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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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