Spring Snow Goose Migration

ND Game & Fish - Snow goose hunters will once again be able to receive migration updates throughout North Dakota's spring hunting season. Hunters can call 701-328-3697 to hear recorded information 24 hours a day until the season ends or geese have left the state, according to Mike Szymanski, migratory game bird biologist.

Game and fish will provide updates periodically during the week. "Hunters are able to get general locations of light geese at any time during the day or night once geese have entered the state," Szymanski said. "It is a good way to periodically update hunters as to timing and duration of the migration."

The department also has a spring snow goose update available on the Internet.

Snow geese tend to move through North Dakota fairly quickly in the spring, with arrival and duration in the state dependent on weather conditions. Last year, snow geese were in the state primarily the last two weeks in March and the first week in April. "But with our spring-like weather conditions, hunters should be prepared for an earlier and possibly faster migration," Szymanski said.

Species identification is important, Szymanski said, because white-fronted and Canada geese travel with light geese. The season is closed to whitefronts, Canada geese, swans and all other migratory birds.

The spring light goose season opened Feb. 19 and continues through May 8. Hunters must obtain a Harvest Information Program number for 2005 before hunting in the spring season. Hunters who have yet to obtain a HIP number may do so by calling 888-634-4798.

Regulations are available at county auditors, game and fish offices and some vendors. A waterfowl identification booklet can be obtained by contacting the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095 or call 328-6300.

Check the FBO Waterfowl Reports, often for up-to-date reports. The waterfowl push will soon begin and with the power of our affiliates North Star Outdoors, South Dakota Outdoors, and Nebraska Outdoors, the push north will be play-by-play!

Visit the ND Game & Fish for more info including spring goose regulations.