Camping In Ontario Update Newsletter June 2019 September 2013 | Page 9

9 | september 2013 How to Control Canadian Geese What You Need to Know about Canadian Geese and How to Control Them When They Become a Nuisance or Danger The Canada goose finds a mate during its second year and the couple remains together for life once they have coupled. Usually five to seven eggs are laid, with older birds producing more eggs than birds nesting for the first time. The female incubates the eggs for 25 to 28 days while the male stands guard nearby. Unlike many waterfowl species, Canada geese feed mostly on land. In spring and summer, they graze on the leaves of grassy plants, and also eat a wide variety of flowers, stems, roots, seeds and berries. While many of your campers might like to feed them bread or photograph them, they can often cause extensive damage to your campground and can also pose a danger, especially when they are nesting. For the campground owner and manager, they pose an issue that needs to be addressed. Although often mentioned or noted, current research does not show that goose droppings pose a health risk. Canada Geese are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (MBCA). This means they can be legally hunted in the fall and early winter which is great news for hunters. Adult geese, their nests, eggs, or young cannot be harmed out of the legal hunting season without the necessary permits which are referenced below. There are many humane ways of dealing with the Canadian goose and it is important to stress that the information is this article is aimed at situations where the geese are posing a real problem. In all situations, it is imperative that laws be adhered to and that permits are obtained so as to limit further liability. According to Ministry of Natural Resources, here are some ways to prevent conflicts: Limit food sources • Never feed Canada geese. • Clean up spilt seeds under bird feeders. • Mow your lawn less frequently as geese prefer tender grass. • Check with your local lawn seed supplier for coarse grass species suitable for your climatic conditions. Make your property unwelcoming  • Portable propane-fired exploders, sirens or air horns will scare geese off your property but equipment must be moved regularly because geese become accustomed to it. • Bright flashing strobes can disturb geese after dark or just before dawn. • Sound-recorded distress calls of Canada geese or other bird species may persuade flocks of geese to move from your property. • Sound recordings of eagles or falcons as well as eagle and falcon models or kites may also scare geese away. • Lengths of shiny or bright materials, flags or balloons strung between stakes or attached to trees and allowed to move in the wind create a visual distraction that geese may avoid. A swan family decoy, set in small ponds or lakes, has been effective in some cases. • Geese may be disturbed by water sprays designed to activate when movement is detected by infrared sensors. Here are some ways to handle a conflict: If geese are nesting around your property  • Dense tall grass, shrubs, aquatic plants, trees and bushes can prevent geese from directly accessing shorelines, grazing areas or safe cover. • Fences can be made from woven wire, poultry netting, plastic netting, plastic snow fencing, monofilament wire or electrified wire. • Grids or multiple parallel lines of wire, cable, twine or rope, stretched 30 to 50 centimetres above the surface of ponds or over new plantings, will prevent geese from getting into the area. • Some scare tactics and all lethal measures require a federal permit before you take action.  Scare tactics that require a federal permit include the use of firearms, raptors or aircraft and dogs.  Speak with the Canadian Wildlife Service about permits. http:// www.ec.gc.ca/mbc-com/default.asp?lang=En&n=07368A95-1 Lethal action is a last resort • If non-lethal control of Canada geese is not successful, lethal action may be an option. Such action includes legal hunting, shooting out of season or egg destruction by federal permit. • Hunting is an effective way to manage goose populations and prevent conf X