However, the total Rocky Mountain population of geese, which, in addition to Utah, includes Alberta, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and western Colorado, is up from last year.

That's important if you hunt geese after Nov. 1.

"Many of the geese we hunt after the first of November migrate into Utah from the north," Aldrich noted. "Based on how well the geese in the (Rocky Mountain population) are doing, I think we'll have a good goose season this year."

Tundra swans are one bird that have definitely increased in numbers. This past spring, biologists counted a record number of tundra swans on their breeding grounds in Alaska.

"The habitat in Alaska doesn't go through the drought cycles that the prairies go through," Aldrich said. "As a result, the swan population keeps growing."

He added that the tundra swan population in the West has increased 87 percent during the past 50 years.

"The swan population has almost doubled through time," he said. "And I don't see an end in sight.

"I think the population will continue to grow. As a result, I think we can expect a really good swan hunt this year and for years to come."

For more information about this year's waterfowl hunt, call the nearest DWR office or the main office at 801-538-4700.