OutdoorNebraska

23 | OutdoorNebraska.gov PUBLIC HUNTING AREA SIGNS STATUS OF LIGHT GEESE AND THE LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER The Light Goose Conservation Order was established in 1999 with the objective to reduce snow and Ross's goose populations that were damaging subarctic and arctic breeding habitats, as well as wintering and migration areas. Using methods and regulations not allowed during regular waterfowl seasons — such as unplugged shotguns and no daily bag limits — participants began pursuing light geese in unprecedented fashion. Harvest of light geese doubled initially, but quickly leveled off. Indices of light goose populations followed the same pattern. So, where are we with light goose populations and the conservation order? The conservation order appears to have worked for reducing and stabilizing the greater snow goose population in the Atlantic Flyway. Greater snow geese were causing large-scale damage at breeding, migration and wintering areas. With implementation of the conservation order, the harvest rate doubled and carryover effects — such as less frequency of nesting and reduced clutch sizes — resulted in a stable population. Currently, there is no evidence of habitat damage in breeding areas and limited damages in migration or wintering areas. The situation for the midcontinent population of lesser snow and Ross's geese (combined, known as light geese), is more complex. A decade ago, population estimates were as high as 20 million birds with no sign that the conservation order was having the desired effect. However, recent estimates put the population below 10 million birds and declining. This recent decline is not believed to be a result of the conservation order, as harvest rates remain low and adult survival is high. Preliminary research suggests that multiple factors are contributing to low production and recruitment such as an earlier snow melt resulting in nutritional imbalances among goslings. Multiple migratory Flyway Councils and partners are funding projects to better understand the current trend. A number of factors contribute to the higher effectiveness of the conservation order on greater snow geese than midcontinent light geese. In 1999, the population estimates of light geese were around 5-10 million birds. More recent estimates using refined statistical analysis indicate that it may have been at least double that. Thus, the effort needed to reduce the population was underestimated. Also, light geese in the midcontinent appeared to be more flexible in their use of breeding, migration, and wintering areas than greater snows, which are comparably more static. Finally, recent research indicates that a significant portion of light geese harvested in the conservation order may be the "wrong" birds. Evidence indicates that decoyed birds, which comprise more than 70 percent of geese harvested in Nebraska, are in poorer body condition than those jump- or pass-shot. Essentially, the conservation order is not removing enough fit adult females, which needs to occur if the population is to be reduced. The conservation order should continue in Nebraska until habitat and population objectives are met, whether that is through increased harvest or by the continuance of limiting environmental factors. Lands owned, controlled or managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which are closed during the Light Goose Conservation Order, except Harvard and Cottonwood waterfowl production areas, are designated by the sign on the right. Lands owned, controlled or managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, which are open during the Light Goose Conservation Order, are designated by the sign on the right.

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