Overabundant species: special conservation measures

Overabundant Snow and Ross’s Geese

The Snow and Ross’s Geese populations have increased dramatically in the past several decades and most of their populations are well above their population objectives (North American Waterfowl Management Plan). In response to concerns over potential impacts of these geese on their habitats, Snow Geese (Greater and Lesser) and Ross’s Geese have been designated as “overabundant”. An overabundant population is one for which the rate of population growth has resulted in, or will potentially result in, a population whose abundance directly threatens the conservation of migratory birds (themselves or others) or their habitats, or is injurious to or threatens agricultural, environmental or other similar interests.

The overabundant designation provides tools to increase hunter harvest under special conditions, such as higher bag and possession limits, use of recorded bird calls, and special conservation seasons when hunters are allowed to take geese in order to help reduce the population numbers.

For more information on overabundant Snow and Ross’s Geese, please refer to the Migratory Game Bird Population Status Report.

For details on special conservation measures that are in place in certain jurisdictions, please refer to the Migratory Birds Hunting Regulations Summaries.

Overabundant Temperate-breeding Canada Geese in Manitoba

Temperate-breeding Canada Geese have been designated as overabundant in southern Manitoba. The population is currently three times greater than the population objective set in the 1990s, and is causing significant damage to agricultural fields and private property (e.g., golf courses, public recreation grounds). Current population levels pose significant risks to human safety, both through risk of aircraft and vehicular collisions.

The overabundant designation provides tools to increase hunter harvest under special conditions, such as higher bag and possession limits, use of recorded bird calls, and a special spring conservation season when hunters are allowed to take geese in order to help reduce the population numbers.

For more information on overabundant Temperate-breeding Canada Geese, please refer to the Migratory Birds Regulatory Reports : 2019 Migratory Game Bird Population Status Report, and 2019 Proposals to Amend the Canadian Migratory Birds Regulations Report.

For details on special conservation measures that are in place, please refer to the Manitoba Migratory Birds Hunting Regulations Summary.