Also known as: Blue goose, Ross's goose (similar species)
Snow geese are migratory waterfowl that nest in the Arctic and travel through Delaware during migration and overwintering periods. The population has grown so large that it is damaging Arctic nesting grounds, as well as wetlands and agricultural lands on migration routes. A Conservation Order has been established to reduce the population through expanded hunting opportunities.
Habitat & Range
Snow geese use Arctic nesting grounds and rely on wetlands and agricultural lands on migration routes and overwintering areas.
Life History
Snow geese are highly gregarious, migrating in large flocks. They nest in colonies in the Arctic tundra. The population has increased dramatically in recent decades, leading to habitat degradation on the nesting grounds.
Status, Trends & Threats
The snow goose population has grown so large it is damaging its Arctic nesting grounds, wetlands, and agricultural lands. The Conservation Order aims to reduce the population through expanded hunting.
Hunting Season
2026 Conservation Order: Saturday, Feb. 1 through Friday, Feb. 6; then Sunday, Feb. 8 through Friday, April 10. Closed Saturday, Feb. 7 (youth/veterans/military waterfowl day).
License & Regulations
DE residents need a hunting license or valid License Exempt Number (LEN). DE residents 16+ (without LEN) must buy a Delaware Waterfowl Stamp. Federal migratory bird (duck) stamp is not required for Conservation Order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Snow Goose Conservation Order?
A management action to reduce the overabundant snow goose population. It allows expanded hunting methods including unplugged shotguns and electronic calls, with no daily bag or possession limits.
When is snow goose season in Delaware?
The Conservation Order runs Feb. 1–6 and Feb. 8–April 10, 2026. Shooting hours are half-hour before sunrise to half-hour after sunset.
What equipment is allowed for snow goose hunting?
Unplugged shotguns and electronic calls are permitted during the Conservation Order. No federal duck stamp is required.
References
| State | Category | Directory | Subcategory | Content | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | Hunting | Regulations | Season Dates | 2026 Conservation Order: Saturday, Feb. 1 through Friday, Feb. 6; then Sunday, Feb. 8 through Friday, April 10. Closed S | Link |
| Delaware | Hunting | License | License & Fees | DE residents need a hunting license or valid License Exempt Number (LEN). DE residents 16+ (without LEN) must buy a Dela | Link |
| Delaware | Hunting | Regulations | Regulations | Conservation Order: No bag or possession limits. Unplugged shotguns and electronic calls permitted. Shooting hours: half | Link |
| Delaware | Hunting | Permits | Permits & Tags | Free Snow Goose Conservation Order permit number required (obtain via DNREC ePermitting or 855-DEL-HUNT) | Link |
