(Area) Snow goose season remains open through May 1st.
The light geese conservation order was put in place in the late 1990’s in order to protect the ecosystem. “Basically we had too many geese returning to the nesting grounds in the arctic and that over population of light geese was destroying the habitat up there. That habitat is used not only by the snow geese, but there’s other waterfowl and wildlife species that rely on that habitat. They put this season together to try and control the number of snow geese.”
Bryan Hayes with the Iowa DNR says it was clear hunters would be the best way to control the population. Now is as good a time as any to give it a shot. “We are in that time of year where most hunting seasons are closed, ice fishing is done, we are transitioning to open water fishing, and there’s not a lot going on. But there is this snow goose season that’s of interest to waterfowl hunters that’ll last until May 1st.”
Participants must have a valid hunting license, an Iowa habitat stamp, and Iowa migratory game bird fee. There is no bag or possession limit. Shooting hours are a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset. A duck stamp is not required. Electronic calls are allowed.
