Snow Goose Hunting Guides

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Tips About South Dakota Goose Hunting

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South Dakota goose hunting seasons occur twice a year, with the spring or light goose hunting season typically running from the first part of February through to the first part of May. South Dakota goose hunting for light geese includes only specific varieties including blues, snow geese and Ross's geese. There is often a rather high day limit on these smaller species with limits per day up to 20, with unlimited possession restrictions.

South Dakota goose hunting regulations allow for hunters with a day hunting licenses and with a migratory bird stamp to hunt light geese. In addition youth over the age of 12 may purchase their own hunting license and may hunt light geese, although those under 15 must also have taken an approved Hunter Safety course and must carry their Hunter Safety card at all times.

The South Dakota goose hunting season in the fall opens up all species except the light geese and white-fronted geese. The accepted species include Canada geese and brant, but proper identification of geese is critical as shooting a species that is excluded from the season is illegal. Fall goose hunting season in the state is different depending on which of the four zones you wish to hunt in. Each zone has its own specific dates, and there may be protected areas such as wildlife or migratory bird refuges within each zone. Closely monitor the hunting regulations each season to ensure that the area you are hunting has not been excluded from the allowed hunting zones.

Throughout the states of South Dakota, goose hunting is allowed between one-half hour before sunlight through to the close of the hunting day at sunset. Shooting outside of these hours is illegal and will result in prosecution. Wildlife officers will actively patrol all zones and areas, so it is important to always have your hunting license and identification available.

In addition it is important to only use what is considered nontoxic shot during the South Dakota goose hunting season. The shot that is considered acceptable includes:

• steel shot
• bismuth-tin
• tungsten-polymer
• tungsten-matrix
• combinations of shot including tungsten-iron-nickel-tin-copper-bismuth

Nontoxic shot will prevent any poisoning of birds that have been hit with shot but not seriously. Previously toxic shot would eventually lead to the death of these birds, thereby depleting the population outside of the hunting season.

South Dakota goose hunting also offers opportunities for youth to get involved in the sport. During the youth season adults may supervise and be present, but they may not actually hunt in the pre-season one day youth hunt.