DNR to hold goose control seminar

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Area residents can learn how to legally and effectively control local Canada goose populations at a seminar at the Salomon Farm Visitors Center in Fort Wayne on March 22, presented by the Department of Natural Resources' Urban Wildlife Project.

The free program, which runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon, is one of six being presented at different locations around the state in March. Interested landowners, managers of corporate campuses, golf courses or park employees, as well any other interested individuals are invited. No advance registration is required.

The seminars will cover various aspects of Canada goose management, including relevant laws, basic biology, and methods to control goose damage. A demonstration on the proper techniques for egg and nest destruction will follow. Adhering to proper techniques is vital—if eggs are broken or completely removed from nests, the females will just lay another clutch of eggs.

The population of Canada geese in the Mississippi Flyway exceeds 1.5 million birds. Destroying eggs and nests in urban areas is helpful in controlling these numbers in areas where hunting cannot, which can reduce conflicts between people and Canada geese.

Federal rules allow landowners properly registered at https://epermits.fws.gov/eRCGR/geSI.aspx to complete Canada goose egg and nest destruction on their own property. Registrants must provide a summary report of their Canada goose nest destruction activities to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by Oct. 31. Failure to report can result in privileges being revoked for the forthcoming year.

Two remaining seminars also will be held March 23, at the Potato Creek State Park Nature Center near North Liberty; and March 24 at the Purdue Extension-Lake County, 880 East 99th Ct., Suite A, in Crown Point. All seminars run from 9:30 a.m. to approximately noon. All interested landowners, managers of corporate campuses, golf course or park employees, and the general public are invited.

For further information, call the Urban Wildlife Biologist, (812) 334-1137 or e-mail swinks@dnr.IN.gov.

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