In 1999, to address concerns about burgeoning populations of snow geese, blue geese and Ross’ geese (aka light geese) and the damage they were doing to northern breeding areas, the federal government mandated the Light Goose Conservation Order (LGCO). This created a spring season in many states with relaxed regulations intended to boost harvests and reduce the numbers of these migratory birds. Bag and possession limits were removed, shooting hours were extended, unplugged shotguns were allowed, and electronic callers with recorded sounds were permitted.
In the years since the LGCO was federally mandated, each spring hardcore waterfowlers have chased wily light geese on their return migration from wintering habitat back to breeding
