Canada geese are a valuable natural resource and a source of recreation to
the general public, bird watchers, and hunters. Of all the waterfowl, geese are
particularly opportunistic and can easily become accustomed to people. In many
areas of the United States, resident Canada goose populations have increased
dramatically since the 1960's. Flocks of non-migrating Canada geese have become established throughout Maryland and other Atlantic flyway states. In urban
areas, Canada geese have responded to landscape features that provide expanses
of short grass for food, lack of natural predators, absence of hunting, and hand
feeding by some people.
Although most people find a few geese acceptable, problems develop as local
flocks grow and the droppings become excessive (a goose produces a pound of
droppings per day). Problems include over-grazed lawns, accumulations of
droppings and feathers on play areas and walkways, nutrient loading in ponds,
public health concerns at beaches and drinking water supplies, aggressive
behavior by nesting birds, and safety hazards near roads and airports. Geese can
also damage agricultural crops by excessive grazing.
The information contained here describes the most effective methods available
to discourage geese from settling on your property and to reduce problems with
geese that have already become established on a site.
Legal Status
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 USC 703-711) protects Canada geese, their
nests and eggs. This federal law prohibits capturing or killing Canada geese
outside of legal hunting seasons.
Presently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service allow property owners to
conduct certain control methods with the appropriate authorization. Most permits
are issued to destroy nests and to oil and addle eggs; authorization is also
given to kill geese on farms or other agricultural facilities where geese damage
commercial crops; and in some cases, permits may be given to landowners
suffering damage. At qualifying sites, communities are issued federal permits
for goose roundups; and the meat is processed and donated to food pantries.
General Biology
In Maryland "resident" or nonmigratory Canada geese originated from the release of decoy flocks during the 1930's and government and private stocking programs. Many flocks were started with giant Canada geese brought from the
Midwest. The earliest Canada goose stocking in Maryland dates back to 1935 when
a group of 41 geese were transplanted from the Midwest to Blackwater NWR
(National Wildlife Refuge) in Dorchester County. Resident geese, as their name
implies, spend most of their lives in one area, although some travel hundreds of
miles to wintering areas. Resident geese are distinct from the migratory
population that nests in northern Canada. Banding studies have shown that
resident geese are not simply migrant geese that stopped flying north to breed.
In fact, Canada geese have a strong tendency to return to where they were born
and use the same nesting and feeding sites year after year. This makes it hard
to eliminate geese once they become settled in a local area.
Because of their short migrations and their association with nonhunted
locales in urban areas, resident Canada geese have low exposure to hunting in
the fall and winter and have high survival relative to migrant geese. The result
is that they live longer; 15-25 year old resident geese are common. They also
tend to breed earlier in life and lay larger clutches of eggs and nest in a more
hospitable environment than migrant geese.
Most resident geese begin breeding when they are 2-3 years old and they nest
every year for the rest of their lives. They mate for life, but if one member
dies, the other will mate again. Geese lay an average of 5 eggs per nest, and
about half will hatch and become free-flying birds in the fall. A female goose
may produce more than 50 young over her lifetime.
The annual life cycle for geese begins in late winter when adult pairs return
to nesting areas in late February or March. Egg laying and incubation generally
extend through April, with the peak of hatching in late April or early May,
depending on location in the state. Geese will aggressively defend their nests,
and may attack if approached. Non-breeding geese often remain nearby in feeding
flocks during the nesting season. After hatching, goose families may move
considerable distances from nesting area to brood-rearing area, appearing
suddenly "out of nowhere" at ponds bordered by lawns.
After nesting, geese undergo an annual feather molt, a 4-5 week flightless
period when they shed and re-grow their outer wing feathers. Molting occurs
between mid-June and late July, and the birds resume flight in August. During
the molt, geese congregate on ponds or lakes that provide a safe place to rest,
feed, and escape danger. Severe problems often occur at this time of year
because the geese concentrate on lawns next to water. Some geese without young
travel hundreds of miles northward to favored molting areas. These "molt
migrations" account for the disappearance of some local goose flocks in early June.
After the molt and through the fall, geese generally increase the distance of
their feeding flights and are more likely to be found away from water. Large
resident flocks, sometimes joined by migrant geese in October, may feed on
athletic fields and other large lawns during the day, and return to larger lakes
and ponds to roost at night. This continues until ice or snow eliminates feeding
areas and forces birds to other open water areas nearby or to the south, where
they remain until milder weather returns and nesting areas open up.
Population Growth
In Maryland, most resident Canada geese are found west of Chesapeake Bay,
mainly in the Piedmont region. Breeding waterfowl surveys conducted annually in
Maryland between 1990 and 2011 showed that the number of resident geese
increased from about 25,000 to over 60,000 by the mid 1990s and then declined to
less than 60,000 after 2007.
Damage Prevention: A Community Effort
Reducing damage caused by Canada geese takes the cooperation of the entire
community.
It may surprise you, but the first steps do not involve geese.
Step 1: Decide if you are truly dedicated
It is easy to talk about controlling Canada goose damage, but mounting the
necessary efforts on a long-term basis is not easy. If a community makes only a
minimal, short-term effort, no reduction in damage will likely occur; and the
time and money spent will be wasted. The ultimate goal is to solve conflicts
humanely with minimal controversy. Each landowner and community will have their
own tolerance for and relationship with Canada geese. The challenge is to
balance the need for nuisance relief with appropriate respect for wildlife.
Because Canada geese may fly from lake to lake within an area, the plan also
should include working with neighboring communities and property owners to
reduce goose damage and population growth in their areas as well. If your
community decides to commit resources to control goose damage according to the
methods provided in this booklet, go to Step 2.
Step 2: Set up an infrastructure
Although it is important to have a committee for support, one person should be
in charge. This person, whether elected or appointed, should: (1) have the desire and ability to lead other community members in measures to control geese; (2) have the authority and the support of the community to modify the surrounding habitat as needed; (3) be well educated on goose management issues; and (4) be willing to communicate regularly with a qualified wildlife biologist about the latest goose abatement methods. Once this person is chosen, go to Step 3.
Step 3: Assess and document the problem
Arrange for a USDA Wildlife Services biologist to visit with the community
leader selected in the previous step to document damage and past attempts to
solve goose damage problems. Before the meeting, fill out as completely as
possible a history of goose conflicts and management efforts.. The wildlife
biologist will discuss all control methods that can be used to reduce goose
damage. The wildlife biologist and community leader should then meet with other
community members to answer questions and explain any abatement methods or
habitat modifications being considered. After this meeting, the wildlife
biologist will suggest an integrated pest management approach, which will use
many control methods to solve the problem rather than relying on a single
method. Although the wildlife biologist will help develop a plan, it is up to
the community to adopt and use it.
Types of Control Methods
Five different classes of methods are available to reduce goose damage:
- Habitat modification
- Exclusion
- Harassment
- Chemical repellants
- Lethal control.
To effectively reduce goose damage, the community leader selected to manage
geese, with the guidance of the wildlife biologist, needs to use as many methods
as possible.
Note: Typically, Canada geese cannot fly from mid June to early July when they molt their primary flight feathers. Because it is illegal to harm Canada
geese, harassment may not be an option during the flightless period. If there is
a question about the legality of a technique in your area, contact the USDA
Wildlife Services.
When considering nuisance goose control methods for an area, you have to
consider several things, i.e., how large is the problem area; how do the geese
get there; and what specifically is the problem. Additionally, it is important
to consider how large of an area do you want or need to have control over the
problem. Use the following as a guideline in evaluating control methods for your
area.
The first question to ask is - How did the geese get to the problem site? If
geese ALWAYS walk to the site, then consider exclusion techniques. If they fly
onto the site, use harassment techniques.
There are many ways to discourage Canada geese from settling in your area. No
single technique is universally effective and socially acceptable. Persistent
application of a combination of methods is usually necessary and yields the best
results.
Goose problems in suburban areas are especially difficult because birds are
not afraid of people and may become accustomed to scaring techniques. Also, some
techniques aren't compatible with desired uses of suburban properties. For
example, loud noisemakers in residential areas, putting grid wires over swimming
areas, or letting grass grow tall on athletic fields or golf courses are not
practical remedies in those situations. But don't rule out any technique that might be feasible; dogs under strict supervision can safely be used in parks and
schools, and controlled hunting has been successfully used at some golf courses
in Maryland.
Initiate control measures as soon as you notice geese in your area, and be
persistent. Once geese settle in a particular location, they will be more
tolerant of disturbances and be difficult to disperse. No method works well with
just a few attempts, and a comprehensive, long-term strategy is usually needed.
Control measures work in various ways. Some reduce the biological carrying
capacity of an area to support geese by reducing food or habitat. Other methods
disperse geese to other sites where, hopefully, they are of less concern. Some
techniques reduce the actual number of geese to a level that people can tolerate
("social carrying capacity").
Control techniques described here include only those that have the best
chance for success based on past experience. Other methods may work, and new
techniques will undoubtedly be developed in the future.
Habitat Modification
Canada geese require upland and aquatic habitats for resting, feeding, and
breeding. Habitat modification involves physically altering property to make it
less attractive to Canada geese. Modifications made to your property should
focus on eliminating or reducing nesting sites and food sources, as well as the
access between these items and your pond or lake. Habitat modifications make a
property or area less suitable to geese and limit the number that can exist on
the property or area.
Remove nest structures
When Canada goose populations were low in the 1960s, nesting structures or
tubs were a popular management tool used to augment available nesting sites,
compensate for a lack of nesting materials and provide a nearly predator-free
environment for the hen to incubate the clutch. Needless to say, Canada geese
have made a phenomenal recovery and nesting tubs are no longer necessary. Every
community that is serious about reducing Canada goose damage should remove all
nesting tubs as soon as possible.
Discontinue feeding
Although many people enjoy feeding waterfowl in parks and on private
property, this often contributes to goose problems. Feeding may cause large
numbers of geese to congregate in unnatural concentrations. Well-fed domestic
waterfowl often act as decoys, attracting wild birds to a site. Feeding usually
occurs in the most accessible areas, making a mess of heavily used lawns,
walkways, roads, and parking areas.
Supplemental feeding also teaches geese to be unafraid of people, making
control measures less effective. Feeding may be unhealthy for the birds too,
especially if bread or popcorn becomes a large part of their diet. Once feeding
is discontinued, geese will disperse and revert to higher quality natural foods.
Geese that depend on human handouts are also less likely to migrate when severe
winter weather arrives, and are more vulnerable to disease.
Feeding of all wild and domestic waterfowl on both public and private
property in urban situations should be prohibited as an important step in
controlling Canada goose problems. A public education program should accompany
the initiation of an anti-feeding ordinance to stimulate public interest,
participation, and support. An anti-feeding ordinance must be enforced to be
effective and may require a penalty sufficient to deter the activity. An
alternative punishment to fines is to require "community service" (e.g., cleaning up droppings) for violations. An example of a no-feeding ordinance is
included with this information for adoption by housing associations,
municipalities, and county governments.
In public areas, signs should be posted that read, “Do Not Feed Waterfowl.”
People who feed the geese need to be educated about the problems they are
creating. When fed by hand, geese become concentrated, making them more
aggressive toward people because they are expecting to be fed. Hand feeding also
makes geese more susceptible to diseases, such as avian botulism and avian
cholera. Moreover, artificial feeding, especially with bread, rarely provides
the proper nutrients that geese require. Thus, artificially fed geese often
develop wing deformities, which hamper their ability to fly. In situations where
city officials are trying to disperse large concentrations, a no-feeding
ordinance may need to be passed and enforced. See the end of this document for
an example of an ordinance and signs that you can copy and use for your
community’s no-feeding campaign.
Remove domestic waterfowl
Domestic waterfowl, including mute swans, act as decoys for Canada geese when
they are flying over an area. If you allow these birds to remain, they often
attract geese into areas where they are not wanted.
Steepen Banks of Ponds and Creeks
Canada geese prefer a gentle, grassy slope coming out of the water that
enables them to easily walk into and out of the water to feed or rest. If access
to the water is poor, the adult geese may leave that area to raise their young
elsewhere. To steepen the shoreline, build a vertical seawall 3 feet above the
surface of the water or create a sharp angle from the water’s edge. Allowing
vegetation to grow tall along this slope will help protect it from erosion and
keep the geese from walking up. Rip-rap, while ineffective on gentle slopes, is
often effective on steeper ones.
Manage Grass and Plants
Eliminate mowing: Geese graze on grass. Grass that is frequently mowed and is fertilized is an excellent food (proteins and carbohydrates) for geese. Mowed
lawns also provide loafing areas where predators can be seen from a distance. By
eliminating mowing at least 20 feet from pond shorelines or in even larger tracks of land, geese will be encouraged to shy away from these areas and look for safer spots with better food sources. Long, poorly-fertilized grass is a poor food for geese and much less attractive. Canada geese are reluctant to walk through high vegetation; tall grass management limits the number of geese that can use an area. To make grass areas less attractive to geese: (1) limit lawn sizes; let grass grow 10 inches to 14 inches tall, (2) especially along shorelines; and (3) limit the application of fertilizer on grass areas to reduce the nutritional value of grass to the birds.
Plant Less palatable plants and grass: Replacing plants that geese like to eat with ones they do not typically bother may discourage them from remaining in
an area.
Geese prefer:
Kentucky bluegrass
Brome grass
Canary grass
Colonial bentgrass
Perennial ryegrass
Quackgrass
Red fescue
|
Geese do not prefer:
Mature tall fescue
Periwinkle
Myrtle
Pachysandra
English ivy
Hosta or plantain lily
Ground juniper
Switch grass
|
Land Use Regulation and Planning: Municipal planning boards and other regulatory authorities should work with
developers and property owners to assure that urban and suburban landscapes
which promote goose damage are not developed within the area under control of
the cooperators. Geese prefer to build their nests on islands, peninsulas, and
undisturbed grounds. Typically, they build nests on the ground close to water,
hidden by vegetation. However, geese are very adaptable and nest in a variety of
habitats, including woodlands, flower gardens, and rooftops. During landscaping,
do not create small islands or peninsulas in ponds; where these features already
exist, consider changes to make these areas unavailable to waterfowl. Local
zoning regulations may be a way to discourage habitat developments that favor
geese.
Allow water to freeze
Aerating ponds is one of the reasons Canada geese have become year round
residents in this northern climate. Allowing a pond to freeze over will force
the geese to seek alternative water sources and may encourage them to migrate.
Concentrations of geese will maintain open water even in below freezing
temperatures. Harassment may be necessary to force the birds to leave long
enough for the ice to form.
Exclusion
Exclusion methods are used to keep geese from entering specific areas. Some
methods listed are inexpensive and simple, while others are more complex and
costly. When used correctly, especially in conjunction with other management
tools, exclusion can be effective.
Barriers: Grids
To diminish the attractiveness of a lake or pond construct a grid of
suspended wires over the water to deny the birds' access to the surface. Grids
can be made of single strands of #14 wire or 80 to 100-pound monofilament line
arranged in 10 to 15-foot squares. Each wire must be secured so that it remains
12 to 18 inches above the water surface. This method does not work well on
ducks, but has been effective in keeping geese off lakes and ponds.
Fencing: Artificial/Natural
Geese prefer to land on water and walk up onto adjacent grassy areas to feed
and rest. Perhaps the most effective tools for controlling goose movement,
especially during the summer flightless period, are fences, hedge rows, and
other physical barriers. All fences should completely enclose the site, with no
breaks for geese to sneak through. To be effective, fences should be at least 30
inches tall (48-60" to block aggressive birds) and be solidly constructed.
Chicken wire (2" x 2" mesh) or welded wire fencing (2" x 4" mesh) is durable and will last years. New types of strong light weight and nearly invisible plastic or nylon fencing is also available, but will have to be replaced more often. Snow fencing or erosion control fabric may be used as a temporary barrier to molting geese.
Some homeowners have found that a fence made of two parallel monofilament
fish lines (20 pound test) strung 6 inches and 12 inches above ground level and
secured by strong stakes (6-foot intervals) is quite successful in excluding
geese. However, occasional bird mortality has been reported due to entanglement.
Therefore, these lines must be erected securely on stakes and checked
periodically to prevent this type of problem. Some success has been reported
with low voltage electric fencing. Fences may be beautified or hidden by
planting hedges of boxwood or privet.
Canada geese typically prefer to use a route from a body of water that allows
them a clear view of predators. By planting large, dense shrubs or placing large
rocks (4 feet in diameter or more) along a shoreline, you may create a barrier
that geese will be reluctant to penetrate.
Use Scaring Devices
Various materials may be used to create a visual image that geese will avoid,
especially if they are not already established on a site, such as newly seeded
areas. Geese are normally reluctant to linger beneath an object hovering
overhead. However, visual scaring devices are not likely to be effective on
suburban lawns where trees or other overhead objects exist and where geese have
been feeding for years.
Mylar Tape
Mylar tape is a visual barrier that can be used in conjunction with other
exclusion methods. Mylar tape is 1/2 inch wide, red on one side and shiny on the
other. The tape reflects sunlight to produce a flashing effect. When a breeze
causes the tape to stretch, it pulsates and produces a loud, humming noise that
repels birds. To discourage geese from walking up onto lawns from the water,
create a fence along the water’s edge by stringing one or two strands between
two posts and twist the tape two or three times. To ensure maximum reflection
and noise production, leave some slack in the tape and twist the material as you
string it from stake to stake. When the wind blows, the tape rotates, creating a
flash between the red and shiny sides. This unfamiliar flash acts as a visual
barrier and makes the geese shy away from the area.
Harassment
It is permissible to harass Canada geese without a Federal or State permit,
as long as these geese are not touched or handled by a person or the agent of a
person (e.g., a trained dog). Landowners wishing to chase Canada geese from
their property using any of these techniques should check with local law
enforcement agencies (Police) about noise control ordinances, fire safety codes,
or restrictions on possession and discharge of firearms. A county, township, or
municipal permit may be required for this activity. Noisemakers work best as
preventive measures before geese establish a habit of using an area and where
the birds are too confined to simply move away from the noise. At sites with a
history of frequent use by geese and people, the birds may become acclimated in
1-2 weeks. Noise devices are often not effective for moving nesting geese.
However, harassment can be very effective in keeping pairs with young from using
lawns.
Dogs
Dogs trained to chase but not harm geese have become one of the most popular
and successful methods to disperse geese from golf courses, parks, athletic
fields, and corporate properties. While some nuisance animal businesses use
highly trained border collies, just about any athletic, medium large dog capable
of obeying commands can be used. Control of the dog is vital because dogs used
in this manner are legally considered an extension of your hand and must not be
allowed to catch, injure or kill a Canada goose. Except where permitted,
compliance with local leash laws or park regulations is still required.
Initially, chasing must be done several times per day for several weeks, after
which less frequent but regular patrols will be needed. Geese will not become
acclimated to the threat of being chased by dogs.
This method is most practical where the dog and handler are onsite at all
times, or where daily service (as needed) is available from private handlers.
Another approach is to allow dogs to roam freely in a fenced (above ground or
"invisible" dog fence) area that is not open to the public, but this may be less effective. Dogs generally should not be used when geese are nesting or unable to fly, such as during the molt or when goslings are present. Use of dogs may not be practical near busy roads or where a property is divided into many small
sections by fences, buildings, or other barriers. Also, dogs can not easily
repel geese from large water areas, but may be able to keep geese off shoreline
lawns or beaches. Although this technique has proven effective, it is often
expensive and labor intensive. Harassment should continue and be repeated until
the geese leave the area permanently.
Lasers
Relatively low-power, long-wave length lasers (630-650 nanometers with red
beams) can effectively disperse some problem bird species under low-light
conditions. Canada geese have shown extreme avoidance of laser beams. Although
they should never be pointed directly at people, roads or aircraft, lasers are
safe and effective species specific alternatives to pyrotechnics, shotguns and
other traditional harassment tools. They can be expensive, costing $1,000 and
up, and are only effective in low light from sunset through dawn.
Remember: Treat lasers like a long-range firearm by considering the
background; range of the beam, which is like the projectile; and the reflection,
which is like a ricochet. Always consult the owner’s manual for safety
information before using.
Automatic Exploders
Automatic exploders are machines that ignite acetylene or propane gas to
produce loud explosions at timed intervals. When properly employed, particularly
in agricultural damage situations, these machines can scare geese off areas when
the landowner is not around to use shell crackers or other pyrotechnics. A
permit may be required to use automatic exploders, since there is some fire
hazard and they create loud noises. Check for local noise control ordinances.
Best results are achieved when the machine(s) is relocated around the property
every 3 -5 days. Explosions should be discontinued once geese have left the
area. Automatic exploders can be purchased at farm supply centers or refer to
the source list at the end of this narrative.
Where discharge of firearms is allowed, occasional shooting of geese can
increase the effectiveness of noisemakers, as geese associate the sound with a
real threat. A special Federal permit is needed to shoot geese outside of
established hunting seasons.
Use Flagging and Balloons
Canada geese are reluctant to linger beneath an object hovering above them.
Flagging can be made of 3 - 6-foot strips of 1-inch colored plastic tape or 2 x
2-foot pieces of orange construction flagging. Large balloons, 30 inches in
diameter, filled with helium, and tethered on 10 to 30-foot long monofilament
fishing lines (50 to 70-pound test) will often keep geese from feeding and
resting on lawns. Numerous flags or balloons may be needed to protect each acre
of open lawn. Use light colored balloons if geese are present at dusk/dawn.
Large eye spots, located so that two are always visible from any direction, will
increase a balloon's effectiveness. Periodic relocation of balloons is
recommended. Eye-spot balloons may be "homemade" from party balloons, or may be purchased from some garden centers or party supply stores. Balloons should be located where they will not become entangled with tree branches, power lines,
etc. They may be subject to theft or vandalism in areas open to the public. If
geese become acclimated, frequent relocation of the materials is recommended.
Lawn Sprinklers
In some situations, lawn sprinklers will be effective in preventing goose use
of lawn areas. Geese do not like the noise and disturbance created by pulsating
sprinklers. Use of sprinklers is most effective in small sections of lawn
immediately around the sprinkler head.
Remote Control Boats
For small ponds, remote control boats can be used to repel geese, and may be
practical if local hobbyists are willing to help out.
Chemical Repellants
A common request of people experiencing damage is for a chemical spray to
repel the geese from an area. Although there are many home remedies, of which
few are legal, over-the-counter products are few because of the strict
registration requirements. Chemical sprays registered for these specific
applications, can be somewhat expensive and are, therefore, not suitable for all
situations. To be registered, a product must be shown to have little or no
adverse environmental impact while demonstrating it can do what the manufacturer
claims. Even so, the use of these products, like any other control technique,
does not guarantee success and should be used as part of an integrated
management plan. Some of the products currently registered are listed below. See
“Supply Sources” near the end of this document.
Methyl Anthranilate
There are several products using the active ingredient methyl anthranilate
(MA) (artificial grape flavoring): ReJeX-It Migrate, GooseChase and Goose-BGone.
These products help change the birds’ behavior. When applied to grass where
geese feed, methyl anthranilate makes the grass unpalatable. Geese may still
frequent the treated area, but they will not feed there.
Methyl anthranilate is a human-safe food flavoring derived from grapes. The
material is available at some garden centers and cost about $125 per acre per
application. Several applications per year are usually necessary. Methyl
anthranilate will not wash off after a rain if allowed to dry first, but must be
reapplied after mowing. Therefore, it is most practical and cost-effective for
homeowners with only small areas of lawn to protect. For best results, follow
directions on product labels: if too diluted, it won't work, if too
concentrated, it can kill the grass. ReJeXiT® or Goose Chase® may not be used in
ponds or wetlands in Maryland.
Anthraquinone
Flight Control, a relatively new product containing anthraquinone, repels
geese in two ways. First, geese experience a strong, harmless “gut reaction”
after eating the grass. Secondly, the grass appears unnatural and uninviting
because the anthraquinone brings out the ultraviolet spectrum when applied to
turf. Combining the strange look of the grass with the intestinal reaction they
experience, geese will look else where to loaf and feed. Flight Control will not
wash off after a rain, but needs to be reapplied after mowing. Adding a growth
regulator can keep the grass from growing as rapidly. This product is considered
to be environmentally safe and does not produce long-term physical effects on
the birds that ingest it. Although results may vary, several studies have
indicated this product to be very effective.
Lethal Control
Hunting
Wherever possible, hunting should be encouraged during established hunting
seasons in accordance with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.
Hunting in suburban areas is often limited by lack of open space and local
ordinances prohibiting discharge of firearms. Where feasible, however, hunting
can help slow growth of resident goose flocks. Hunting removes some birds and
discourages others from returning to problem areas. Hunting also increases the
effectiveness of noisemakers, because geese will learn that loud noises may be a
real threat to their survival. Hunting is considered to be the most important
management tool for controlling local Canada goose populations.
The Maryland DNR will work with landowners and local units of government to
make hunting more effective in solving local goose problems. Cooperators should
consider opening nontraditional areas such as parks, estates, golf courses, and
corporate facilities to landowner-controlled hunting. It may be necessary to
acquire exemptions to municipal ordinances to permit hunting in these
nontraditional areas.
Canada goose hunting that targets local flocks is permitted in Maryland
during September, prior to the fall arrival of migratory Canada geese from
Canada. An 80-day regular Canada goose season is also held in the fall and
winter in central and western Maryland to target resident Canada geese.
To hunt waterfowl, a person must have a valid Maryland hunting license (which
requires a hunter safety course), a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and
Conservation Stamp, and a Maryland Migratory Bird Stamp (includes HIP
certification). Only non-toxic may be used for waterfowl hunting. Hunters should
check local laws regarding discharge of firearms. Landowners concerned about
potential conflicts can limit the number of hunters and times they allow hunting
on their property.
Cooperators should review the goose problem affecting their properties, and
contact the USDA Wildlife Services (1-877-463-6497) for technical assistance in
controlling nuisance Canada geese and/or the Maryland DNR to develop all
potential hunting opportunities. Contact the nearest Maryland DNR - Wildlife and
Heritage office to obtain assistance in developing hunting programs and copies
of the annual Maryland Migratory Game Bird Hunting Season synopsis.
Control Goose Nesting
Geese usually return in spring to the area where they hatched or where they
nested previously. Over time, this results in increasing number of geese in
areas that once had just a few birds. Local population growth may be controlled
by preventing geese from nesting successfully. Although it is difficult to
eliminate nesting habitat, harassment early in spring may prevent geese from
nesting on a particular site. However, they may still nest nearby where they are
not subject to harassment. If nest prevention fails, egg addling or oiling of
eggs prevents the embryo from developing and prevents hatching. This can be done
by puncturing, shaking, freezing, or applying 100% food grade corn oil to all of
the eggs in a nest. The female goose will continue incubating the eggs until the
nesting season is over. If the nest is simply destroyed, or the eggs removed,
the female may re-nest and lay new eggs.
If you are a landowner, public land manager, or local government in the
Maryland or the District of Columbia, you may obtain legal authorization to
destroy Canada goose nests and eggs on your property between March 1 and June 30
to resolve conflicts with geese and to prevent injury to people, property,
agricultural crops, or other interests. Before any goose nests or eggs may be
destroyed, landowners must go on-line at
https://epermits.fws.gov/eRCGR/geSI.aspx to register with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Landowners must register employees or agents that may act on their behalf. Registration is free and is valid for one nesting season and must be renewed each year before nests and eggs may be destroyed. No State permit is required to destroy nests or eggs in
Maryland.
Egg treatment helps is several ways. First, it directly reduces the number of
geese that will be present on a site later in the year. Second, geese without
young will be more easily repelled from a site after the nesting season.
Finally, if conducted on a large enough scale (throughout a town), it can help
slow the growth of a local goose population, and over time lead to stable or
declining numbers. Egg treatment may be necessary for 5-10 years before effects
on goose numbers are evident.
Controlling Geese that Damage Agriculture Crops
Agricultural producers including landowners, operators, and tenants actively
engaged in commercial agriculture may kill Canada geese on lands that they
personally control and where geese are damaging agricultural crops with proper
authorization. While State authorization is required to conduct this control, a
federal permit is not required. Goose nests and eggs may only be destroyed
between March 1 and June 30, and geese may only be killed between May 1 and
August 31. All management actions must occur on the premises of the depredation
area. Geese may not be taken in a hunting manner, e.g., decoys and calls may not
be used. For agricultural producers to obtain a free State permit, they may
apply in person or by telephone to the USDA Wildlife Services, 1568 Whitehall
Road, Annapolis, MD 21409, Tel. 1-877-463-6497.
Shooting Geese outside Legal Hunting Seasons
This lethal technique requires a Federal permit issued by the USFWS. Usually
a limited number of geese are permitted to be taken with a shotgun no larger
than 10-gauge. The use of decoys, blinds, and calls are not permitted. Contact
USDA Wildlife Services, Tel. 1-877-463-6497) for additional information.
Capture and Euthanasia
Euthanasia of Canada geese was used as a large-scale damage control measure
for the first time in the U.S. in 1996. This technique involves the roundup of
geese when they are undergoing their annual feather molt. The meat from the
geese is usually given to local food banks. Because of the sociological
sensitivity of this action, this technique is used only after other options have
been exhausted. The capture and euthanasia of geese requires a Federal permit
from the USFWS. Landowners are encouraged to hire USDA Wildlife Services or a
state-licensed private nuisance animal control company to carry out this work.
Since capture and euthanasia operations are conducted during the summer
flightless period (late June and early July), the Federal permit must be
completed and submitted no later than May 15. The completed application must
include a clear statement of the problem and documentation of the past control
techniques attempted with a description of the results. If you want to pursue
this alternative, contact USDA Wildlife Services (Tel. 1-877-463-6497) first to
obtain a Migratory Bird Damage Assessment done for your property and
instructions for obtaining a Depredation Permit application. Applications may be
downloaded from:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Migratory Bird Permit Office
Webpage:
http://permits.fws.gov/mbpermits/birdbasics.html
For More Information
If the techniques described here are unsuccessful, or if you need more
information, contact:
U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services - Their staff are experts in controlling wildlife damage and can offer valuable assistance in use of fencing, scare devices, chemical bird repellents, harassment techniques, and habitat
modification to control or lessen problems with geese and other waterfowl.
Wildlife Services can often remove geese from a location where urgent public
safety concerns are involved.
In Maryland, contact USDA Wildlife Services at the following location:
USDA Wildlife Services
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1568 Whitehall Road
Annapolis MD 21409
Tel. 1-877-463-6497
Maryland Department of Natural Resources - The Maryland DNR generally does not provide field assistance to individual landowners with goose problems, but will work with local governments or corporations to develop hunting programs to
help control nuisance goose problems. Contact your local Maryland DNR Wildlife
and Heritage Service office.
Additional Information
Two excellent reference materials developed by Cornell Cooperative Extension
are recommended: Suburban Goose Management: Searching for Balance (28-minute
video, $19.95); and Managing Canada Geese in Urban Environments: A Technical
guide (42-page manual, $10.00). The video provides a general overview of
techniques and issues to help communities begin developing an effective action
plan. The manual provides additional details for selecting and implementing
various techniques to reduce conflicts with resident geese. To order, contact
the Cornell University Media and Technology Services Resources Center, Ithaca,
NY, Tel. 607-255-2090.
Methods not Recommended
For almost every method that has been tried to alleviate problems caused by
geese, there has been success and failure. However, some methods are not
recommended here for various reasons. These include: use of swan (real ones
create other problems; fake ones don't work); bird distress calls (effective for some bird species, but not proven for geese); scarecrows or dead goose decoys (ineffective for resident Canada geese); use of trained birds of prey to chase
geese (labor-intensive, generally not available); sterilization (very
labor-intensive for surgery, no chemical contraceptives available in the
foreseeable future); fountains or aerators in ponds (not effective, may even
attract geese); introduction of predators (already present where habitat is
suitable, but none take only geese); disease (impossible to control and protect
other animals); and use of poisons and toxicants (illegal).
Plastic Scare Devices
Plastic swans, alligators, owls, snakes and dead goose decoys, as a rule,
have not proven to be effective in repelling Canada geese. There have been some
reports of dead goose decoys floating in small ponds keeping migrant geese at
bay. But in general, the effectiveness of these devices is short lived, and they
are not recommended.
Capture and Relocation
Capture and relocation of geese that cause a particular conflict is commonly
requested. Goose removal and translocation has been conducted in the past by
Maryland DNR when justification was presented by golf courses, homeowner
associations, individuals with 'sole ownership', or upon request of local units of government. However, there are no longer sites in the state at which geese
can be released without creating additional nuisance problems. Furthermore,
opportunities for out-of-state transfer have been virtually exhausted as
resident goose flocks now occur throughout the United States and Canada. Thus,
the Maryland DNR no longer authorizes the capture and relocation of Canada
geese.
Relocation of geese is also less effective than permanent removal. Banding
studies have shown that many relocated geese return to their initial capture
locations by the following summer. Some have returned to Maryland from as far
away as South Carolina. Geese taken short distances (less than 50 miles) may
return soon after they are able to fly. Adult geese are most likely to return,
whereas goslings moved without parent birds will often join a local flock and
remain in the release area. Birds that don't return may seek out areas similar
to where they were captured, and may cause problems there too. Many wildlife and
animal health professionals are concerned that relocating problem wildlife
increases the risk that diseases may spread to wildlife or domestic stock in
other areas.
Toxicants
There are no toxicants registered with the Environmental Protection Agency
for controlling Canada geese in the United States.
Swans
Some communities have attempted to use swans to discourage pond use by Canada
geese. The premise is that these aggressive birds will defend their territory,
especially during the breeding season, and will exclude other waterfowl from the
area. Because native swans are difficult to acquire, non-native mute swans have
been commonly used in other states instead. However, State regulations prohibit
the possession of mute swans except by permit. Mute swans negatively impact
other native wildlife and plant species. Sometimes the swans are even more
aggressive than the geese toward people. Use of mute swans can compound a
difficult situation and, therefore, is not permitted in Maryland.
Supply Sources and Services for Controlling Geese
Listed below are suppliers which the Maryland Department of Natural Resources
knows carry the product, service, or supply indicated. Inclusion of businesses
on this list does not imply endorsement or recommendation by USDA/APHIS/Wildlife
Services or the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Omission of businesses
from this list is not intentional. No discrimination is intended against
businesses not listed. Product names are mentioned solely to report factually on
available data and to provide specific information. This list is for your
convenience only and should not be considered an endorsement of the product or
supplier.
Goose Repellants
Product: Flight Control
Environmental Biocontrol International
3521 Silverside Road
Wilmington, DE 19810
Tel. 877-55-GEESE
Web address: www.flightcontrol.com
Product: Goose-B-Gone
Bird-Be-Gone Inc.
23918 Skyline
Mission Viejo, CA 92692
Tel. 800/392-6915
Web address: www.birdbgone.com
Product: ReJeX-It Migrate
Ceannard Inc.
P.O. Box 2404
Gastonia, NC 28053
Customer Service: 888-3-BIRDS
Orders: 704-689-5898
Web address: www.ceannardinc.com
Pyrotechnics and Propane Cannons
Margo Supplies Ltd.
Site 20, Box 11, R.R. #6
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2M 4L5
Tel. 403-285-9731
Fax: 403-280-1252
Web address: www.margosupplies.com
Reed-Joseph International
232 Main Street
P.O. Box 894
Greenville, MS 38701
Tel. 800-647-5554
Sutton Ag Enterprises
746 Vertin
Salinas, CA 93901
Tel. 866-280-6229
Lasers
Sea Technology Inc.
P.O. Box 31151
Albuquerque, MN 87190
Tel. 800-732-2246
Web address: www.aviandissuader.com
Reed-Joseph International Co.
P.O. Box 894
Greenville, MS 38701
Tel. 800-647-5554
Fax: 775-703-2074
Web address: www.reedjoseph.com
Plastic Coated Kevlar Grid Line
Phillystran, Inc.
151 Commerce Drive
Montgomeryville, PA 18936-9628
Tel. 215-368-6611
Fax: 215-362-7956
Remote Controlled Devices
The Goosinator
Web address: http://www.goosinator.com/
Mylar Tape
Bird-X, Inc.
Chicago, IL
Tel. 800-662-5021
Forestry Suppliers, Inc.
Jackson, MS
Tel. 800-647-5368
Web address:
www.forestry-suppliers.com
Modern Agri-Products
322 Main Street
Lyden, WA 98264
Tel. 360-354-8884
Automatic Exploding Cannons
Reed-Joseph International Co.
P.O. Box 894
Greenville, MS 38701
Tel. 800-647-5554
Fax: 775-703-2074
Web address: www.reedjoseph.com
Forestry Suppliers, Inc.
Jackson, MS
Tel. 800-647-5368
www.forestry-suppliers.com
Ben Meadows Company
Atlanta, GA
Tel. 800-241-6401
www.benmeadows.com
Motion Sprinkler
Contech Electronics
Tel. 800-767-8658
Barrier Fencing
Forestry Suppliers, Inc.
Jackson, MS
Tel. 800-647-5368
www.forestry-suppliers.com
Trained Goose Dogs
Environmental Quality Resources
8711 Snouffer’s School Road
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
Tel. 301-208-0123
www.eqri.com
Geese Police
Website: www.geesepoliceinc.com
E-Mail: headqtrs@geesepolice.com
Phone: 877-UFLYOFF (835-9633)
Fax: 301-898-0330
Wild Goose Chasers
1007 Town Point Road
Chesapeake City MD 21915
www.chesapeakewildgoosechasers.com
Tel. 443-553-7828
Email: geeseout@gmail.com
Goose Control Contractors
A-1 Wildlife Management Services
17002 Staytonville Road
Lincoln, DE 19960-3737
Tel. 302-284-2032
Tel. 800-431-2322
e-mail: wildlifede@aol.com
DC Metro Area and Frederick County
Geese Solutions
Provides dogs for goose control
Tel. 240-832-2506
Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties and DC
Maryland Goose Patrol
414 Plainview Avenue
Edgewater, MD 21037
www.marylandgoosepatrol.com
Tel. (443) 370-3542
Geese Police
www.geesepoliceinc.com
Tel. 877-UFLYOFF (835-9633)
Fax: 301-898-0330
Elements for a Model Anti-feeding Ordinance
Statement of Purpose
To prevent such conduct that may attract and concentrate migratory and
domestic waterfowl to properties in........ It has been determined that the
presence of large numbers of waterfowl cause a public health nuisance by
contaminating drinking water supplies, beaches, swimming facilities, etc.
Definitions
Migratory Waterfowl--ducks, geese, and swans native to North America.
Domestic Waterfowl--Non-native ducks, geese, and swans not retained in
agricultural operations.
Feed or Feeding--The act of or the furnishing of food or other sustenance which
is essential for growth or maintenance of waterfowl.
Prohibition of Feeding
No person shall feed, cause to be fed or provide food for domestic or
migratory waterfowl in ______________ lands, either privately or publicly owned.
No person shall create or foster any condition, or allow any condition to exist
or continue, which results in a congregation or congestion of domestic or
migratory waterfowl.
Enforcement
The Police Department and members of the Department of Health/Parks and
Recreation are hereby authorized and directed to enforce this Ordinance.
Violations and Penalties
Persons found to be violating any provisions of this Ordinance shall be first
(Given a written warning, which shall be filed with the ________________
(appropriate government agency). Any subsequent violations of the Ordinance
shall be punishable by imposition of a fine not to exceed $___________.