MISSOURI CONSIDERING AN EARLY GOOSE SEASON

COLUMBIA -- Giant Canada geese are thriving in Missouri. So well, in fact, that the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is considering an experimental goose hunting season in Central Missouri.

While North American duck populations have dwindled in recent years, Canada goose numbers have posted significant gains. Restoration of giant Canada geese that stay in Missouri year-round has bolstered the overall population gains.

Ten to 15 years ago giant Canada geese lived in less than half of Missouri's 114 counties. Presently, they inhabit 83 counties.Their numbers have increased because they have adapted to urban areas, where they are not hunted.

"I think everyone is pleased with the success of restoration efforts, but success sometimes comes with problems," said Dave Graber, wildlife research biologist for MDC. "Giant Canada geese can foul golf courses, swimming beaches and boat and swimming docks, and they can damage gardens, lawns and golf greens.

"We've been gathering data for the past three years to determine their population size in mid-Missouri. A more liberal hunting season is one method we're looking at as a means of population management."

MDC is considering an experimental nine-day Canada goose season in early October in Boone County and part of Callaway County west of Highway 54. If the season is approved by federal authorities, hunters will be able shoot three Canada geese daily during the nine-day season, with a possession limit of six. This early Canada goose season would be added to the regular season.

MDC's Canada goose research focused on the movements, distribution, survival rate and population of giant Canada geese in central Missouri. MDC also plans to survey residents to find out how they feel about the geese and various methods of population control.

Other control methods being considered include egg shaking,removal of nesting tubs, altering habitat and scare tactics. Shaking eggs, which requires a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, makes the eggs infertile. If an extended hunting season is approved, data over the next three years will determine what effect hunting has on population size.

About 3,000 giant Canada geese are resident in mid-Missouri year around. That number doubles during the winter. Graber said central Missouri can support these geese and more, but proems arise when large numbers of the birds gather in a small area. "We would like to see fewer geese in some areas without an overall population reduction," Graber said.