The population of snow geese has grown so much that wildlife officials are allowing the birds to be hunted in six Northeastern states.
A special "conservation order" was issued by the US. Fish and Wildlife Service to allow the season, which will run from March 11 through April 15 in Vermont.
Similar seasons have been authorized in five other states in the so-called "Atlantic Flyway."
Vermont waterfowl biologist Bill Crenshaw says that over the last 40 years the population of snow geese in North America has grown from about 50,000 to 1 million.
He says the increase has damaged agricultural crops and marsh vegetation between Quebec and North Carolina.
Hunters will need special permits that are available from the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.