Bird Research: Canada Goose Distribution, Abundance, and Harvest

Objectives of this research:

• To develop surveys that will provide breeding pair estimates, average brood size, and other data needed to model fall resident goose populations,
• To identify the proportion of Giant Canada Geese in the annual fall harvest in Wisconsin, and
• To identify harvest and damage abatement strategies.

Background

The Giant Canada Goose was once a common breeding species in Wisconsin, but by about 1900 it had been eliminated from the wild. Restoration flocks were started in the 1930s, and by 1970 Wisconsin had approximately 18 flocks of free-flying resident geese. During the 1960s and 1970s, most flock sizes remained stable, with the exception of a flock in Green Bay. A hunting ban within city limits allowed it to expand to nearly 1,000 geese by the late 1970s.

Currently, resident populations of Giant Canada Geese are increasing statewide. They present problems in the state´s urban areas--particularly in the southeast--where they feed on the grassy areas of parks, cemeteries, zoos, golf courses, commercial properties, and private lawns. Resident Canada Geese are currently being moved to other areas of the state to alleviate immediate problems at specific sites and to establish populations in less populated areas.

Regular surveys are needed to better estimate the distribution, population densities, and production of these resident flocks. Special seasons on these resident geese cannot be instituted until fall population size and distribution, relative to migrant geese, have been documented.

Increased accuracy of resident goose density estimates will permit greater flexibility in goose population management and may increase recreational opportunities. Distribution of giant sub-populations, chronology of movements, and harvest distribution will allow us to assess the results of transplanting geese, as well as, the effects of special seasons and regular seasons on population changes.

For more information on this topic, please contact:
Larry Vine
(414) 485-3006

Associated Publications

Wheeler, W.E., and J.M. Cole. 1990. The history and status of Wisconsin's resident Canada goose populations. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Findings 26. 4 pp.

Nelson, J.S., J.F. Wetzel, and W.E. Wheeler. 1990. Subspecies composition of Wisconsin´s Mississippi River Canada goose harvest. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Final Report. 22 pp.

Huff, J., J. Bergquist, and W.E. Wheeler. 1991. An analysis of the 1991 experimental early September hunt to manage giant Canada geese in southeast Wisconsin. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Findings 29. 4 pp.

Huff, J., J.R. Bergquist, and W. Wheeler. 1991. An analysis of the experimental early September hunting season to manage giant Canada geese in southeast Wisconsin during 1990. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Interim report. 7 pp.

Huff, J., J.R. Bergquist, and W. Wheeler. 1991. An analysis of the experimental early September hunting season to manage giant Canada geese in southeast Wisconsin during 1991. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 6 pp.

Bergquist, J.R., B. Dhuey, and W. Wheeler. 1992. An analysis of the early September hunting season to manage giant Canada geese in southeast Wisconsin during 1992. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Interim report. 8 pp.

Bergquist, J.R., W. Wheeler, B. Dhuey, and R. Lien. 1992. 1990-1992 Experimental September Canada goose season, southeast Wisconsin subzone. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Final report. 13 pp.

Wheeler, W.E. 1995. Lead poisoning in Canada geese in Wisconsin: a continuing legacy. The Passenger Pigeon 53(3):177-86.

Wheeler, W.E. 1994. Giant Canada geese nesting on a roof. The Passenger Pigeon 56(3):207.

Rasmussen, P.W., W.E. Wheeler, B.D. Sullivan, T.J. Moser, L.E. Vine, and D.R. Rusch. In revision. Morphological measurement error and effects on subspecific classification of Canada geese. Journal of Wildlife Management.