The Snow Goose Conservation Order is a separate season only for snow geese that occurs when Delaware’s regular waterfowl hunting seasons are closed. Liberal harvest methods are allowed during the Conservation Order to help reduce the large snow goose population that is damaging its Arctic nesting grounds, as well as wetlands and agricultural lands on migration routes and overwintering areas.

The 2025 Snow Goose Conservation Order is open Sunday, Feb. 2, through Friday, April 11.

Please note that the conservation order is closed on Saturday, Feb. 1, which is also the second youth waterfowl day. However, hunters may harvest snow geese and Ross’s geese without liberalized methods on Feb. 1 during the regular snow goose season framework.

Legal shooting hours are a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset. There are no daily bag and possession limits, and unplugged shotguns and electronic calls are allowed. All other federal and state hunting regulations apply.

Hunters on state wildlife areas where the Conservation Order is open should refer to the Wildlife Area Maps for specific rules and regulations.

Hunters participating in the Conservation Order must obtain a free Snow Goose Conservation Order permit number that must be in their possession while hunting. Permit numbers can be obtained at the DNREC ePermitting system or by calling toll-free 855-DEL-HUNT (855-335-4868).

Hunters also are required to report their Conservation Order hunting activity and harvest success online or by calling 302-735-3600 to the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife by April 30, 2025.

Other requirements for hunters participating in the Snow Goose Conservation Order include:

• All participants need a Delaware Harvest Information Program (HIP) number.
• Delaware residents must have a hunting license or a valid Delaware License Exempt Number (LEN).
• All resident hunters at least 16 years of age, except those who possess an LEN, must purchase a Delaware Waterfowl Stamp.
• Maryland residents who can legally hunt in Maryland do not need a Delaware hunting license, provided they obtain an LEN specific to hunting snow geese and purchase a Delaware Waterfowl Stamp.
• Maryland residents who have an annual Delaware LEN for other hunting do not need a LEN specific to hunting snow geese or a Delaware Waterfowl Stamp.
• All other non-resident hunters must have a Delaware non-resident hunting license or a valid Delaware LEN.
• All non-resident hunters at least 16 years of age must purchase a Delaware Waterfowl Stamp except those who possess a valid Delaware LEN.
• A federal migratory bird (duck) stamp is not required to participate in the Conservation Order.

Related Topics:  conservation, fish and wildlife, hunting, outdoors and recreation, snow goose