Light Goose Conservation Order Season

Attention Snow Goose Hunters

In addition to the regular snow goose hunting season that we have held in the past, we are offering an extended hunting season for snow geese this year in Virginia. This opportunity is available because of recent changes in Federal Regulations that are aimed at increasing the harvest of light geese (Greater and Lesser Snow Geese, and Ross's Geese). Expanding populations of light geese are continuing to cause damage to sensitive arctic breeding habitats and also to wintering habitats here in the Atlantic Flyway.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) recently published an Environmental Impact Statement and Federal Rule (Light Goose Conservation Order), which permits the use of special hunting measures for light goose, and allows the taking of light geese outside of the general hunting seasons. In Virginia, we have established a special Light Goose Conservation Order Season (see season dates below) that will be offered after the regular season this year (2009-2010) in a designated Conservation Order Season Zone (see map below). During this Conservation Order season, special hunting measures (unplugged shotguns, electronic calls, shooting to ½ hour after sunset, no daily bag limit) will be permitted.

The USFWS is requiring us to monitor hunter participation and harvest during this extended season. Therefore, hunters planning to participate in this Light Goose Conservation Order Season in Virginia will be required to register for the season, and to complete the Harvest Report Form, which will provide information on their hunting activity and snow goose harvest. The registration process will begin on December 1. Hunters will be able to register online through our website or by calling our Customer Service center (1-866-721-6911, Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM, excluding holidays). The Harvest Report Form must be filled out and returned within 2 weeks after the close of the season. Hunters can complete this harvest report online or they can obtain this form by calling the Customer Service desk. Participants must also possess a valid Virginia hunting license, a 2009-2010 Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp (unless license exempt), and a Virginia HIP number.

Note: Hunters do not need to register to participate in the general light goose (snow goose) hunting season (October 8 - January 30); they only need to register if they plan to participate in the extended Light Goose Conservation Order season (February 1 - March 27, 2010).

Regular Season

  • October 8-January 30; statewide

Bag limit: 15 per day, no possession limit.

Light Goose Conservation Order Season (see hunt zone below)

  • February 1-March 27

Bag limit: No daily or possession limit.

Special Hunting Methods: Electronic calls, unplugged shotguns and extended shooting hours to ½-hour after sunset.

Special Requirements: All hunters who plan to participate during this season must register online or by phone, obtain a harvest report form prior to hunting, and return the report form back to the Department within two weeks following the close of the season.

Conservation Order Season Zone: Same as the AP Canada Goose Zone—the area east of the Stafford/King George County line from the Potomac River south to the Rappahannock River, then west along the Stafford County line to Interstate 95, then south along Interstate 95 to Route 460 in Petersburg, then southeast along Route 460 to Route 32 in the City of Suffolk, then south along Route 32 to the North Carolina border.

Conservation Order Season Hunt Zone