Published: April 20, 2008 01:23 am         

Solutions exist in Md. for resident geese problems

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services are coordinating to offer Maryland farmers with the necessary tools to manage chronic crop depredation caused by resident Canada geese.

“Maryland recently modified its regulations to help improve resident Canada goose population control efforts to make it more effective and user friendly for landowners and managers,” said Wildlife & Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto.

Past efforts have shown Canada goose depredation control is most effective when a combination of techniques are used in concert: hunting seasons; nest and egg destruction; non-lethal treatment methods such as hazing with propane cannons and pyrotechnics; and lethal alternatives, the agency said.

“In most cases, non-lethal methods work quite well. However, the special depredation orders provide an additional prescription that deals with persistent geese in chronic cases,” Peditto said.

Private landowners and public land managers may now destroy resident Canada goose nests and eggs on property under their jurisdiction between March 1 and June 30 if necessary to resolve or prevent injury to people, property, agricultural crops, or other interests. Before any goose nests or eggs may be destroyed, landowners must go online at https://epermits.

fws.gov/eRCGR/geSI.aspx to register with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Registration is valid for one nesting season and must be renewed each year before nests and eggs may be destroyed. There is no fee for registration. No state permit is required to destroy nests or eggs in Maryland.

Agricultural producers including landowners, operators, and tenants actively engaged in commercial agriculture may kill resident Canada geese from lands that they personally control and where geese are damaging agricultural crops. While state authorization is required, a federal permit is not. Goose nests and eggs may only be destroyed between March 1 and June 30, and geese may only be killed between May 1 and Aug. 31. All management actions must occur on the premises of the depredation area. Geese may not be taken in a hunting manner, that is by the use of decoys and calls. Agricultural producers may obtain a free permit by applying in person to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services at 1568 Whitehall Road in Annapolis, or via telephone at 1-877-463-6497.

For additional information about resident Canada geese, visit the DNR web site at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/waterfowl.asp.