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January 29, 2007

Spring Light Goose Season Opens February 17

North Dakota"s spring light goose season is only a couple of weeks away, but hunters shouldn"t expect geese to be in the state opening day, according to Mike Johnson, waterfowl biologist with the state Game and Fish Department.

The hunting season opens Feb. 17. Weather and availability of food and open water dictate when snow geese arrive in the state, Johnson said. "Conditions may not be conducive for geese to be here on opening day," he said, "but we want to make sure the season is open when birds arrive."

Residents can hunt during the spring season with a 2006-07 hunting license. Otherwise, hunters will need to purchase either a 2007-08 combination license; or a small game, and general game and habitat license. Licenses at this time 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.

Nonresidents need a 2007 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 full 14-day fall season license.

A federal duck stamp is not required of either residents or nonresidents for the spring season.

Hunters must register with the Harvest Information Program before venturing out into the field. Those purchasing a license are able to register with HIP at that time. Otherwise, hunters should call 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 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.

The statewide season is open through May 6. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. There is no daily bag 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. While the rest areas are not in effect, private land within these areas 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 positive landowner/hunter relations, hunters are advised to seek permission before hunting on private lands or attempting any off-road travel during this season.

All regular hunting season regulations not addressed above apply to the spring season. For more information on regulations refer to the 2006 North Dakota Waterfowl Hunting Guide.

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