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N.D. (AP) — Hunters in North Dakota bagged more than 36,000 birds during 2016 early Canada goose hunting for the sixth consecutive year.

The state Game and Fish Department says the number represents the combined harvest from the August management take and the September early regular goose season.

Migratory game bird specialist Mike Szymanski (shuh-MAN’-skee) says it’s another step in the department’s effort to reduce the state’s resident Canada goose population.

This year’s early goose season is tentatively scheduled to start Aug. 15, with a similar structure to recent years.