Black Brant

The Black Brant, a small sea goose, is one of Puget Sound’s most anticipated seasonal arrivals. With their dark plumage, white neck collar, and distinctive calls, Brant migrate south from Alaska and the Arctic to winter along Washington’s coastal bays. They graze on eelgrass beds in shallow water, and along the shorelines.  Due to the limited brant numbers throughout puget sound only specific counties are open to successfully target and harvest these incredible birds.

Brant hunting in Washington is strictly regulated and limited to a few days each January, depending on annual population surveys. Because of these short windows, hunts are booked well in advance, and spots fill quickly. For many waterfowlers, harvesting a Pacific Black Brant in Washington is a bucket-list achievement that symbolizes patience, skill, and respect for conservation. Washington allows for two brant to be harvested per day, with a possession limit of six brant total.