How to deal with problem Canada goose in Connecticut

Canada goose (Geese, Canadian geese)

Canada goose

Canada geese occur throughout North America. They have black heads with white cheeks and chinstrap, black neck, tan breast, and a brown back. Males and females look similar, but males are slightly larger. Canada geese prefer habitats near water, such as grassy areas and grain fields, where there is an unobstructed view of possible predators. Mowed lawns near water are ideal, so geese are especially attracted to large backyards, parks, golf courses, harvested crop fields, and airports. Canada geese eat grasses, other wild and cultivated green vegetation, and grains such as corn, rice, wheat, alfalfa, and soybeans. Geese mainly feed during the day, in early morning and late afternoon. The biggest problems caused by geese are from their feeding activities and accompanying excrement. Feeding flocks can strip vegetation from an area. Their feces can foul grass, sidewalks, and docks and contaminate water. Nesting geese are often aggressive toward people.

There is no "silver bullet" for the long-term removal of nuisance geese. Each situation is different and requires different strategies. There are several important aspects to consider in planning nuisance goose management: When does the problem occur? What time(s) of the year does the problem occur?

Non-lethal techniques can be effective, particularly if several different methods are used in concert, and at the appropriate time. However, except for habitat modification, most of the available non-lethal methods are only temporarily effective.

Laws and regulations to be aware of

Federal regulations

Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it illegal for anyone to take, possess, import, export, transport, sell, purchase, barter, or offer for sale, purchase, or barter, any migratory bird, or the parts, nests, or eggs of such a bird except under the terms of a valid permit issued pursuant to federal regulations.

Migratory birds may seek respite within trees or on buildings considered private property. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 prohibits the removal of all listed species or their parts (feathers, eggs, nests, etc.) from such property.

Federal depredation permit

For needs outside of the regulated hunting season and any other state-specific goose control programs, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issues goose depredation permits to qualifying individuals and municipalities. These permits allow for the removal of geese, typically 1-2 per day, but must be done in conjunction with active non-lethal methods. Please see Federal Migratory Bird Depredation Permit for information and the permit form.

Regulations for Connecticut

Canada goose regulated hunting – permit required

In Connecticut, there is a legal hunting season for this species.  Shooting may only be done by a licensed hunter or the landowner of the property, and hunters must follow all laws and regulations regarding allowable firearms and ammunition.  Check the Migratory Bird Hunting Guide for information on season dates and required permits.

Agricultural producers - Canada goose agricultural damage control permit

For farmers meeting certain eligibility requirements, CT DEEP has developed an agricultural depredation program. This program allows persons actively involved in commercial agriculture to conduct lethal control of resident Canada geese outside of regulated hunting seasons. These actions include the destruction of resident Canada goose nests and eggs (March 1 – August 31) and the take of adult geese (April 1 – August 31).  You must be actively involved in commercial agriculture (actual or potential gross annual income of $2,500.00 or more from the commercially cultivated production of livestock and poultry, grain, forage, fruit, vegetables, flowers, ornamental plants or Christmas trees). See Canada goose Agricultural Damage Program for more information.

Nest destruction, egg addling - Federal e-registration needed

If you are a landowner not eligible for the CT Agricultural Depredation Program, registration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is required to destroy resident Canada goose nests and eggs on property under your jurisdiction. Likewise, if you are a producer eligible for the CT Agricultural Depredation Program, but wish to act outside the season covered by that program (March 1 – August 31), you must also register with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Please see FWS.gov for more information.

Urban landowners – goose roundups

Public Act 03-192 allows for municipalities, private homeowner associations, and certain non-profit groups to conduct goose round-ups conducted during the flightless molting period.  Geese are herded into portable nets, euthanized, and the meat donated to soup kitchens and the needy.  This program has several requirements; for more information contact the CT DEEP Migratory Game Bird Program at (860) 418-5959 or (860) 418-5960.  

While we attempt to provide guidance about state and federal regulations pertaining to specific species and control techniques, we do not provide information about local jurisdictions (city, town, county, etc.) where regulations may be more restrictive, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals or use of trapping equipment. Contact your local city or county government to inquire further. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. You should become familiar with federal, state and local laws before beginning any wildlife control activities.