REDUCING CANADA GOOSE DAMAGE

 Methods Citizens Could Implement to Alleviate Damage

 Citizens may use a number of methods to reduce damage caused by Canada geese.

 The effectiveness of the methods varies. Also, some methods are lethal to the goose.

 The methods available to citizens include:

 a) Harassment - use pyrotechnics (scare shells fired from a shotgun or 15mm

 launcher), place black or orange flags around crops, place reflective mylar tape

 around property, play distress calls, and chase geese with dogs.

 b) Exclusion - erect temporary or permanent fences around the beaches or small

ponds, and build an overhead wire grid over ponds less than 2-acres.

 c) Husbandry - stop feeding waterfowl and removing domestic waterfowl from

ponds because this attracts Canada geese.

d) Repellents - spray Rejex-It on turf, especially in late summer and fall, for

repelling geese.

e) Hunting - obtain a hunting license and Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp and

participate in the hunting season.

f) Shoot Geese to Supplement Harassment - after obtaining a Migratory Bird

Depredation Permit, geese may be shot to supplement harassment. Damage along

with unsuccessful use of non-lethal methods must be demonstrated before a permit

may be issued by the federal government.

g) Nest Egg Destruction - treat the eggs of Canada geese by addling, oiling with

corn oil, freezing, or puncturing to limit population growth. A Migratory Bird

Depredation Permit is required before treating eggs.

For further information contact:

                       USDA, APHIS, WILDLIFE SERVICES

                              59 Chenell Drive, Suite #7

                                 Concord, NH 03301

                                    603-223-6832