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Snow goose crop damage on Delmarva and in New Jersey

In shortFlocks of thousands of snow geese can graze winter wheat, barley and cover crops down to the roots on Delmarva and New Jersey farms in late winter. For 2027 the Atlantic Flyway states have suspended the spring Light Goose Conservation Order, so farmers will rely on the regular light goose season, organized hunting on their fields and federal damage assistance.

Thousands of snow geese on a field. Photo: USFWS, public domain.

Why do snow geese damage crops?

Greater snow geese winter along the Atlantic coast and feed in huge flocks. They pull up and graze young small grains and cover crops, and their grubbing and trampling leaves fields bare and puddled. Damage is worst from January into March, before the birds head north.

Snow geese in flight. Photo: USFWS, public domain.

Flock of snow geese lifting off. Photo: USFWS Southeast, public domain.

Snow geese flying at sunset. Photo: USFWS Midwest Region, public domain.

Snow geese feeding on a farm field. Photo: USFWS Mountain-Prairie, public domain.

Snow geese close up. Photo: Bureau of Land Management Idaho, public domain.

What changed for 2027?

The greater snow goose population fell to an estimated 428,000 birds in 2025, below the management objective of 500,000 to 750,000 for the first time since 1993. The preliminary 2026 estimate was 515,000. The eight states that held the Conservation Order (Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina), with Quebec and Ontario, agreed to suspend it for 2027.

What can farmers do this winter?

Regular light goose season. In Pennsylvania it runs November 6 to March 10 in 2026-27 with a 25-bird daily limit. Other states set their own dates; check the current season.
Organized hunting on your fields. Our team can hunt your fields during the open season, set up decoy spreads where flocks are feeding and keep birds moving off your crops.
Hazing. Scare devices and pressure to move flocks to other fields.
Federal help. Snow geese are migratory birds. USDA Wildlife Services can assess damage and advise on federal depredation permits.

What gear rules apply?

During regular seasons, shotguns must be plugged to hold no more than three shells unless a state-sanctioned federal depredation or conservation order allows otherwise, as Delaware law spells out. Non-toxic shot is required for waterfowl.

How do we help?

We scout the fields, schedule hunts when flocks arrive, and keep records of what we see and take, so you have documentation if you seek further help.

Last updated October 18, 2026. Reviewed by DelChester Wildlife Conservation Group.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a spring snow goose Conservation Order in 2027?

No. The Atlantic Flyway states suspended it for 2027 because the greater snow goose population fell below its objective in 2025.

When is the worst snow goose damage?

Late winter, roughly January through March, when large flocks feed on winter wheat, barley and cover crops.

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