Pick of the Season: Snow goose

While Wapusk National Park is often known as a polar bear playground, another resident of this ecosystem can be found in abundance. Snow geese are a migratory bird found in Wapusk during the late spring and early summer. However, this flighted fowl, like many Manitobans, spends the harsh winters in locations as far south as Mexico.

With a serrated beak, and a guttural honk, these geese are not to be trifled with. In fact, researchers that have spent time in the park tell stories of the geese stepping up to arctic foxes, caribou, wolves and even a polar bear!

Considered “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, due to the continued growth of their wintering grounds and population, snow geese hunting is common. Some Indigenous communities in northern Manitoba, such as Fox Lake Cree Nation, take time to hold a Spring Gathering Goose Camp to re-connect, hunt, harvest and pass along traditional practices and cultural activities.

After harvesting, the meat from snow geese can be prepared in a variety of ways such as boiling, roasting, curing or turning into jerky. If you’re looking for snow goose recipes, we recommend this recipe provided by Jill Larkin, Churchill, MB Harvester:

Ginger Garlic Snow Goose

Slice snow goose breasts thin and across the grain.

To a container or sealable bag, add the following ingredients and measure with your heart:

• Soya sauce
• A splash of apple cider vinegar
• Maple syrup or white sugar
• Crushed garlic
• Fresh ginger, finely chopped
• Sesame oil
• Black pepper
• A little bit of cayenne pepper
• Toasted sesame seeds

Place your prepped snow goose meat in the container, ensuring meat is well coated and covered. Marinate overnight.

Fry marinated snow goose in a single layer, just until brown (do not overcook!).

Add stir-fry vegetables, if you would like. Rocket Greens bok choy is a nice choice with this recipe.

Serve with rice or rice noodles and garnish with green onions.

Add more soya sauce to taste, and enjoy your Ginger Garlic Snow Goose!