Ep. 575 – Bringing Respect Back to Snow Geese

“Sky carp” and “Saving the Tundra” are phrases that have become commonplace in the vernacular of light goose hunters across North America. Although born from well-intentioned conversations around once-hyperabundant light geese and the Light Goose Conservation Order, waterfowl managers consider these derogatory phrases undeserved and unfortunate. On this episode, Kevin Kraai of Texas Parks and Wildlife makes the case for changing this narrative and bringing respect back to light geese. We also dig into data showing an 86% decline in the midcontinent light goose population, shrinking breeding colonies, recovery of arctic staging grounds, and new science on how repeated disturbance may influence light goose body condition. If this evolving story tells us anything it’s that what we know today is likely different from what we’ll learn in the future and why we should never stop asking questions.

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