Light Geese Conservation Order

The Missouri Department of Conservation in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have issued another conservation order for light geese. A Light geese include lesser snow (both the white and blue phase) and Ross's geese. Numbers of light geese still exceed the carrying capacity of fragile arctic habitats, and biologists continue to recommend greater harvest to reduce numbers. Longer seasons with liberal bag limits since the mid-1990s, and implementation of a Conservation Order following the regular waterfowl hunting season since 1998/99 has resulted in increased harvest in Missouri. From 1991-1995, the number of light geese taken annually in Missouri averaged 11,350. During the first three years of the Conservation Order (98/99 through 00/01), the harvest during the regular waterfowl season and Conservation Order combined averaged just over 100,000.

During the Conservation Order Feb. 1- April 30 there is no bag limit. Hunters may use electronic calls and unplugged shotguns, and shoot from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset. Residents and nonresidents age 16 and older only need a Conservation Order Permit to hunt snow, blue, and Ross's Geese during the Conservation Order. This permit costs $5 for residents and $40 for nonresidents.

A Missouri small game hunting permit, Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit, and Federal Duck Stamp are not required during the Conservation Order.