Handbook for managing canada geese and cackling geese in southern Canada: chapter 4

Agricultural Conflicts | Summary | Contacts | Additionnal Reading

• 8. Agricultural Conflicts
• 9. Summary
• 10. Contacts
• 11. Additionnal Reading

8. Agricultural Conflicts

Not all conflicts with geese are related to temperate-breeding Canada Geese. As often as not, it is large migrating flocks of northern-breeding geese that cause damage to crops. A flock of geese can destroy newly planted pasture or cash crops in a short time if allowed to graze without interference. Geese can be discouraged by using the scare tactics listed in section 7.1.3.1. You must obtain a permit if you wish to use the scaring techniques outlined in section 7.1.3.2.

If scaring geese is not effective in preventing the geese from causing serious damage to an agricultural property, a kill permit may be issued. The intent of kill permits issued to farmers is to allow a limited number of birds to be killed to reinforce scaring. During hunting seasons, farmers experiencing persistent problems with Canada Geese should consider encouraging hunting of geese on their property. It is recommended to contact local hunting clubs if farmers do not know of hunters interested in hunting there. Note that this may occur only if the farm is located in an area where discharge of firearms is allowed or where a municipal permit has been acquired.

9. Summary

Implementation of an effective goose management program involves cooperation between land managers and wildlife agencies. Public education outlining the problems associated with too many geese is a vital component of any such program. Any program to stabilize and/or reduce numbers of geese should include efforts to reduce recruitment (by preventing nesting or hatching), increase mortality, increase emigration and alter habitats. These may be accomplished through preventing feeding, scaring, egg destruction/sterilization, modification of hunting seasons and liberalization of bag limits, relaxation of restrictions on discharging firearms, and habitat modification through appropriate land management practices. The control of Canada Goose populations is a long-term undertaking that requires a persistent cooperative effort on the part of all concerned if it is to be effective.

Most importantly :

1. Prevention is the solution of choice when dealing with problems associated with Canada geese.
2. Altering habitats to make areas unsuitable for geese is the best long-term strategy in many situations.

10. Contacts

For further information or to obtain permits, please call or write to Permits Officer, Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada, at one of the following addresses.

11. Additionnal Reading

Humane Society 2009. Solving Problems with Canada Geese 5 pages (pp).

Link, R. 2005. Living with wildlife: Canada Geese. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 10 pp.

Smith, A.E., S.R. Craven, and P.D. Curtis. 1999. Managing Canada Geese in urban environments. Jack Berryman Institute Publication 16 and Cornell University Cooperative Extension, Ithaca, New York. 43 pp.