Snow Goose Hunting Seminar in Lamar

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) will host a Snow Goose Hunting Clinic at the DOW Office in Lamar on Friday, Feb. 22 from 6-8 p.m.  There is no cost to attend but participants must pre-register.
 
DOW biologists will present tips and tricks for hunting snow geese on the eastern plains of Colorado.  Topics will range from the basics for beginners, to techniques for the seasoned hunter.  
 
Subjects covered include goose identification and biology, how to hunt geese by understanding their daily movements, how weather and terrain affect geese, use of decoys, and much more. 
 
The program will be geared toward adults. 
 
The DOW Lamar office is located 2500 S. Main St. (about two hours east of Pueblo on Hwy 50). For more information about the hunting seminar, or to register, call Linda Groat (719) 336-6608.
 
Colorado hunting regulations allow for unlimited take of snow geese east of I-25 from Feb. 23 thru April 30. 
 
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, populations of greater and lesser snow geese and Ross's geese have grown to historic highs.  Collectively called "light geese," they are causing massive destruction to their summer home on the fragile arctic tundra to the point it may take decades to recover.
 
The current breeding population of mid-continent light geese exceeds five million birds.  This is an increase of more than 300 percent since the mid-1970s.  The management goal for mid-continent light geese is to reduce the population by 50 percent.  Since implementation of the liberal harvest regulations in 1999, the harvest of light geese has more than doubled but the population goal has yet to be attained.
 
The Friday evening hunting clinic is the kick-off for the sixth annual High Plains Snow Goose Festival.  For more information about the Snow Goose Festival, visit their website at www.highplainssnowgoose.com.
 
The Colorado Division of Wildlife is the state agency responsible for managing wildlife and its habitat, as well as providing wildlife related recreation and maintaining a balance between human activities and wildlife.  The Division is funded primarily through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, with some support from federal grants and the Colorado Lottery. The Division does not receive tax dollars from the Colorado general fund.