Bird ID
Snow Goose
Huge flocks winter on Valley rice and refuges; very decoy-shy once educated.
Key ID marks
- All-white body
- Black primary wingtips
- Pink bill with dark 'grin patch'
Typical size
5–7 lb
Best season
Nov–Feb
Where
Sacramento Valley rice, Merced & San Luis NWR
Look-alikes
Ross's goose (smaller, stubby bill), swans (no black wingtips).
Fish & Game notes
Federal duck stamp and CA upland/waterfowl validation required. Steel shot only. Check CDFW waterfowl regs.
Current CDFW regulations →