Since 2000, a growing number of states in flyways across the nation have been authorizing a Light Goose Conservation Order, which effectively serves as an extension of the “light goose” hunting season, beyond the existing migratory bird hunting framework. Why? To, as the motto has become, “protect the tundra.” Light goose numbers are reaching record highs, and their prevalence has put a hurting on feeding grounds throughout the continent.
On top of extending the season, the conservation order loosens restrictions on light goose hunters—bag limits are essentially forgotten and plugs can be pulled from your shotgun. To really “save the tundra,” though, you’re going to need to get serious. Here are a few recommendations.
Mossberg 930 High Performance in Kryptek Yeti
First thing’s first: You’re going to need a good shotgun. And, yeah, ol’ reliable will do the trick, too—especially if you take the plug out. But to really take advantage of the lax game laws afforded to the conservation season you’ll probably want to add an extension tube to your magazine. And if you’re going to go that far, why not just add a new gun to the safe? Mossberg produces a variant of its 930 series that’s specifically designed for light geese. The 12-gauge makes it possible to load up 13 rounds of 3” fun, and comes dipped in a Kryptek Yeti pattern. The snows won’t know what hit ‘em.
Federal Premium Black Cloud Snow Goose
Federal’s Black Cloud line and its many offerings are the go-to option for waterfowlers nationwide—that much isn’t really a surprise. But you’d have a hard time finding another brand that makes a load designed specifically for hardcore light goose hunters. Black Cloud Snow Goose is crafted to help hunters take snow geese at extreme ranges, in large part due to a blistering 1,635 fps muzzle velocity. The Flitestopper pellets and Flitecontrol wads typically incorporated into the line make it even easier to knock down the northern bound birds.
Black Cloud Choke Tubes from Carlson’s
Snow geese are loath to present easy shots, if you haven’t caught the drift. They’re among the toughest birds to harvest for a reason. Shots out past 50 yards aren’t uncommon, and that’s not typically what you’ve got your scattergun set up for. An extended range choke is almost a must. If you’re taking our advice and utilizing the Black Cloud brand, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to hit up Carlson’s for an appropriate choke. The company offers a full line of Black Cloud-specific choke tubes, which are designed to get the most out of the Flitestopper wad design. There are plenty of other options, too, if you decide to go with another brand ammunition.
An E-Caller
When hunters think of E-callers, it’s usually with predator hunting in mind. But the conservation order allows waterfowlers to bring an electronic call to bear for good reason—without it, you’re just not going to get the birds to cooperate. Whether its Primos, Flextone or something else, you’re going to want to have the sounds of a flock on your side.
