Leeser or Cackler

[Magnum61]

Ok guys I always thought that a lesser or cackler were the same bird .
some people say they are and some say they are not?

[John Traiforos]

I believe there has been a recent renaming of the different subspecies BUT no a lesser and a true cackler are not even close. A true Cackler is found along the western coast only (it migrates only in the pacific flyway). Alot of guys in the midwest call an entirely different subspecies than the aforementioned 2 a cackler when they are referring to a Hutinson/Richardson.

[Zach Byron]

I understand that there are several subspecies of honkers, and I am guilty of calling them cacklers. I know what hutchies are, but what are the other sub species of geese that are a little bigger, but not quite as small as hutchies? We have, hutchies, then some like 6-8 pounders, some 9-12 pounders, and then some giants! Just wondering what the appropriate names would be, thanks!

[Magnum61]

Thank You!! for the information now I know the answer.

[Crazy_Farmer]

Cackler on the left just a bit bigger then a drake mallard. Other two were lessers. But I'm on the west coast so you guys in the midwest have more other subspecies.

http://members.shaw.ca/stevensml/hunting/Oct14th5.jpg

[Dustin Andersen]

We do not have true cacklers in the middle of the country those are only found on the west coast. The birds we get around here are hutchies. Lessers are a little bigger than a hutchie. So to answer your question cacklers and lessers are not the same thing. Here are a few pictures of some hutchies.
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e284/dustinandersen/S5000732.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e284/dustinandersen/100_1766.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e284/dustinandersen/100_2645-2.jpg

[Lybeck]

around here we have so many subspecies we have to take an Identification test to be able to hunt in certain areas. We have Cacklers,Aluetions,Duskys,Taverners,Lessers,and Westerns.

[FlockedUp]

yeah the different geese can be tough....there are the main groups...DEAD...SHUD HAVE DIED.....SMART MOTHER F@&##S. then from there you get the subspecies of the DEAD catagory which is "little guys"......"pretty nice".....and "big ole goose"...after that i'm sure there are some others but thats pretty much all i kill.

[Zach Byron]

I dont really get what your trying to get at...but yea they are really smart, in those huge swooping flocks!

[FlockedUp]

it was a joke.....most times i couldnt tell you what kinda goose i have shot. Most times i really dont care either. I'm just happy with a goose!

[Zach Byron]

word!

[jeffD4L]

Sibley Guides

http://www.sibleyguides.com/canada_cackling.htm

[Josh Ernst]

Thanks Jeff. That should clarify a lot of questions. Those graphs and maps will help too.