Spring Light Goose Licenses Available
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marizing the numbers, a total of 127,000 Canada geese and 31,700 mallards were tallied statewide.
"Conditions for this year's survey were much more normal and starkly contrasted last year's extremely mild conditions that resulted in a record count of 279,000 birds," he said. "A strong winter storm that occurred on Veteran's Day weekend pushed most waterfowl from North Dakota. In addition, essentially all water in the state was frozen at the time of this year's survey, with the exception of a few places with fast moving, or warm water."
Overall, Szymanski said the numbers of birds are somewhat surprising given some harsh weather conditions experienced thus far. "However, relatively shallow snow cover has allowed birds to feed without too much trouble," he added. "If heavy snow had fallen in the western part of the state, this year's count would have been much lower."
Spring Light Goose Licenses Available
Light goose hunters planning to hunt during North Dakota's spring season can purchase a license online at the state Game and Fish Department's website. The season opens Feb. 16 and continues through May 5.
Residents can hunt during the spring season by having last fall's 2012-13 bird licenses. Otherwise, hunters will need to purchase either a 2013-14 combination license; or a small game, and general game and habitat license.
Nonresidents, regardless of age, need a 2013 spring light goose season license. The cost is $50 and the license is good statewide. 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 hunting season regulation.
A federal duck stamp is not required for either residents or nonresidents.
Licenses are available only from the Game and Fish Department's Bismarck office, the department's website at gf.nd.gov, or by calling (800) 406-6409.
Availability of food and open water dictate when snow geese arrive in the state. Early migrants generally start showing up in the southeast part of the state in mid-to-late March, but huntable numbers usually aren't around until the end of March or early April. If this winter's mild weather conditions continue, light geese could arrive earlier than normal. However, movements into and through the state will depend on available roosting areas and the extent of the snow line.
Hunters must obtain a new Harvest Information Program registration number before venturing out into the field. The HIP number can be obtained online or by calling (888) 634-4798. The HIP number is good for the fall season as well, so spring hunters should save it to record on their fall license.
The Game and Fish Department will provide hunters with migration updates once geese have entered the state. Hunters can access the department's website, or call (701) 328-3697, to receive generalized locations of bird sightings in North Dakota until the season ends or geese have left the state. Migration reports will be updated periodically during the week.
The spring season is only open to light geese – snows, blues, and Ross's. Species identification is important because white-fronted and Canada geese travel with light geese. The season is closed to whitefronts, Canada geese, swans and all other migratory birds.
Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. There is no daily bag limit or possession limit. 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.
There are no waterfowl rest areas designated for the spring season. Hunters should note that private land within waterfowl rest areas closed last fall may be posted closed to hunting.
Nontoxic shot is required for hunting all light geese statewide. Driving off established roads and trails is strongly discouraged during this hunt because of the likelihood of soft, muddy conditions, and winter wheat that is planted across the state.
To maintain good landowner relations, hunters are advised to seek permission before hunting on private lands or attempting any off-road travel during this season. Sprouted winter wheat is considered an unharvested crop. Therefore, hunting or off-road travel in winter wheat is not legal without landowner permission.
All regular hunting season regulations not addressed above apply to the spring season. For more information on regulations refer to the 2013 Spring Light Goose Hunting Regulations and the 2012 North Dakota Waterfowl Hunting Guide.
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