White-fronted geese (commonly called Specklebellies)

It's easy to see why the common name of the White-fronted goose is "Specklebelly" when you look at the breast of the male bird. People who aren't familiar with these geese sometimes have a tough time identifying them. Other identifying features include their distinctive yellow legs and bill as well as the "laughing lines', the white strips immediately behind the side of the bill. They also have a distinctive call that can be picked out easily once you here it a couple times. Identifying them is important for several reasons. In terms of the daily harvest limit for geese, they are considered part of the daily limit of dark geese, but as they are the much less numerous than the Canada Goose there is a smaller limit for these beautiful geese. "Specks" are also considered by many to be the best tasting and most tender of all geese available in North America. Personally I agree particularly if destined for the roaster. For many other preparations such as stir fry or slow cooked in a crock-pot, my preference is either Ross Goose or young Snow Goose breasts. I realize that in parts of North America this may not be the case, but after these white geese have been feeding on Saskatchewan peas, barley, oats, and wheat they are hard to beat for dining pleasure