2/7/2007

Spring Snow Goose Hotline, Website Provide Migration Updates

North Dakota spring light goose hunters can track general locations of geese as birds make their way through the state during the upcoming spring season.

Hunters are able to call 701-328-3697 to hear recorded information 24 hours a day. Migration reports are also posted on the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov. Updates will be provided periodically during the week as migration events occur until the season ends or geese have left the state.

Snow geese tend to move through North Dakota fairly quickly in the spring, with arrival and duration in the state dependent on weather conditions, said Mike Szymanski, waterfowl biologist for the state Game and Fish Department. "Snow geese generally start showing up in the southeast part of the state mid-to-late March," Szymanski said, "but huntable numbers usually aren't around until the last week in March, or even the first week in April. Movements through the state are largely dependant on available roosting areas and the extent of the snow line."

North Dakota's spring light goose season opens Feb. 17 and continues through May 6. Although resident hunters can use either a license for 2006-07 or 2007-08 (a federal duck stamp is not required for the spring season), all hunters must obtain a new Harvest Information Program number for 2007 before hunting in the spring season. Hunters who have yet to obtain a HIP number may do so by calling 888-634-4798, or log on to the Game and Fish Department website.

Licensing requirements and regulations are also available by accessing the website