Registration now closed

Living with Canada Geese

Tips and Best Practices

Fed up with goose poop on your lawn or sidewalks? Join us as Jessica Merkling, an Urban Wildlife Biologist with the Indiana DNR, shares ways to manage a peaceful co-existence with Canada geese.

Urban biologist Jessica Merkling covers the basics of living with and managing Canada geese in urban, suburban and rural environments. This presentation includes best practices for dissuading Canada geese from an area and provides information about both short-term and long-term solutions.

From the INDNR website:

Less than fifty years ago, the giant Canada goose was extremely rare in Indiana. As a result of restoration efforts and a large increase in small urban and suburban waterbodies, Canada geese are now quite common. Many people enjoy seeing them fly in a v-formation or hearing their distinctive honk, but problems can occur when too many gather in an area.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918 gave the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) oversight authority to manage and regulate the harvest of migratory birds in the United States. This act makes it illegal to harvest waterfowl or other migratory birds except during the hunting season or by permit. It also prevents unrestricted egg harvesting and commercial hunting for meat and feathers. In 1999, the federal government introduced permits that could be issued to State wildlife management agencies so states and their designated agents could initiate resident Canada geese damage management within the conditions and restrictions of the permit. As such, the Indiana Division of Fish & Wildlife may issue permits for agricultural depredation and trapping activities concerning Canada geese.

A single, quick fix solution is unlikely to reduce or solve goose conflicts. Using several techniques in combination is a much more effective strategy. Short-term techniques can relieve immediate problems, but long-term solutions are much more likely to succeed in mitigating human/goose conflicts. The ultimate goal of Canada goose management is to reduce the number of conflicts, not to eliminate all geese. Canada goose management plans that are organized with an action plan, community buy-in, and time commitment are more likely to be successful. There is no single, best answer for Canada goose management.

It is best to use preventative techniques before a problem begins in an area. Once geese are established, it can become very difficult to deter them, particularly after nesting has begun. Think long-term management, not just short-term solution.