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Register for COLGS (click here to register) 

What is it?
The Wildlife Department is once again offering waterfowl hunters an opportunity to assist in managing the light goose population.  Not only can hunters squeeze in some extra field days, but they can do something good for waterfowl and the environment at the same time!  We need hunters to be the primary management tool to bring the over-population of light geese into balance with their habitat.

Why do we have it?
Populations of light geese (snow, blue and Ross') have grown to the point that they are causing serious damage to their arctic breeding ground in Canada.  This over-population not only hurts the light geese, but it also impacts other migratory birds and arctic wildlife.  In 1999, the US Fish and Wildlife Service issued the first Conservation Order Light Goose Season (COLGS) to encourage hunters to harvest additional light geese.  Only by reducing the light goose population can the fragile breeding ground be restored.

When is the COLGS?
The COLGS begins after the close of the regular Canada goose season and typically extends until the end of March. 

    2009 dates: February 16 - March 31

How is the COLGS different from the regular season?
bullet Season dates (February 16 - March 31)
bullet Only light goose hunting allowed (blue, snow, Ross')
bullet Hunters may use an unplugged shotgun
bullet No daily bag limit, no possession limit
bullet Electronic calls allowed
bullet Shooting hours extended to 1/2 hour after sunset
bullet Hunters need to register to participate, by clicking here. 
(In order to allow this special season, the USFWS requires the Department of Wildlife to report the number of light geese harvested in Oklahoma.  We need to be able to contact COLGS hunters to find out how many light geese were harvested during the season.)
How is the COLGS the same as the regular season?
bullet All necessary licenses are still required: hunting license, state and federal waterfowl stamps, Harvest Information Program (HIP) Permit.  See the Waterfowl Hunting Guide for more information.
bullet Non-toxic shot required
bullet Shooting hours begin 1/2 hour before sunrise
bullet All regular waterfowl hunting regulations apply.
(Click on the Waterfowl Hunting Guide link above for more information.)
For more information about the snow geese over-population and the COLGS,
visit the US Fish and Wildlife Service Migratory Bird Office.

For ODWC information, contact the Department by email at info@odwc.state.ok.us
Webmaster: kgillman@odwc.state.ok.us