The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is looking for Stanwood farmers to open their farms up to state-organized snow geese hunts from mid-October through Jan. 27, 2008.

Doug Huddle, the snow goose quality hunt coordinator for the state Department of Fish &Wildlife, answers questions about the hunt.

Q. How does the upcoming state-organized “quality” hunt differ from last year’s hunt?

A. The number of hunting days has been expanded from three to five per week. Last year we contracted with three growers on Fir Island. … This year we’re extending the opportunity for landowners in Stanwood who are concerned about the potential for damage to their cover crops.

Q. How many farmers can participate?

A. There is no maximum number.

Q. What is a quality hunt?

A. We locate those on private lands with willing property owners. The state manages the access and allocates the opportunity by preseason drawing. Last year approximately 1,500 hunters applied for the Fir Island quality hunt.

Q. How many hunters were allowed to participate in the hunt last year?

A. Last year we issued 336 permits by lottery. This year we anticipate probably allocating more. Each person awarded a permit is allowed to take three guests with them on any hunt day.

Q. Why are you expanding the program?

A. We’re doing so because of concerns voiced by agribusiness people in Skagit and Snohomish counties – because of their concerns for crop damage.

Q. What do hunters do with the snow geese they kill?

A. By and large, they’re prepared like any other waterfowl. There are any number of recipes out there for snow geese that people like to try. I know people who will grind up the breast meat.

There are people who will prepare it in a variety of different dishes with heavy gravies. There’s snow goose hash, snow goose jerky. You can take out the thighs and breasts and freeze them.