Snow Goose Population Problem Part III

Population Control by Wildlife Agencies

These strategies represent a more direct means of controlling the population. They are likely to be more expensive, controversial or difficult to implement. The work group recommended that initial priorities should be directed at increasing harvest by hunting before more direct means of population control are used.

Commercial harvest - Develop and permit commercial harvest. A major limitation would be developing sustainable commercial opportunities that did not conflict with hunting opportunities.

Trapping and culling of birds - Trap and kill large numbers of birds on wintering and migration areas. This would require programs to use the birds for food and/or other products.

Refuge management - Change refuge management to reduce food subsidies, roosting areas and areas safe from hunting. A major drawback to this strategy is affects on other wildlife species that also depend on these habitats.

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