall, the goose population remains strong, despite a decline in the greylag goose population over the past decade.

The brent goose population has particularly suffered in recent years, largely due to an outbreak of avian influenza that has impacted bird species in the last two years. Sigfússon has been monitoring the goose population for several years and collects wings from harvested geese to analyze reproductive patterns each year.

Amid official reports regarding the decreases in goose populations, it is noted that a sales ban on greylag geese, implemented last year to reduce hunting pressure, has yielded positive results. Sigfússon considers the greylag goose population to be historically strong despite recent declines and does not foresee a lifting of the sales ban anytime soon.

Sigfússon further emphasizes that, even with challenges posed by the harsh early summer conditions, the population of the pink-footed goose remains robust and resilient. The upcoming hunting season will give an opportunity for hunters while continuing efforts to preserve the goose populations effectively.