Management of Canada Geese in Suburban Areas
A Guide to the Basics DRAFT
NJ Department of Environmental Protection Division of Watershed Management
March, 2001 DRAFT Management of Canada Geese in Suburban Areas
A Guide to the Basics
State of New Jersey Donald T. DiFrancesco, Acting Governor
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Robert C. Shinn, Jr., Commissioner
Division of Watershed Management Mary Sheil, Director
Acknowledgement:
This guidance document consists of a compilation of the most current available information. Consult the reference section for sources. The document does not reflect an official policy position of the Division, but rather serves to provide basic technical guidance on Canada goose management options.
1 DRAFT Introduction Many people do not realize that ‘Giant’ Canada goose populations The honking flock of Canada geese were nearly non existent by the early overhead brings an internal years of the 1900’s because of recognition of nature’s intelligence unrestricted harvesting of eggs, and the timeless changing of the draining of wetlands for crop seasons. The high altitude, production, and commercial hunting. gracefully shifting ‘V’ formation Strict harvest regulations were always is a source of wonder. Years enacted, refuges were established, ago, these sights and sounds were large acreages of turfgrass were the primary evidence of the flocks. established through human sprawl, and goose populations recovered In many locations along the Atlantic rapidly and dramatically. It is ironic Flyway, which extends from that we did our job so well that now Hudson’s Bay, Canada south to reducing the populations is a critical Mexico, Canada geese are not water quality concern. abundant. But in New Jersey and several other northeastern states, This manual provides the most times have changed. In many areas, current effective methods known for resident or non-migrating ‘Giant’ reducing the impacts ‘Giant’ Canada Canada goose populations are geese can have on a specific site or increasing dramatically. In fact, water body. The reader should some population projections indicate understand that no single method that the numbers of non-migrating will be successful in every situation Canada geese may double in the and the best approach likely will be a next six years. combination thereof. Canada geese are highly adaptable and possess a Many people enjoy the sight of a few short learning curve. Size of the geese. The problems begin when resident flock, site conditions, the numbers of non-migrating birds adjacent land use and social increase, including: acceptance all will impact the flock - overgrazing of turfgrass, which control choices available. impacts aesthetics and creates an erosion hazard Management recommendations - grazing of cropland, increasing in this Guide are referring erosion hazard and crop losses throughout to the resident - accumulations of fecal material ‘Giant’ Canada goose. on land, creating a health risk - degraded water quality, from fecal bacteria and elevated nitrogen and phosphorous - hazards to aircraft at airports - attacks on humans
2 DRAFT Chapter One: Understanding the in diameter, and lined with soft down Resident Canada Goose originating from the female’s breast. Along with proximity to water, the other critical nest location factor is having a good view of the The Canada Goose, (Branta surroundings, for predators. Egg canadensis) usually begins nesting at laying usually follows immediately three years of age. Pairs usually after the nest is constructed. An egg stay together for life unless one dies. is laid about every two days. If that should occur, the other usually will find a new mate within the same breeding season. Since geese can live as long as 20 years, there are many offspring produced by a pair.
‘Giant’ Canada Geese differ from the seasonally migrating ‘Interior’ Canada goose. These birds can be up to six pounds heavier, adapted to urban environments, tolerant of humans, and have a very limited migration range. Currently, the number of resident Canada geese is estimated at 83,000. Geese taking flight
These birds have two basic 4 to 7 eggs make up a typical clutch requirements: fresh water for and incubation is done completely by drinking, resting, nesting and escape the female. The male will stand from predators; and tender, closely and defend the female by succulent vegetation for food. The striking with its wings and nipping. plentiful, highly managed lawns of The incubation period is 25-30 days. residential neighborhoods, corporate Interestingly, incubation does not office campuses, golf courses, parks, begin until all of the eggs are laid, so and some airports provide preferred that all goslings hatch the same day. habitats for these birds. If the nest or eggs are destroyed, Canada geese nest within 100 feet of Canada geese will likely re-nest in open water - usually directly the same spot. However, timing is adjacent. In New Jersey, nesting critical when re-nesting is concerned. occurs in mid-April. The nest If the eggs or nest are lost more consists of a large mound of than one week after the start of vegetation such as grass and incubation, re-nesting may not cattails, is concave, nearly two feet occur. The newly hatched goslings
3 DRAFT are led to water within one day after Adult Canada geese undergo a hatching. complete replacement of their feathers (molting) starting each The gander’s behavior changes June, and it lasts about 30-35 days. markedly after hatching. He During the molting period, the birds previously would have chased off are unable to fly and are vulnerable. any other geese in the area. Now, During this period, roundup and ‘overnight’ he becomes much more capture of small flocks of geese is tolerant of them. In fact, if there possible. happen to be other clutches of goslings nearby, they will often Migration of Canada geese nesting in group together in flocks and be the United States covers relatively looked after by the adults. short distances, usually not At 10 weeks, the goslings can fly, extending past adjoining states. and begin to adopt most of the adult Smaller, Canadian-nesting breeds behavioral characteristics. will migrate south after August 30 to the northern states. Some of these Canada geese are grazers. As such, migrating birds will temporarily join they have a clear preference for urban resident flocks in New Jersey, tender, mowed and fertilized turf greatly swelling their numbers. This grasses. They prefer to feed in large can create a sudden negative impact open areas with few obstructions on the local plant and water that give a 360° view of potential resources. predators. These birds have a high tolerance for humans and adapt Canada geese have a remarkable quickly. Thus, the perfect feeding homing instinct, returning each year spot that meets all requirements of to the previous nesting site if it was the geese is a nice, green, managed to their liking. This, coupled with lawn area near water…conditions their typically long lifespan, many humans prefer. Hence, the compounds the problem of goose- problem. related water quality trouble spots.
Geese browsing stormwater basin
4 DRAFT Chapter Two: Methods to create a highly emotionally charged Manage Canada Geese in atmosphere. In extreme situations, Suburban Areas law enforcement personnel can be necessary to preserve public safety if Generally, the best approach to a confrontation is anticipated suburban goose management between the public and the goose amounts to a combination of management team. methods- an integrated approach. When choosing appropriate methods, three important factors need to be considered: - the characteristics at the site that attract geese (food, water, secure nesting) - the human attitudes and behaviors that attract and protect the geese - laws and regulations
A management approach is devised based on reducing the preferred site characteristics. This usually means Algae from excess phosphorous altering human behavior while being respectful toward attitudes. Without Usually, the first step in reducing this approach, a control program is these types of conflicts is education. destined for failure. Many people are completely unaware of the environmental degradation that can result from dense non- The Human Element migrating Canada goose populations. A second step that has been Public attitudes toward geese often successful is the establishment of conflict, juxtaposing environmental citizen task forces. These groups needs with personal belief systems provide a means for concerned regarding wildlife protection and stakeholders to become actively welfare. Suburban areas contain involved in educating others and increased populations, and different shaping the management strategy. groups will define ‘nuisance’ from geese differently. People have The actual goose management team differing tolerances for goose charged with developing and droppings, noise, vegetation implementing the control strategy damage, fouled waters, and should be adept at responding to the occasionally aggressive behavior. public in a non-defensive and Any method that involves destruction positive way. They should be able to of birds, eggs, or nests will often clearly explain (bilingually, if
5 DRAFT necessary) the reason for the control In most cases, it has been learned actions. Permits must be present on that there is no single control the site at the time of strategy method that will work every time, implementation. These people, who everywhere. There may have to be will usually be agency personnel, a combination of short term and long should have clear guidance from term controls in order to have a their agency and an experienced successful program. Additionally, local leader at the sites where the methods may be designed to population management measures address an existing problem and to will take place. prevent a future one from occurring.
An existing goose problem should be evaluated similar to agricultural integrated pest management. The goose management team should determine the ‘damage threshold’. That is, the number of geese or the extent of environmental impact that is sufficient to warrant the implementation of controls. Then, actual population reduction and harassment measures may be appropriate along with reduction of goose preferred site conditions (habitat). Overbrowsing of vegetation by geese
Developing the Strategy An anticipated future goose problem may utilize control methods directed The integrated management strategy completely toward habitat should consider: management. - local community support for the need to take action When complete, the integrated - available control options, given management strategy should be the biology of Canada geese and shared with the public and the characteristics of the site distributed to all stakeholders. - relative effectiveness of the techniques - cost, regulatory considerations, Current Regulatory Status and social acceptability of the techniques Canada geese are protected by a - time of year when the resident number of regulations, primarily the goose population is greatest Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This federal act made it an illegal action to harvest waterfowl or other
6 DRAFT migratory birds except during the Canada Goose Management hunting season or by permit. The Techniques Act prevents unrestricted commercial hunting for meat and feathers that Stop all feeding was widespread in the United States. Unrestricted egg harvesting was also Efforts to reduce goose populations prohibited by the Act. are often concurrently undermined by ‘the people next door’ feeding the This landmark legislation gave the birds. If feeding of the geese is U.S. and Canadian governments the commonplace, there is no point in authority to set limits, implement trying to scare the birds away. appropriate regulations, and issue permits to take waterfowl. The U.S. Canada geese do not need to be fed. Fish and Wildlife Service of the U.S. Natural foods are abundant. Department of the Interior Feeding geese concentrates birds administrates and enforces the Act. near roads and heavy human use Other New Jersey regulations that areas, creating a safety hazard. support this Act are the NJ Statutes Feeding often results in geese Annotated Title 23, and the NJ Game becoming more tame and ultimately Code enforced by the NJ Division of more aggressive toward people. Fish, Game and Wildlife. Feeding, because it increases crowding of an area so rapidly, In June 1999, The USF&WS ruled to increases susceptibility of the birds give states the authority to develop a to diseases like duck plague, avian management plan to take action on cholera, and avian botulism. These nuisance resident Canada geese. all can kill large numbers of birds as well as other more desirable Concurrently, the USF&WS began waterfowl. work on an Environmental Impact Statement pertaining to this issue. Procedures designed to directly impact the Canada goose population such as handling nests and eggs, capturing and relocating geese, capturing and euthanizing geese, shooting, and any other activity that involves handling geese, their eggs, and nests requires a depredation permit. The permit application is available from the USDA APHIS Wildlife Services or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Geese in mall parking island
7 DRAFT Education of the public and signage successfully in agricultural settings. at known concentration spots Noisemakers often consist of some discouraging feeding is the first step. form of pyrotechnics such as: If the results are unsatisfactory, a - Propane cannons ‘No-Feed’ ordinance may be - Bangers and screamers warranted, accompanied with fines - Firing blanks for repeat offenses. - Sirens, airhorns, and whistles - Recorded goose distress calls
Hazing Each of these methods may be successful for a time, but geese Hazing of Canada geese refers to quickly become habituated to simply scaring or harassing them noisemaking, especially if used into leaving the area. Hazing is alone. If proper permits are allowed without a permit provided secured, shooting of several birds the birds are not actually handled by can increase the effectiveness of the a person or attacked by a dog. noisemaking. Hazing is usually not harmful to the Automatic devices usually are geese; consequently some methods preferred. If the devices cannot be are highly acceptable to the public. triggered automatically, the labor The major negative is that because necessary to activate them will add the Canada goose is so adaptable, it greatly to the cost of the goose rapidly becomes accustomed to the abatement program. hazing and is no longer frightened away. Consult with your local police department and comply with all use Hazing should be used as soon as it restrictions. Inform your neighbors, becomes apparent that geese are too, since these sounds can be quite beginning to congregate in a startling. For more information on particular area. Once a large the safe use of pyrotechnics, obtain number of birds have ‘settled’ into an information from the USDA-APHIS area, is becomes increasingly difficult Wildlife Services program. to haze them out. Visuals: In general, all hazing methods are made more effective by elimination Visual frightening devices have the of habitat elements that the Canada advantage of doing the job quietly, geese find attractive at the site. so they may be better adapted to suburban applications. They are also Noisemakers: relatively inexpensive, safe, and work well with other hazing For obvious reasons, these loud techniques. On the flip side, they devices may not be acceptable near may be visually offensive to people, people. They have been used most
8 DRAFT may be vandalized often, and require poles or trees, or filled with constant checking and upkeep. helium and tethered Some common visual hazing 15 – 20 feet above the ground. methods are: - Mylar tape (scare tape): Scare Care must be taken to place the tape is red on one side, silver on balloons far enough away from trees the other, about ½ inch wide. It and wires that the lines will not can be used as a streamer if the tangle and the balloons will not geese fly in to the site or in a puncture. fence arrangement on 3’ tall stakes if the geese walk in. When - Scarecrows: Scarecrows properly implemented, the tape resembling humans with moving flashes in the sun and vibrates & arms can scare geese away from rattles in the wind. Obviously, on small areas. Interestingly, a mostly cloudy, calm day, its research shows that scarecrow effectiveness is greatly effectiveness increases when diminished. Also, deer, dogs, coupled with noisemaking and children will break a fence (propane cannon) and a replica arrangement routinely, requiring shotgun being held by the constant repair. scarecrow (Smith, et. al). Another form of scarecrow that - Flags: Flags placed in windy occasionally is effective are those locations in farm fields and near that depict waterfowl themselves. water bodies have been used to Canada goose decoys with discourage geese from landing. stretched necks (alarm position) Flags may consist of: can work. - heavy gauge garbage bags cut - Remote controlled (RC) aircraft: with slits on top of 8’ tall poles This method of hazing has been - six foot long and 24” wide used successfully in the past, mylar strips on top of 6 foot poles primarily at airports. One study - a six foot tall cross- pole with at the Reno, Nevada airport a large plastic bag attached over showed that by the third day of the cross forming a scarecrow of RC aircraft use, the geese took sorts flight as soon as the aircraft left the ground. After the use of RC - Eye-spot balloons: These are aircraft ceased, it took 10 days large, 18”-36” diameter inflatable for the geese to return. This balls that are decorated with technique has also been used large owl-type eyes. The most successfully at Auckland, NZ and effective eye-spot designs are Tel Aviv, Israel airports. This those that have pupils inside the method can be expensive and eyes and are colored. These labor intensive. However, RC balloons can be tethered between aircraft flying is a popular hobby and often, local clubs exist that
9 DRAFT may be interested in using their method of hazing. Swans can create skills to help to haze geese away some of the same problems created from a particular location. by geese. Generally, swans are not recommended. Dogs, Swans, and Falcons Trained falcons have been used Dogs, usually trained border collies, successfully to haze geese at can be highly successful in hazing. airports, locally at McGuire Air Force They have been deployed with good Base and JFK International Airport in results at golf courses and corporate New York. Geese at airports are a areas. The dogs must be under the serious hazard, causing a fatal crash supervision of a trained handler. in Alaska in 1995 when several were They may be attached to a long sucked into engines of an AWACS lead; allowed to free roam (with an plane. Falcons are predators, and ‘invisible fence’); or simply brought are recognized and respected by the in periodically and released to chase geese as such. Usually, however, the flock away. The best times to additional hazing measures such as use dogs are during spring, to pyrotechnics and propane cannons reduce nesting; and in early fall after are necessary. molting. Dogs cannot be used during the molting period for humane reasons. If dog harassment Altering of Habitat is ceased for a short period, the geese will often return to reestablish As stated earlier, the habitat most themselves at the site. desirable to geese is a large, flat to gently rolling managed turf area close to a lake, pond, or slow moving watercourse. Many land uses in suburbia provide this environment: large corporate campuses, suburban lawns, commercial centers, parks, and golf courses.
Habitat alteration consists of eliminating, modifying, or reducing access to areas that provide attractive spots for geese. The irony here is that this often creates a problem for the public, because access to lawn areas adjacent to Preferred goose habitat: mowed shoreline water is also highly desirable to most Although swans can be territorial and humans. In fact, surveys have aggressive toward Canada geese, in indicated that people in general are the long run this is not a preferred reluctant to perform the habitat
10 DRAFT modifications necessary to have a Reducing adjacent turf significant impact on resident goose populations. A 1991 British Canada geese prefer lush, mowed Columbia survey showed that 84% turf. The mowing and continual of respondents opposed such fresh, succulent high carbohydrate measures. (Smith, et.al) regrowth of the grass provides preferred food. In New Jersey, turf Habitat modification is most effective grasses usually consist of cool- before geese have established season varieties of bluegrass, themselves in an area. If the ryegrass, and fescues. One way to desirability of a site is reduced reduce the palatability is to simply before a non-migratory population reduce or eliminate fertilizer establishes itself, chances are far application and watering. If grass is better of avoiding a problem. Once allowed to grow to higher lengths, a flock of geese is settled in an area, the tender young shoots become however, other measures coinciding more difficult for the geese to with habitat work are needed. detect, being below the older, Although initial expense for habitat tougher, more fibrous growth. A alteration may be higher than other mowing height of 8 inches will measures, in the long run it is often reduce the attractiveness of the the most cost effective solution. grass to the geese.
Habitat alteration should not be done at a single location if other similar desirable habitats exist within a short distance. Coordination between stakeholders is essential to ensure that a more widespread approach is taken. Otherwise, the geese may simply vacate one spot and increase the density at the next desirable site in the area.
Athletic fields with heavily managed turf should be kept at least 400 feet away from the water’s edge. This Shoreline buffer of tall vegetation will, however, only have a big impact A more comprehensive measure is to during molting season. During times change the grass cover to a mixture when geese can fly, they will of warm season grasses like routinely utilize turf areas a mile or switchgrass, bluestems, wheatgrass, more away from the water. and indiangrass combined with wildflowers.
11 DRAFT This, in essence, mimics a prairie often enhanced by a vegetative ecosystem, and is not preferred by shoreline buffer (see vegetative geese. This type of vegetation will buffer section). require far less mowing and If the fence is made from smooth maintenance and often is visually wire, rope, or heavy monofilament attractive if implemented in a line, it should have at least three natural, curvilinear design blending strands set at 12, 18, and 24 inches with the natural contours. One above the ground. Support stakes caution: although tall vegetation will should be close enough to prevent not be browsed for food, it may sagging – no more than 10 feet provide adequate nesting sites to apart. some geese. Rock barriers Another approach to reduce the area of turf is to convert it to non- When geese leave a water body, palatable ground covers. Common they generally use routes that allow plants not preferred by Canada them easy access to land and a clear geese include: periwinkle (Vinca view. Large (2-3 ft. diameter) spp.); myrtle (Myrtus spp.); boulders placed along the shoreline pachysandra (Pachysandra can act as a barrier to geese trying terminalis); English ivy (Hedera to access the land around the water. helix); and hosta (Hosta spp.). These boulders, especially if used in conjunction with taller shoreline Barrier fencing vegetation, can enhance the visual interest of the water’s edge. Fencing is an effective method for excluding walking geese from a lawn Vegetative Buffers area. Fencing can be made of mylar tape, woven wire, chicken wire, Changing the landscape of a site is plastic construction fence, electric 2- generally considered to be the most wire, chainlink, rock, or other effective, humane, and suitable materials. Openings in the environmentally friendly long-term fencing should be no larger than 3 goose management technique. Since inches and must be at least 24 a highly managed turf near water is inches tall. The fencing must also the ultimate for geese, the best extend far enough to prevent the choices are changing the geese from simply walking around surrounding turf; or changing the the ends. water-turf interface, the shoreline.
Fences have been found to be most Generally, Canada geese avoid effective during limited flight feeding, nesting, and loafing in areas periods: pre-nesting, molting, and where tall vegetation provides an when there are new goslings. The obstruction to the surrounding areas. effectiveness of a fence barrier is An important secondary benefit of
12 DRAFT this method is that the vegetation, Straight Shoreline Elimination usually consisting of tall native adapted grasses, shrubs, and trees, Long, straight shorelines and islands will help to act as a filtering buffer, are optimum nesting locations for removing pollutants contained in Canada geese, providing security storm runoff flowing from the and a clear view of possible adjacent area to the water body. predators. Islands are difficult and expensive to remove once a lake is The vegetation must be at least 24 filled with water. Additionally, inches high and dense enough to people often find islands to be prevent the geese from seeing visually appealing. Typically, the through it. Tall, stiff stemmed native most efficient way to deal with island warm season grasses are good nesting sites is through hazing. choices. Shrubs should be native species also, and adapted to the conditions of the site. The vegetative barrier should be at least 25 feet wide. Creating a narrow S- shaped path will allow human access to the water’s edge, while still obscuring its view. If desired, this path can access another narrow footpath running along the actual shoreline. Having a shoreline path inside of the vegetative barrier can provide a means of hazing and disruption to the geese. If a shore footpath is put in place, be sure to Wooded pond island stabilize the shoreline to prevent bank erosion. Shoreline modification can also be quite expensive, requiring large Taller native adapted trees can also equipment and, often, permits from be used with the grasses and shrubs the NJDEP. The idea is to eliminate to screen the shoreline. The trees or drastically reduce the long should be spaced adequately to uninterrupted shore view that geese allow for their mature size. They prefer. Creation of peninsulas and should also be spaced so that a coves with short-radius curves will dense shade canopy does not form- shorten the distance that geese can the understory grass and shrub see in all directions. This, coupled vegetation will need a good deal of with fence or rock barriers and tall sun. shoreline vegetation can reduce the attractiveness of a water body to the geese. This may also make conditions more aesthetically
13 DRAFT favorable for sections of shoreline not harm geese and are usually trails and benches. accepted by the public. The active ingredient is methyl anthranilate, Overhead lines which is made from natural biodegradable food grade A network of multiple parallel lines or ingredients and is non-toxic to a grid of heavy (10 gauge minimum) humans, dogs, cats, or birds. Methyl wire or twine stretched 2 to 3 feet anthranilate is a chemical that makes above a water surface or feeding the grass unpalatable to the geese. area restricts goose landing. The It generally does not persist, parallel lines can be 20 to 75 feet although its effects can endure apart and do not have to be spaced longer if fogged into an area rather equidistant. A grid arrangement can than sprayed. range from 10 to 30 feet square. The overhead system can be visually Generally, for best results repellents emphasized with the addition of should be applied only to dry and mylar tape streamers attached at just mowed turf, in full sun, at wide intervals. Fencing should be temperatures over 50° F. 2-3 hours installed at the perimeter of the area of drying time must be allowed after being protected by the overhead application. Applications generally lines to prevent geese from walking should be repeated every 4-5 days; in underneath. if rain falls within 24 hours after application, it may have to be Any overhead line system should be repeated. in place before geese discover a site for the season. Maintenance is necessary to prevent sagging or to Direct Population Impact replace broken lines. Measures Overhead line systems have some obvious negative effects - they Goose Removal cannot treat a large area; they are visually distracting and unappealing; There are several clear advantages they can greatly restrict human to physical removal of Canada geese access to the water; and the risk from a problem site. Removal is exists for bird entanglement, injury applied directly to impact a and death. population problem, the effects are immediate, and less risk exists that Repellents the geese will move and create problems elsewhere. Relocating or There are several Canada goose killing of geese outside of legal repellents that can be effective for hunting seasons requires permits. In limited times. The repellents are addition, killing of geese often stirs sprayed on the turf before geese local controversy. return for the season. Repellents do
14 DRAFT net, the opening is quickly closed. Nets Geese can then be handled and tagged, if desired. A truck can then Some removal techniques require be backed up to the opening, and the capture of live geese. This is the geese are herded into the truck done during the flightless, molting for removal. season in early to mid-summer. They Cannon nets are an efficient are then easily rounded up by technique for capturing a flock of driving them into special nets. The geese. An area is baited with waste net should be set up on a dry, flat grain, and a large net is folded flat area away from roads or other areas and attached to projectiles. Once a where the geese could be injured. suitable number of birds is within the target area, the cannons are Geese inhabiting farm pond triggered and the net is shot out over the geese. Wildlife personnel then hand capture the birds from under the net. This technique requires large open areas free of trees and shrubs that can foul the net.
Relocation
Moving geese from urban environments can be successful. The reason that it sometimes fails is The capture net should be 48-60 that Canada geese have very strong inches tall and made of a non- homing instincts and they tend to abrasive material so that the geese return to their previous nesting area. are not injured by it during the The other obvious shortcoming is process. Generally, poles are that an area willing to receive the erected every 12-15 feet for support geese has to be established, and of the net, which is in an upright there are less and less of these areas position. The net is arranged in a within a reasonable distance from tight, semi-circular orientation with the suburban problem area. an opening large enough to get the In a Minnesota study (Keefe, 1996), geese in but small enough to keep adult geese were trapped and moved them in. Wildlife personnel herd the to Oklahoma for several years. 10 to geese into the net by walking slowly 20 percent of the adults returned to with hands in front for protection. If their original Minnesota capture site. geese are on the water and need to Overall, relocation reduced the be herded toward a net on shore, breeding population by 40-50 canoes, kayaks, and rowboats can percent after one year and 70-90 be used if it’s too deep for wading. percent after two years. Once the geese are contained in the
15 DRAFT An Ohio and Michigan study (Smith, available to the birds for feeding or et.al) found moving juvenile, nesting, emphasizes habitat flightless geese from urban areas to changes, and reduces adults, which state operated wildlife management is the most effective way to reduce areas where hunting is done the long-term population. successfully removed geese from Harvesting of adults can be some problem areas. Juveniles do augmented with egg removal or not have as highly developed a puncturing (this is termed ‘addling’- homing instinct as adults, and most see page 18). stayed near the release point in the wildlife management area, adding to The facts show that hunting is the the sport harvest there. most cost effective method for managing the suburban Canada goose population. The NJ Division of Harvesting of Geese Fish, Game, and Wildlife sets Canada goose hunting seasons. Currently, Almost without exception, harvesting there are two, one in September, the (shooting) of problem geese will other in January and February. create a local controversy and be met with some animal welfare opposition that must be addressed in a considerate manner. Public education including evening meetings, website and printed material will be needed far more for this technique than for any other goose management measure. Time for the educational process to take place should be built into the goose management timetable.
Urban flocks of Canada geese can be difficult to hunt because of the Park pond with resident flock obvious hazards to people and property. This along with the same Managed hunts are often the best regulatory guidelines designed to way to reduce goose numbers in protect migratory waterfowl have urbanized areas. Many states have limited the effectiveness of typical opened early seasons, commencing waterfowl seasons for controlling September 1, in order to remove populations of suburban Canada more resident geese. A more geese. Where it is done, harvesting effective, site specific hunting has enhanced other management approach is through issuance of options. Shooting increases noise special purpose kill permits where disturbance, reduces protected areas several trained individuals do the
16 DRAFT hunting at a particular, limited related to agricultural chemicals in location, such as an airport. farm locales. Cooperation with local law enforce- Reproduction Control ment will be necessary. Testing of interested hunters will need to be Canada geese have a lifespan that administered and an orientation for can exceed 20 years if they survive those hired must be provided. their first year. Although reduction This permitting method has also of the adult population is the most been used successfully at some golf effective way to impact a pest flock, courses and parks. To ensure public another method that can help is to safety, these areas are then closed reduce the reproduction rate. These several hours on a set schedule for methods should be considered where several weeks. hunting or other means of reducing the number of adults are not Shotguns are used for goose feasible. hunting. Shotguns propel a small mass of pellets over short distances, In order to have the same impact as impacting the target area at ranges eliminating one adult, ALL eggs up to 40 yards. This means that produced by that adult must be shotguns have the maximum removed for its entire lifetime, which potential to hit the target with the is usually a far more labor intensive minimal potential to impact a non- and costly method. Additionally, target animal or human. reduction efforts must be nearly Several states have used harvested 100% effective in a given area, since geese in community food banks, a small number of nests or eggs that homeless shelters and soup kitchens. are missed can offset the ones that Geese used for this may be either are removed. Population models netted or hunted. This is a very have shown mathematically that a positive approach that should always resident Canada goose population be investigated when a local could remain stable even if up to harvesting/relocation measure is 72% of the eggs were removed. being considered. As of 1999, USDA Even if 95% of the eggs were approval was required for goose removed, it would take ten years just meat donation to food banks, so it to reduce the population to a level was necessary to use USDA- 75% of the original (Barnard 1991). inspected processing plants. Goose meat should be inspected for steel Nest removal shot. Also, assurance should exist that the geese have not ingested The removal or destruction of a nest pesticides, contaminating their meat. requires breeding geese to move, Although this is more unlikely in build a new nest immediately, or urban areas, there have been nest later in the season. This is a instances of goose poisonings very labor-intensive approach, requiring daily visits to nesting sites.
17 DRAFT Also, since geese are very proficient at locating their nests in safe areas, Addling they may be on islands or other difficult to access locations. Addling simply involves vigorously shaking the eggs found in the nest. Egg Management The eggs must be shaken to the point that liquid is heard moving Eggs can be impacted in several around inside. ways that will terminate the viability of embryos. Just like with nest Puncturing destruction, you must be able to find and get to the nest, making it a fairly Puncturing is accomplished by labor intensive approach. All poking a strong, sharp pin through methods require that the eggs be one end of the egg. This allows carefully replaced in the nest to harmful bacteria to enter the egg. prevent the goose from being aware Oiling that the eggs have been tampered Oiling eggs works through the with. If this is not done, the geese principle that oil prevents gases from will quickly lay more eggs. Typically, diffusing through the shell, depriving 4 to 7 eggs will be present in a oxygen from the embryo. The usual complete nesting clutch. method is to either brush, spray, or The most common methods of dunk the eggs using 100 percent impacting the eggs are: addling, food grade corn oil. puncturing, and oiling. For humane reasons, these methods should be Dummy eggs done as early in the incubation process as possible, while being late Viable eggs can be removed from enough to get all the eggs of that the nest and replaced with artificial clutch. or ‘dummy’ eggs made of wood or plastic. Also, unfertilized or hard- boiled ‘real’ eggs can be used. The goose will continue to incubate the eggs rather than re-nest. In Toronto, Ontario, this method combined with hunting reduced the local Canada goose population by 40%. This method is less labor intensive than some of the previous because the nests are visited only one time.
Optimum habitat
18 DRAFT
Conclusion Management techniques exist that Problems with resident Canada have proven to be successful. The geese will likely continue to increase challenge will lie in making the in the coming years. The combined correct choices. factors of low adult mortality and favorable habitat conditions for breeding and feeding indicate that resident goose flocks may double every five years. (Smith, et al 1999)
Solving conflicts between people and Canada geese will continue to create a significant management challenge for wildlife biologists and policy makers. A delicate balance must be achieved between the biological and social issues that revolve around the impacts of resident geese.
Sunrise…..or sunset?
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Who to Contact:
The USDA Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Wildlife Services program is authorized and directed by law to assist landowners, corporations, agencies, and others in resolving damage situations involving federally managed wildlife. Wildlife Services is the agency primarily responsible for handling requests regarding Canada goose damage problems in New Jersey. This is accomplished through close cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and N.J. Division of Fish, Game, and Wildlife. Assistance typically consists of providing information on control techniques, sources of bird control supplies, assistance with the permit process, and implementation of operational goose damage management activities through funded contracts.
U.S. Department of Agriculture - (APHIS) Wildlife Services New Jersey office: Pittstown, N.J. (908) 735-5654
New Jersey Division of Fish Game and Wildlife: (609) 292-2965 For goose sport hunting information.
U.S. Department of the Interior - Fish and Wildlife Service (413) 253-8698 For actual issuance of permits to handle nests and eggs, shoot geese to reinforce harassment techniques, capture and/or euthanize geese.
References:
Note: Much of this Guide has been adapted for New Jersey from the Cornell Cooperative Extension Publication, Managing Canada Geese in Urban Environments: A Technical Guide. This publication is available from Cornell Cooperative Extension, Media and Technology Resource Center, Ithaca, NY. Phone 607-255-2080; fax 607-255-9946; e-mail [email protected]
Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game. Homeowner’s Guide to Goose Solutions. ADFG, Anchorage, AK. 1998.
Barnard, S. Modeling the Canada Goose Populations at Great Linford. Game Conservation Annual Review. 22:141. 1991.
Keefe,T. Feasibility Study on Processing Nuisance Canada Geese for Human Consumption. Minnesota DNR, Section of Wildlife. 1996.
Sellmer, J. Ornamental Horticulture Monthly Newsletter Vol. 1, No. 1 Penn State University, University Park, PA. 1998
Smith, A. E.; Craven, S. R.; Curtis, P. D. Managing Canada Geese in Urban Environments: A Technical Guide. Jack Berryman Institute Publication 16, and Cornell Cooperative Extension, Ithaca, NY. 1999.
USDA - APHIS Wildlife Services. Canada Goose Damage Management Resource Guide. Pittstown, NJ 2000.
20 DRAFT www.gpnc.org/canada.htm. Canada Goose Appendix 1. Bird Control Devices: Sources of Supply
September 1999 USDA APHIS Wildlife Services
Consult Federal, State and local laws and regulations prior to purchase and use of these products. Listing of company and product names does not indicate or imply endorsement by the USDA, APHIS Wildlife Services Program or NRCS. ______
AUTOMATIC EXPLODERS Bird Barrier BALLOONS 300 Calvert Ave. Bird Barrier Alexandria, VA 22301 300 Calvert Ave. 1-800-6624737 Alexandria, VA 22301 1-800-662-4737 Margo Supplies, Ltd. Site 20, Box 11, RR #6 Bird-X, Inc. Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2M4L5 300 N. Elizabeth St. (403)285-9731 Chicago, IL 60607 1-800-662-5021 OESCO, Inc. P.O. Box 540 Margo Supplies, Ltd. Conway, MA 01341 Site 20, Box 11, RR #6 (413)369-4335 Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2M4L5 (403)285-9731 Reed-Joseph International Co. P.O. Box 894 Nixalite of America, Inc. Greenville, MS 38702-0894 P.O. Box 727 1-800-647-5554 East Moline, IL 61244 1-800-624-1189 Sutton Agricultural Enterprises, Inc. 746 Vertin Ave. OESCO, Inc. Salinas, CA 93901 P.O. Box 540 (831)422-9693 Conway, MA 01341 (413)369-4335 Wildlife Control Technology, Inc. 2501 N. Sunnyside Ave. Reed-Joseph International Fresno, CA 93727 P.O. Box 894 1-800-235-0262 Greenville, MS 38702-0894 1-800-647-5554
21 DRAFT Cincinatti, OH 45217-1014 1-800-423-2473 Sutton Agricultural Enterprises, Inc. DISTRESS CALL/SOUND 746 Vertin Ave. SYSTEMS Salinas, CA 93901 Bird Barrier (831)-4229693 300 Clavert Ave. The Tanglefoot Co. Alexandria, VA 22301 714 Straight Ave., SW 1-800-662-4737 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (616)459-4139 Bird-X, Inc. 300 N. Elizabeth St. Wildlife Control Technology, Inc. Chicago, IL 60607 2501 N. Sunnyside Ave. 1-800-662-5021 Frenso, CA 93727 1-800-235-0262 Johnny Stewart P.O. Box 7594 Waco, TX 76714 CHEMICAL REPELLENTS 1-800-537-0652 Avitrol: Margo Supplies, Ltd. Avirol Corp. Suite 20, Box 11, RR #6 7644 E. 46th St. Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2M4L5 Tulsa, OK 74145 (403)285-9731 1-800-633-5069 OESCO, Inc. P.O. Box 540 GOOSE REPELLENTS: Conway, MA 01341 Bird-X, Inc. (413)369-4335 300 N. Elizabeth St. Chicago, IL 60607 Reed-Joseph International Co. 1-800-662-5021 P.O. Box 894 Greenville, MS 38702-0894 Lesco, Inc. 1-800-647-5554 3521 Silverside Rd. Wilmington, DE 19810 Sutton Agricultural Enterprises, Inc. 1-800-321-5325 746 Vertin Ave. Salinas, CA 93901 Nixalite of America, Inc. (831)422-9693 P.O. Box 727 East Moline, IL 61244 Weitech, Inc. 1-800-624-1189 P.O. Box 1659 Sisters, OR 97759 RJ Advantage 1-800-343-2659 501 Murray Rd.
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OESCO, Inc. Wildlife Control Technology, Inc. P.O. Box 540 2501 N. Sunnyside Ave. Conway, MA 01341 Fresno, CA 93727 (413)369-4335 1-800-235-0262 Sutton Agricultural Enterprises, Inc. 746 Vertin Ave. NETTING Salinas, CA 93901 Bird Barrier (831)422-9693 300 Calvert Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301 Wildlife Control Technology, Inc. 1-800-662-4737 2501 N. Sunnyside Ave. Fresno, CA 93727 Bird-X, Inc. 1-800-235-0262 300 N. Elizabeth St. Chicago, IL 60607 1-800-662-5021 PORCUPINE WIRES Bird Barrier J.T. Eaton and Co., Inc. 300 Calvert Ave. 1393 E. Highland Rd. Alexandria, VA 22301 Twinsburg, OH 44087 1-800-662-4737 1-800-321-3421 Bird-X, Inc. Hot Foot America LP 300 N. Elizabeth St. 298 Belvedere Ave. Chicago, IL 60607 Belvedere, CA 94920 1-800-662-5021 1-800-332-1872 Cat Claw, Inc. Internet, Inc. P.O. Box 5250 7300 49th Ave. N. Johnston, PA 15904 Minneapolis, MN 55428 1-800-832-2473 1-800-328-8456 Hot-Foot America LP J.A. Cissel Mfg. Co. 298 Belvedere Ave. 1995 Rugters University Blvd. Belvedere, CA 94920 Lakewood, NJ 08701 1-800-332-1872 1-800-631-2234 Nixalite of America, Inc. Nixalite of America, Inc. P.O. Box 727 P.O. Box 727 East Moline, IL 61244 East Moline, IL 61244 1-800-624-1189 1-800-624-1189
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Margo Supplies, Ltd PYROTECHNIC DEVICES Sutie 20, Box 11, RR #6 Bird Barrier Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2M4L5 300 Calvert Ave. (403)285-9731 Alexandria, VA 22301 1-800-662-4737 OESCO, Inc. P.O. Box 540 Margo Supplies, Ltd. Conway, MA 01341 Sutie 20, Box 11, RR #6 (413)369-4335 Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2M4L5 (403)285-9731 Reed-Joseph International Co. P.O. Box 894 Reed-Joseph International Co. Greenville, MS 38702-0984 P.O. Box 894 1-800-662-4737 Greenville,MS 38702-0894 1-800-647-5554 Sutton Agricultural Enterprises, Ltd 746 Vertin Ave. Stoneco, Inc. Salinas, CA 93901 P.O. Box 765 (831) 422-9693 Trinidad, CO 81082 (719)846-2853 The Tanglefoot Co. 314 Straight Ave., SW Sutton Agricultural Enterprises, Inc. Grand Rapids, MI 746 Vertin Ave. (616)459-4139 Salinas, CA 93901 (831)422-9693 Wildlife Control Technology, Inc. 2501 N. Sunnyside Ave. Wildlife Control Technology, Inc. Fresno, CA 93727 2501 N. Sunnyside Ave. 1-800-235-0262 Fresno, Ca 93727 1-800-235-0262 TRAPS Bird Barrier REFLECTIVE TAPE 300 Calvert Ave. Bird Barrier Alexandria, VA 22301 300 Calvert Ave. 1-800-662-4737 Alexandria, VA 22301 1-800-662-4737 Margo Supplies, Ltd Suite 20, Box 11, RR #6 Bird-X, Inc. Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2M4L5 300 N. Elizabeth (403) 285-9731 Chicago. IL 60607 1-800-662-5021
24 DRAFT Minnesota Trapline Products Supplies Source: 6699 156th Ave., NW Pennock, MN 56279 Janet L. Bucknall (320) 599-4176 State Director, Wildlife Biologist United States Department of Agriculture National Live Trap Corp. Animal and Plant Inspection Service Box 302 Wildlife Services Tomahawk, WI 54487 (715) 453-2249 140-C Locust Grove Road Pittstown, NJ 08867 Reed-Joseph International Co. P.O. Box 894 Phone: (908)735-5654 Greenville, MS 38702-0894 Fax: (908)735-0821 1-800-647-5554 Email: Janet L. [email protected]
Tomahawk Live Trap Co. P.O. Box 323 Tomahawk, WI 54487 1-800-272-8727
Wildlife Control Technology, Inc. 2501 N. Sunnyside Ave. Fresno, CA 93727 1-800-235-0262
TRAINED DOGS Geese Management PO Box 1504 Newton, PA 18940 (215) 968-0843
NJ Wild Geese Control PO Box 7293 North Arlington, NJ 07031 [email protected]
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