The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is recommending a bag limit increase for the early Canada goose season. The annual small game proclamation, which includes early Canada goose regulations, will be submitted to the governor’s office this week for approval.

The proposal includes a daily limit of eight and a possession limit of 16. In addition, Game and Fish is recommending an opening day of Saturday, Aug. 13. In previous years, the season opened Aug. 15.

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The Game, Fish and Parks Commission has proposed minor changes to the main South Dakota waterfowl hunting seasons for 2011. The only change for the duck season is a proposed increase in the daily limit on redhead ducks. The limit would increase from two daily to three daily. The possession limit on all duck species is twice the daily limit.

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Snow geese have yet to arrive in North Dakota, but the spring light goose migration has made its way into the southern portion of South Dakota.

This week’s forecast in Bismarck has highs in the low 30s, with lows in the teens. Weekend temperatures in the 40s have caused snow to quickly dissipate in the southern portion of the state, leading to standing water in some areas.

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Light goose hunters planning to hunt during North Dakota’s spring season can purchase a license online at the state Game and Fish Department’s website.

Residents can hunt during the spring season by having last fall’s 2010-11 bird licenses. Otherwise, hunters will need to purchase either a 2011-12 combination license; or a small game, and general game and habitat license.

Nonresidents, regardless of age, need a 2011 spring light goose season license. The cost is $50 and the license is good statewide. Nonresidents who hunt the spring season remain eligible to buy a fall season license. The spring season does not count against the 14-day fall hunting season regulation.

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The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s May and July waterfowl surveys indicate the upcoming waterfowl season should be improved over last year, according to Mike Johnson, game management section leader. Opening day for North Dakota residents is Sept. 25 for ducks, coots, mergansers and geese. Nonresidents may begin hunting waterfowl in North Dakota Oct. 2.

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