Resident Canada Goose Management

During the past 15 years considerable attention has been focused on research and management problems associated with the Mississippi Valley population of Canada Geese. The general breeding, migration, and wintering ranges are well defined. Because this flock is closely associated with national wildlife refuges and State management areas in Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, and the majority of this population winters in southern Illinois and vicinity, it has been possible to determine quite accurately annual total population trends, annual harvest rates, and the breeding potential of the population sent back to the breeding grounds each spring. Based on knowledge accumulated for this population, steps are being taken to compile similar information for other major continental Canada goose populations.