Nuisance goose control: legal and effective methods for dealing with nuisance Canada geese

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G,6 Nuisance Goose Control
Legal and Effective Methods for Dealing with Nuisance Canada Geese
Georgia Department 01 Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division
2111 U.S. Highway 278, S.E.
Social Circle, Georgia
(770) 918-6416

Many of these devices can be borrowed or purchased from the Wildlife Resources Division or the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services office for a deposit fee. This malerial is also available from the following companies.

Reed Joseph International 232 Main Street
PO. Box 894
Greenville. MS 38702 1800647-5554

SullOn Agricul1ural Enlerprises 1081 Harl<.ins Road Salinas. CA 93901 408422-9693

Another firing device used to harass nuisance Canada geese is an automatic exploder, commonly called a gas cannon. These devices generate noises louder than shotgun blasts and operate on propane gas. One exploder can protect up to 50 acres. However, like flagging and other techniques, they should be moved every 2 - 3 days. The timer should be turned off after dark. Because of the loud noise generated, neighbors should be forewarned to prevent conflicts,
Lastly, items such as traffic cones, pinwheels, swan decoys, and aluminum pie plates have been used to reduce nuisance goose problems. Dogs are an effective deterrent to Canada geese.
A goose repellent also is available and registered for use on turf grasses and golf courses. Methyl anthranilate (artificial grape flavoring) is an effective taste and odor repellent when mixed with water and sprayed directly on grass. This repellent may not work in all situations, and people should give careful consideration before using it.

Hunting Canada Geese Can Help
The Wildlife Resources Division has established a hunting season for Canada geese in Georgia.
Whenever possible, hunting during this season should be encouraged. Hunting will not only remove some of the problem geese, but it will also make geese more wary and susceptible to non-lethal control.

Canada Goose Facts
Canada geese usually male for life in their second or third year. However, if one mate is losllhey will find another partner.
Nest site selection occurs as early as late February in some parts of Georgia. In areas with high populations, competition for nest sites leads to a considerable amount of fighting and "honking". Geese prefer secure locations, such as islands, points of land, and lufts of vegetation near the waler's edge, for nesting sites. Generally, the mosl successful nests are near ponds or lakes surrounded by open, grassy areas, rather than wooded, brushy ponds.
A pair of geese will construct a simple ground nesl of dead vegetation and other debris. Four to seven eggs are laid in a depression in the center of the nest.
Goslings hatch after 30 -35 days of incubation and begin feeding almost immediately. Preferred foods include young grasses, insects, and seeds.
Goslings are usually able to fly by mid-July. This coincides with the completion of the adult's annual feather replacemenf, or moult. The goslings will accompany the adults on feeding flights to nearby food sources. By late September, groups will form and congregate in harvested agricultural fields, newly planted grain fields, and large bodies of water.
Canada geese in Georgia are non-migratory. Most of the fall and winter months are spent feeding and roosting within a few miles of their spring and summer locations. Large, open beaver swamps, secluded lakes, and coves of large lakes are favored roosting sites at this time. In late winter the flock returns to its nesting areas.
Most nuisance goose problems and depredations occur when large numbers of adult geese congregate with the flightless young in early summer or during the fall and winter foraging flights.

What's Good for the Goose... Might be a Nuisance for the People

When the sounds of honking lililhe air, hunters and wildlife enthusiasts look 10 the sky in search of Canada geese (Branta canadenis). While the sight and sound of these remarkable birds has become more common in Georgia, these birds have also become pests in many areas althe stale.
The Canada goose is extremely adaptable and can live in many different locations, from open farmland and rural reservoirs to suburban and urban ponds, parks, and developed areas. For this reason, geese are often found in areas that are heavily used by pe0ple. Geese grazing on lawns, goff courses, recreation areas, and agricultural fields or leaving behind a collection of feathers or feces in unwanted areas are among the complaints the Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) receives about geese each year.
While the WRD has established a hunting season for Canada geese, these birds continue to be a nuisance in some areas.
It is important to remember Canada geese are protected under state and federal law. 11 is illegal to hunt, kill, sell, purchase, or possess Canada geese except according to Georgia's migratory bird regulations. However, there are other ways to rid areas of nuisance geese.
The following quidelines provide legal means to help repel canada geese.
Nuisance Goose Abatement The best way to prevent Canada geese from becoming a nuisance is to take early action. Physical barriers, habitat changes, changes in food sources, repellents, scare devices and other forms of harrassment work well, especially when several techniques are used together. Successful control of Canada geese is a trial and error process requiring patience and persistence.

Physical Barriers: Since geese usually walk Irom water to feeding areas, constructing barriers is an effective loollor solving nuisance goose problems. People living near golf courses, parks, lakes, or other developed areas can build low wooden or wire fences or plant dense hedges to limit access to feeding areas.
Temporary barriers to keep geese out of gardens or yards can be built from twine, nylon cord, or fishing line attached to stakes. The string should be 18 inches high and marked with colored flagging or mylar tape to prevent goose crossing.
Canada geese prefer landing in water before leeding in an area. By constructing a wire or nylon grid over the water, you can deny geese access to the water. They will often seek a more suitable body of water in which to land.
The grids should be made of light-gauge wire or 80-100 pound test monofilament arranged into 10-15 loot squares. The wires should be placed 10-18 inches above the surtace of the water. A similar result can be obtained by placing a temporary barrier fence at or slightly inside the water's edge. This technique is especially useful on small ponds, such as Ihose found on golf courses or in corporate parks.
Habitat Changes; Low-growing vegetation, such as mowed grass located along the water's edge, is extremely attractive to geese. Geese prefer high weeds for nesting cover and short grasses for food sources. This attractant can be reduced by building wooden or rock walls. In addition, small islands and

peninsulas should be modified or removed whenever possible to discourage goose nesting.
Changes in Food Sources; Many people, especially those in subdivisions, feed corn and other grains to Canada geese. In addition to promoting nuisance problems, this type of feeding can cause serious watertowl diseases. To prevent these problems, do not feed the geese.
Geese prefer to leed on cool-season grasses, such as rye. People living in areas where geese are a problem should not plant cool season grass if they wanllo prevent geese from feeding in their yards during fall and winter.
Scare Devices; Scare devices and techniques can also rid areas of nuisance geese. Some common methods include: scarecrows, flagging, explosives or noise makers (scare pistols). balloons, dogs, and foreign objects. These techniques are easy to use; however, the results are quicker and longer lasting if several methods are used together. Harassment devices also work belter if their location is changed within the nuisance area once or twice a week. When properly applied, these techniques can be effective

within 3 - 5 days. More difficulty will be encountered when geese have been using an area for long periods of time.
Scarecrows have been used to discourage birds from agricultural fields for years. Scarecrows do not need to be elaborate to be effective. They can be made from wood, gunny sacks, or old clothing. Plastic streamers or other articles that move in the wind make the scarecrow more effective. One scarecrow for eorery five acres is sufficient and it should be moved eorery 2 - 5 days. While this method is often used in agricultural fields, it is useful in suburban areas as well.
Flagging is often the cheapest and most effective method, especially when paired with another technique. Make flags using a 4 - foot wooden stake and piece of black plastic, measuring 3 - feet long by 2 feet wide. Attach the plastic with a cardboard strip stapled to the stake. In fields where Canada geese are already a problem, one flag per acre should be used. Otherwise, one flag per five acres should deter the geese. Flagging may also be effective in housing areas and around small ponds.
Another technique which works weli is the balloon method. Mylar helium-filled balloons measuring 17 30 inches in diameter should be attached to a wooden stake with 10- 20 pound lesl monofilament. Place them away from objects which could cause punctures. While this method is effective, it can be expensive when trying to cover large areas.
Explosive devices fired from shotguns and modified starter pistols (scare pistols) may also be used to remove nuisance geese. Shells should be fired in the air directly above geese when they are feeding in or approaching a problem area. If this method is used for 2 - 3 days, the birds will usually leave the area. Noise makers and explosives are especially effective when paired with flagging.
Precautions should be taken when using firecracker type explosives. Check with neighbors regarding noice, consulliocal ordinances, and be careful not to ignite dry grass. When using shellcrackers, the shotgun bore should be inspected for obstructions during use and cleaned frequently to prevent rust in the barrel.

Many of these devices can be borrowed or purchased from the Wildlife Resources Division or the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services office for a deposit fee. This material is also available lrom the following companies.

Reed Joseph If'IIemational 232 Main Slreet p.o. Box 894 Greenville. MS 38702 1-800-6475554

Sutton AgriWIural Enterprises 1081 Harkins Road Safinas, CA 93901 408-422-9693

Another firing device used to harass nuisance Canada geese is an automatic exploder, commonly called a gas cannon. These devices generale noises louder than shotgun blasts and operate on propane gas. One exploder can protect up to 50 acres. However, like flagging and other techniques, they should be moved every 2 - 3 days. The timer should be turned off after dark. Because 01 the loud noise generated, neighbors should be forewarned to prevent conflicts.
lastly, items such as traffic cones, pinwheels, swan decoys, and aluminum pie plates have been used to reduce nuisance goose problems. Dogs are an efleclive deterrent to Canada geese.
A goose repellent also is available and registered for use on turi grasses and golf courses. Methyl anthranilate (artificial grape flavoring) is an effective taste and odor repellent when mixed with water and sprayed directly on grass. This repellent may not work in all situations, and people should give careful consideration before using it.

Hunting Canada Geese Can Help
The Wildlife Resources Division has established a hunting season for Canada geese in Georgia.
Whenever possible, hunting during this season should be encouraged. Hunting will not only remove some of the problem geese, but it will also make geese more wary and susceptible to nonlethal control.

Canada Goose Facts
Canada geese usually male for life in their second or third year. However, if one mate is lost they will find another partner.
Nest site selection occurs as early as lale February in some parts of Georgia. In areas with high populations, competition for nesl sites leads 10 a considerable amount of fighting and "honking". Geese prefer secure locations, such as islands, points of land, and lulls of vegetation near the waler's edge. for nesting sites. Generally, the most successful nests are near ponds or lakes surrounded by open, grassy areas, rather than wooded,
brushy ponds,
A pair of geese will construct a simple ground nest of dead vegetation and other debris. Four to seven eggs are laid in a depression in the center of the nest.
Goslings hatch after 30 -35 days of incubation and begin feeding almost immediately. Preferred foods include young grasses, insects, and seeds.
Goslings are usually able to fly by mid-july. This coincides with the completion of the adult's annual feather replacement, or moult. The goslings will accompany the adults on feeding flights to nearby food sources. By late September, groups will form and congregate in harvested agricultural fields, newly 'planted grain fields, and large bodies of water.
Canada geese in Georgia are non-migratory. Most of the fall and winter months are spent feeding and roosting within a few miles of their spring and summer locations. Large, open beaver swamps, secluded lakes, and coves of large lakes are favored roosting sites at this time, In late winter the flock returns to its nesting areas.
Most nuisance goose problems and depredations occur when large numbers of adult geese congregate with the flightless young in early summer or during the fall and winter foraging flights.

For more information contact the nearest Wildlife Resources Division, Game Management office or USDA Wildlife Services.
Region I 2592 Floyd Springs Road Armuchee, Georgia 30105 (706)295-6041
Region II 2150 Dawsonville Highway Gainesville, Georgia 30501 (770)535-5700
Region III 142 Bob Kirk Road Thomson, Georgia 30824 (706)595-4222
Region IV 1014 Martin Luther King Blvd. Fort Valley Georgia 31030-9990 (912)825-6354
Region V 2024 Newton Road Albany, Georgia 31701 (912)430-4254
Region VI 1773-A Bowen's Mill Highway Fitzgerald, Georgia 31750 (912)426-5267
Region VII One Conservation Way Brunswick, Georgia 31520 (912)262-3173
USDA Wildlife Services School of Forest Resources University of Georgia Athens, Georgia 30602 (706)546-2020