Snow geese can be seen in the region. This photo courtesy of Rick Bohn show snow geese somewhere near Carrington in 2016.

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – North Dakota’s spring light goose conservation order opens this Saturday and continues through May 15.

Game & Fish Wildlife Biologist Doug Leier says even though the season opens February 19th, the birds haven’t quite made it into the state.

Residents must have a 2021-22 (valid through March 31) or 2022-23 (required April 1) combination license; or a small game, and general game and habitat license. Resident youth under age 16 only need the general game and habitat license. The 2022-23 license is available for purchase beginning March 15.

Nonresidents need a 2022 spring light goose conservation order license. The cost is $50 and valid statewide. Nonresidents who hunt in spring remain eligible to buy a fall season license. The spring license does not count against the 14-day fall waterfowl hunting season regulation.

In other outdoor news, Leier says those interested in becoming a guide or outfitter in North Dakota can do so through exams available through the Game & Fish Department.

In addition to passing a written exam, qualifications for becoming a guide include a background check for criminal and game and fish violations, certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and standard first aid, and employment by or contract with a licensed hunting outfitter.

Hunting outfitter eligibility requirements include the guide qualifications, and an individual must have held a hunting guide license for two years and must have proof of liability insurance.

For more information, visit gf.nd.gov.

You can listen to Doug Leier talk the Great Outdoors every Thursday at 7:35 AM on Big Dog Country 95.5 FM.