2/7/06
2006 Spring Light Goose Hunting Begins March 1
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 from
March 1 to April 30.
"Minnesota is at the extreme eastern edge of the spring migration through
the Midwest," according to 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 DNR Electronic Licensing System agents statewide. Spring
light goose permits will also be available by calling 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 permits are free, there is a $3.50 application fee to
cover the cost of issuing the permit.
Nontoxic shot requirements, federal baiting regulations and 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. No daily or
possession limits apply.
The conservation order is part of an international effort to reduce by 50
percent populations of lesser snow geese that breed in Arctic coastal areas
and the Hudson Bay area. High populations of the birds 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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