Snow geese are large white geese that breed in the Arctic regions of Canada and migrate south through the Great Plains states like Kansas during their annual fall and spring migrations. Many waterfowl hunters eagerly await the arrival of snow geese each fall in hopes of getting out in the field and bagging some of these birds. So, can you hunt snow geese in Kansas? The short answer is yes, snow goose hunting is allowed in Kansas during specific seasons designated by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
Overview of Snow Goose Hunting in Kansas
Kansas provides opportunities for hunters to pursue snow geese during both the regular season and the conservation order season. Here is a quick overview of snow goose hunting seasons in Kansas:
- Regular Season: Runs from early October through mid December. Daily bag limit of 20 snow/blue/Ross’s geese with 2 in possession.
- Conservation Order Season: Runs from mid December through mid February. No daily bag or possession limit.
- Legal Methods: Shotgun, bow, calls, decoys. Electronic calls are allowed.
The key times to hunt snow geese in Kansas are October through December during the regular season when large numbers of the birds migrate through the state. The conservation order season allows for extended hunting opportunities due to concerns over snow goose overpopulation.
Kansas Snow Goose Migration Patterns
Timing your snow goose hunts in Kansas requires understanding the migration pattern of the birds as they pass through the Central Flyway. Here is an overview of their movement through the state:
- Early October: Earliest migrants arrive, mostly younger birds. Numbers are still low.
- Mid October: Migration picks up with more adults arriving. Good hunting opportunities.
- Late October: Peak of the fall migration, prime time for hunting.
- November: Migration continues with birds spread across state. Conditions can get colder.
- December: Migration begins winding down as the bulk of birds have passed through Kansas.
- January/February: Remaining snow geese concentrate on large reservoirs during conservation order season.
Generally, the ideal time is from mid October through November when the largest flocks of snow geese move through Kansas. By December, the migration is waning and birds become more scattered.
Best Places to Hunt Snow Geese in Kansas
Snow geese stop to rest and feed in areas offering suitable habitats along their migration route through Kansas. Here are some of the top locations for hunting snow geese in the state:
- Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area – Large wetland area near Great Bend.
- Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area – Wetlands along the Marais des Cygnes River Valley.
- Neosho Wildlife Area – Wetlands near Neosho River in southeast Kansas.
- Jamestown Wildlife Area – Wetland pools and agricultural fields ideal for snow geese.
- Hillsdale Wildlife Area – Fields and marshes near Hillsdale Lake.
These public hunting areas offer prime snow goose habitat like shallow wetlands, grain fields, and grasslands where the birds rest and feed. Scout areas ahead of time to locate where snow goose concentrations are highest.
Kansas Snow Goose Hunting Regulations
It is important to follow all Kansas hunting regulations and laws pertaining to snow goose hunting. Here are some key regulations Kansas snow goose hunters must follow:
- Valid Kansas hunting license required (youth under 16 exempt).
- Kansas waterfowl stamp required for adults over 16.
- Federal duck stamp required for adults over 15.
- Non-toxic shot required for shotgun hunting.
- Electronic calls are permitted.
- Only snow, blue, and Ross’s geese may be harvested.
- Tagging requirements for conservation order season.
Make sure to carefully review the Kansas migratory bird hunting guidebook published annually by the Department of Wildlife and Parks for full details and restrictions. Snow goose hunters must comply with all applicable federal regulations as well.
Snow Goose Hunting Tips and Tactics
Hunting snow geese takes some specialized techniques due to the wariness of these birds. Here are some helpful tips and tactics for having success:
- Use large decoy spreads of 100-500 or more mixed decoys to pull in distant flocks.
- Hide blinds well and camouflage clothing to avoid alerting geese.
- Utilize electronic calls and flags to attract geese.
- Aim carefully and take advantage of large concentrations of birds.
- Pick grain fields snow geese are already using if possible.
- Be mobile and move decoy spreads to where snow geese want to be.
- After shooting, keep downed birds hidden to avoid scaring off more geese.
Success comes from convincing groups of wary snow geese to commit to your decoys within shotgun range. Pay close attention to the birds’ behaviors and adjust your spread setup, hiding spots, and calling strategy as needed.
Identifying Snow Geese
Properly identifying snow geese is critical for legal harvest. Here are some identification tips:
- Entire plumage is white except for black wingtips.
- Pinkish bill with dark “grinning patch”.
- Yellowish feet.
- Large size, 24-34 inches in length with 50-60 inch wingspan.
- Weigh 4 to 8 pounds on average.
- Usually seen in large flocks.
- Loud, nasal “barking” calls.
Juvenile snow geese show some gray feathers mixed in with white. Blue phase snow geese may also be encountered and show some darker gray/blue coloration but are still mostly white. Other white geese like Ross’s goose are much smaller.
Field Care for Harvested Snow Geese
Properly caring for harvested snow geese in the field is important and requires:
- Cooling birds quickly by removing entrails to allow body heat to dissipate.
- Placing ice inside the body cavity to speed cooling if weather is warm.
- Keeping birds dry by using a game bag.
- Avoiding piling birds together which slows cooling.
- Cleaning blood from plumage to maintain appearance.
Take care of harvested snow geese as quickly as possible. Once birds have cooled, they can be frozen or remain fresh on ice for several days. This allows enjoying the rewards of successful snow goose hunts in Kansas.
Conclusions
Kansas provides excellent opportunities for snow goose hunting during the fall and winter migrations. Understanding seasonal patterns, hunting regulations, and effective techniques and tactics will help hunters experience success pursuing snow geese as they pass through the state. Proper planning, scouting, and an ability to adjust to the large but wary flocks of snow geese that pause in Kansas wetlands and fields each year can result in great hunting and memories.
Kansas Snow Goose Hunting Key Points |
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Regular season open October – December with 20 daily bag limit |
Conservation order season open December – February with no bag limits |
Peak migration is mid October – November |
Top public hunting areas are Cheyenne Bottoms, Marais des Cygnes, and Neosho WA |
Use large decoy spreads, calls, and concealment for best success |
Properly ID snows and follow all regulations |
Carefully handle and cool birds after harvest |