As one goose-hunting season ends, another begins. The overall Central Flyway season concludes Sunday, but the federally mandated Light Goose Conservation Order Season begins Monday and continues through April 30.
The special season is an attempt to help control an overpopulation of light geese that has been destroying nesting grounds within the Arctic Circle to the detriment of delicate ground cover and many other species that depend on it. It targets flights of snow and Ross’ geese that are on their way back to the nesting areas.
Legal shooting hours are from one half-hour before sunrise to one half-hour after sunset. Hunters may use electronic calls to attract geese. New for Colorado in 2010, shotguns used during the special season do not require a plug that limits their capacity to three shells.
No bag or possession limits apply during the special season. All other state and federal regulations, including HIP registration and purchase of state and federal duck stamps, remain in effect.
Last year’s extra season killed 23,072 light geese. Of those, 15,190 were taken with the aid of electronic calls and 6,485 were bagged after sunset.
Karl Licis, Special to The Denver Post
