Light goose hunting season begins Tuesday
Minnesota hunters may harvest snow geese, including blue-phased snow geese and the smaller Ross' geese, March 1 to April 30.
The harvest will occur under a federal conservation order that permits 24 states, including Minnesota, to allow harvest of light geese after the close of hunting seasons.
A spring light goose permit is required and may be obtained through any DNR license agent, online and by telephone at 888-665-4236. Customers using the telephone will receive a temporary authorization number in lieu of the permit until it can be mailed to the applicant. Customers using the Internet will be able to print their own permit when completing the transaction, and will not receive a permit by mail.
Although the permits are free, there is a $3.50 application fee to cover the cost of issuing the permit. No other license, stamp or permit is required to participate. Most regulations that apply to fall goose hunting seasons also will apply during the spring light goose season, including nontoxic shot requirements and federal baiting regulations. In addition, all 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 each day. No daily or possession limits apply. Use of electronic calls and unplugged shotguns is allowed.
