Environment DEC
From the March 2009 issue
Special Snow Goose Season Announced
A special snow goose hunting season will begin March 11 in most areas of New York State. Federal and state regulations were amended last fall to allow this special season, under the authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to control certain wildlife populations. Populations of snow geese (also referred to as "light geese" because of their white plumage) have grown to historic highs, and their feeding has negatively affected natural vegetation found in coastal marshlands during breeding, migration and winter.
The Atlantic Flyway population of snow geese, composed mostly of "greater" snow geese, increased from approximately 50,000 birds in the mid 1960s to more than 1 million birds in recent years. Most of these birds pass through New York State during spring and fall migrations and spend the winter in New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. Wildlife managers have recommended a population goal of 500,000 in the Atlantic Flyway.
Snow geese numbers have increased dramatically for various reasons. The availability of waste grains on agricultural fields has provided a vast new food supply for these birds. In addition, continuation of restrictive hunting regulations during the 1970s and 1980s allowed the snow goose population to grow, while hunter harvest rates declined. These two factors resulted in a higher reproductive rate, healthier offspring and a higher adult survival rate.
Regulations for Spring 2009
Hunters with migratory game bird privileges in New York State may take snow and Ross' geese in certain zones from March 11 to April 15 in addition to the regular season.
Under the new state regulations, any person who has migratory gamebird hunting privileges in New York State, including a valid Harvest Information Program (HIP) confirmation number, may take snow geese and Ross' geese (a smaller but nearly identical species) in the western, northeastern, southeastern and Lake Champlain waterfowl hunting zones from March 11 through April 15, in addition to the regular snow goose hunting seasons in each zone. Areas where large numbers of snow geese occur at this time of year include the Finger Lakes region and the upper Hudson and Champlain Valley regions. A special season was not implemented on Long Island because of the limited number of appropriate areas.
All migratory gamebird hunting regulations and requirements apply to the taking of snow geese during this spring harvest period, except that use of recorded or electrically amplified calls or sounds is allowed, as is the use of shotguns capable of holding more than three shells. Harvest reporting is not mandatory, but any person who participates must provide accurate and timely information on their activity and harvest if requested by DEC.
