Light geese were on the move this past week from the Texas Panhandle to Missouri. Snow goose numbers at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge have topped 600,000 according to the most recent survey and reports from the deep south indicate the spring migration is well underway.
Hello folks, and, as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com.
The brief thaw that spawned the migration event this past week collided with a series of late-winter storms that dumped snow across north-central portions of the Central, Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways. A quick glance at the snow-depth map (link at right) reveals a welcomed migration barrier that will provide increased hunting opportunities until the next thaw.
Despite the volume of opportunity, spring snow goose hunting is not an old-fashioned barrel shoot. To reap the harvest, spring snow goose hunters are challenged to scout hard and obtain access to active feeding fields. When the planets align and you happen to find yourself under a tornado of birds, that one moment in time can provide a life-long memory.
Waterfowler.com encourages our members to share those moments with our readers this spring on the Member Photo Gallery and in real-time hunting reports. While many readers don’t have the opportunity to participate in the hunt, they welcome the opportunity to share the passion of the hunt with you. If you happen to have room for an extra gun on your hunts, by all means, extend an invitation to your fellow members by using the Trade-A-Hunt feature at Waterfowler.com. Sharing your opportunity also creates an opportunity to hunt new species and new places with your fellow members – so post your Trade-A-Hunt listing today.
LIGHT GOOSE MIGRATION UPDATE:
In the Central and Mississippi Flyways, snow geese have departed from the southern wintering grounds and begun the migration north. From New Mexico to Louisiana, light geese have begun the journey north. Light goose numbers are increasing daily on a line from the Texas Panhandle to Southern Illinois. In Kansas and Nebraska, the first flights of light geese appeared over the last week. With very little snow cover in this region, numbers are expected to continue to increase in the coming week.
In the Atlantic Flyway, Snow goose numbers remain good to excellent in Delaware and New Jersey at this time. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is holding approximately 30,000 birds at this time, and numbers are expected to remain steady into mid-March. Light goose numbers are above average for this time of year at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Maryland, with an estimated 10,000 geese roosting there.
Not surprisingly, light geese across the nation are pushing along the edge of the snow and freeze-lines in traditional fashion. Hunting opportunities will move north as the snow and ice retreat. Hunting conditions can change as quickly as the weather, so take advantage of the opportunity while it’s there.
Until our next report, take a camera to the field this week and enjoy the spring migration.
