Snow Goose Population Problem Part III

Management Actions

The group considered all possible alternatives - from doing nothing and "letting nature take its course," to some of the most extreme actions conceivable. Each alternative was examined in detail based on its potential for implementation, success and/or problems. A preliminary list of these strategies was forwarded to the Mississippi and Central flyway councils, the councils' technical committees and other biologists and managers for review and comment. The list was then reduced to 14 management strategies believed to be viable tools for reducing and ultimately controlling the snow goose population.

This gaggle of snow geese, photographed on a reservoir in Kansas, contains more than 24,000 birds. Hanging together in large flocks is a snow goose survival tactic.

It quickly became apparent there is no one single fix or solution. Resolution of this complicated problem will require a broad range of techniques applied across the entire snow goose range throughout the year. Doing nothing was rejected immediately as irresponsible.

Management strategies need to reduce population size and limit population growth. The most effective time to remove snow geese from the population is during migration and wintering periods when they are concentrated and available to hunters. In addition, habitat resources on migration and wintering areas can be managed to reduce overwinter survival of adults.

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