For the second year in a row, Congress has enacted a conservation order aimed at reducing the number of snow, blue and Ross geese, collectively known as light geese. The birds numbers have ballooned in recent years, topping 5 million. Their habit of grubbing up plants, roots and all, has turned hundreds of thousands of acres of tundra into wasteland. They can fly elsewhere to nest and feed, but other wildlife isn't so lucky. The snow goose population boom has been fueled by a practically limitless supply of food from agricultural crops.
Hunters can help.
To encourage a substantial harvest of light geese, hunters will be allowed to use methods during the conservation order that are not permitted during the hunting season. Until April 30, they can use electronic calling devices and unplugged shotguns capable of holding more than three shells. Shooting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, and there is no daily or possession limit. A valid Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit is the only license requirement. You might think that the Russian economy and raccoons rummaging in your trash are unrelated topics, but there may be a connection.