2005 spring light goose hunting begins March 1 (2005-02-08)

In Minnesota and 24 other states, the harvest of snow geese, including blue-phased and the smaller Ross' geese, will be allowed under a federal conservation order this spring.

Since 2000, when Minnesota began participating in the conservation order, the state harvest of light geese has varied dramatically from a few hundred to 6,000 depending on weather conditions. Hunting this year will be open from March 1 to April 30.

"Minnesota is at the extreme eastern edge of the spring migration through the Midwest," said Ray Norrgard, wetland wildlife program leader with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). "March weather, particularly snow and ice conditions, can have a tremendous effect on the migration routes of light geese."

A spring light goose permit is required and may be obtained after Feb. 20 at any of the 1,800 Electronic Licensing System agents statewide. Spring light goose permits will also be available by telephone at 1-888-665-4236 or online after March 1 at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

No other license, stamp, or permit is required to participate. Although the permits are free, there is a $3.50 application fee to cover the cost of issuing the permit.

Nontoxic shot requirements and federal baiting regulations, as well as most regulations that apply to fall goose hunting seasons, will also apply during the spring light goose conservation action. The use of electronic calls and unplugged shotguns is allowed.

Refuges closed to either duck or goose hunting during fall seasons are also closed during the spring conservation action. Shooting hours will be one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset each day and no daily or possession limits apply.

The conservation order is part of an international effort to reduce by 50 percent by 2005 the populations of lesser snow geese that breeds in Arctic coastal areas and the Hudson Bay area. High populations cause habitat damage on the breeding grounds.

A summary of regulations will be available from license vendors, DNR wildlife offices, or by calling the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or toll free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367).

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