Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Temporary separation of family members of Canada geese (Branta canadensis) was common because of human disturbances, both at the roost lake and when they were of the lake feeding in fields. These separations may account for most of the differences between adults and immatures in their fidelity to roost locations. Young birds apparently did not return to their traditional roost sites as rapidly as did adults. Intentional harassment or hazing of Canada geese by wildlife agencies has resulted in accelerated kill by hunters in short periods of time and has not been successful in its objective of inducing migration. Flushing birds repeatedly prevents them from establishing or returning to traditional roost sites and insures that the family and social structure are continually disrupted. Canada geese are probably highly vulnerable to hunting as they seek to reestablish contact with their parents and siblings. The author believes that hazing is ineffective and inhumane means of inducing migration and that hazing calls into question wildlifer's use of the word refuge.