However, indications are that a significant population reduction would require a harvest of perhaps two to three times the current level. There has been much discussion about the potential for a spring snow goose hunt. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act outlawed spring hunting in the early part of this century. Hunting seasons already take place from September l to March l 0 in areas from the arctic to the Gulf Coast. Recently, hunting has been allowed until March l 0 as far north as southern Nebraska and Iowa.
Snow geese are birds principally of central and western North America.
All snow geese that fly through North Dakota each spring and fall are part of the Mid-continent population. LaPerouse Bay on the west coast of Hudson Bay has been the site of extensive research since 1968. While a spring hunt would likely increase harvest, it probably won't happen soon. The Treaty has only been amended once since 1916, and that process took 15 years. Conceivably, the U.S. and Canadian governments could find a way to make this work, if resolution of the snow goose issue became a priority.