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North Dakota^s spring light goose season is set to open March 1, according to Darren Bruning, assistant wildlife chief for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
The spring season is part of an effort to reduce the mid-continent light goose population, which has more than tripled in the past 30 years. In 1999, during North Dakota^s first spring snow goose season, an estimated 6,300 hunters harvested 25,000 light geese.
Species identification is very important, Bruning said, because white-fronted geese (specklebellies) and Canada geese sometimes travel with light geese. "We had some problems last spring with a few hunters not recognizing whitefronts," Bruning added. "The spring season is not open to white-fronted or Canada geese."
Snow geese tend to move through the state fairly quickly in the spring with arrival and duration in the state entirely dependent on weather conditions, said Mike Johnson, department waterfowl biologist. "The spring migration tends to be farther east than in the fall," Johnson added. "Hunters should expect the first snow geese in the southeastern corner of the state with flocks moving north and northwest from the Devils Lake to the Kenmare areas."
Hunting conditions in the spring can be much different from those in the fall, Johnson said. "Muddy, icy roads and fields will be common and travel and access to hunting areas can be difficult."
The following points explain details of the upcoming light goose season:
Season dates are March 1 through May 14.
Light geese include snow geese, both white and blue phases, and Ross^s geese.
The entire state will be open.
All waterfowl rest areas designated for the 1999 season are open.
Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
There is no daily bag limit or possession limit.
Residents need either the following 1999-2000 or 2000-2001 licenses: hunting, fishing, and furbearer certificate, small game license, and a general game and habitat license; or a sportsmen^s license. The 2000-2001 licenses are available only from the game and fish department^s Bismarck office or from Instant Licensing at 1-800-406-6409. Additionally, resident sportsman licenses for 2000, which meet all requirements, are available from county auditors and are expected at most vendors in March.
Nonresidents need a 2000 spring white goose season license. The cost is $50 and the license is good statewide (zones do not apply to the spring season). Licenses are available by calling Instant Licensing at 1-800-406-6409 or by mail at the department^s Bismarck office. Nonresidents who hunt the spring season remain eligible to buy a fall season license. The spring season does not count against the 14-day fall restriction.
A federal duck stamp is not required of either residents or nonresidents.
All 2000 spring goose hunters must register with the Harvest Information Program. They may do so by calling toll free, 1-888-634-4798. Note: this phone number will be active after Feb. 15. Hunters purchasing a license by calling Instant Licensing will receive a HIP number at that time. The HIP number is good for the fall season as well, so spring hunters should save it to record on their fall license.
Electronic and recorded calls as well as shotguns capable of holding more than three shells may be used to take light geese during this season.
Non-toxic shot is required for hunting all migratory birds statewide.
Driving off established roads and trails is strongly discouraged during this hunt because of the likelihood of very soft, muddy conditions. To maintain good landowner-sportsman relations, please seek permission before attempting any off road travel during this season.
For more information on regulations refer to the 1999 North Dakota Waterfowl Hunting Guide.
Uploaded: 2/6/2000
Uploaded: 2/6/2000