Know the Laws

Canada goose hunting seasons are available throughout the state.

Hunting is an effective and economical tool to control goose
populations. Michigan has special goose hunting seasons established in
cooperation with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service in early September,
January and February to target resident geese. Season dates and bag
limits can be found in the current Waterfowl Hunting Digest, found online
at Michigan.gov/Waterfowl. Michigan Canada Goose
Bird nests and the eggs they may contain are protected under federal
law. It is illegal to touch, move, or possess any part of the nest or eggs
without the proper permit.
In many urban areas, hunting may not be allowed for certain reasons. In
this case, specially permitted nuisance control companies can be hired
to assist landowners with goose control programs. A list of companies
is available at Michigan.gov/Wildlife.
Contact the USDA Wildlife Services for removal assistance including
nest destruction and relocation permits. Local wildlife biologists can
be contacted if there is an aggressive Canada goose causing a public
safety risk, or an inappropriate nest in your area. Public health agencies
frequently test water for levels of fecal coliform to determine if public
lakes are safe for swimming. Contact your local public health office to
learn more about testing in your area.

Learn more about Canada geese

Michigan.gov/Waterfowl

DNR Offices
Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
or visit us online at Michigan.gov/DNR.

Baraga Gaylord Norway

427 US-41 North 1732 W. M-32 520 W. US-Hwy 2
Baraga, MI 49908 Gaylord, MI 49735 Norway, MI 49870
906-353-6651 989-732-3541 906-563-9247

Bay City Lansing Plainwell

3580 State Park Drive 4166 Legacy Parkway 621 N. 10th St.
Bay City, MI 48706 Lansing, MI 48911 Plainwell, MI 49080
989-684-9141 517-284-4720 269-685-6851

Cadillac Marquette Roscommon

8015 Mackinaw Trail 1990 US-41 South I-75 & M-18 South,
Cadillac, MI 49601 Marquette, MI 49855 8717 N. Roscommon Rd.
231-775-9727 906-228-6561 Roscommon, MI 48653
989-275-5151
Crystal Falls Naubinway
1420 W. US-2 PO Box 287 Sault Ste. Marie
Crystal Falls, MI 49920 W11569 US 2E. P.O. Box 798
906-875-6622 Naubinway, MI 49762 4131 S. M-129 Hwy.
906-477-6048 Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
Detroit Metro
1801 Atwater St. Newberry Traverse City
Detroit, MI 48207 5100 M-123 2122 South M-37
313-396-6890 Newberry, MI 49868 Traverse City, MI 49685
906-293-5131 231-922-5280
Escanaba
6833 US-2 41 & M-35
Gladstone, MI 49837
906-293-5131

Michigan DNR Wildlife Division • 517-284-WILD (9453)

Species

Branta canadensis
ANATIDAE Family OR Class Aves

Life Span

12 years on average in the wild. Canada geese are very

adaptable creatures and are S afe to enjoy from
a distance.
Home Range capable of living close to

M
humans. There are simple ake loud noises to
The home range size decreases as the amount ways to be goose SMART. scare them away.
of geese in the population increases. Geese Just remember …

A
that have become residents of urban or
suburban areas have smaller home void intentionally
ranges than birds that are migratory. feeding geese.

Habitat
Open, grassy habitats near
R epel geese by putting
up a fence or wire.
Living with
T
water including: rim the grass less

ponds, marshes, Canada Geese often, allowing it

to grow taller near

rivers, or coastlines.
Canada geese have experienced population growth in
the water.
areas throughout North America, including Michigan.
This trend is due in part to the success of wildlife
Clutch Size management programs and the adaptability of

2 -10 eggs
these magnificent birds. Canada geese nest in every Preventing Conflicts
Michigan county, but are most common in the with Geese at Home
southern third of the state.
People can see and hear Canada geese Make your yard
Vocalizations almost all year round. Canada geese less attractive to

hiss
usually nest in March and April. During geese by allowing
the summer months, Canada geese the grass to grow
They will when threatened, often find refuge on lakes and golf long. Don’t fertilize
but are best known for their course ponds, feeding on the lush or water it.

honking sound. lawns, while experiencing their

annual wing molt (loss of flight
feathers). Geese can be found in
Use scare tactics to
frighten geese away.

Appearance large agricultural fields in fall and In June and July, Canada
winter. These areas provide high geese are molting and
A black head and neck, a brown back, energy foods, allowing some geese to unable to fly. Construct
light tan to cream breast, and a white chinstrap. stay in Michigan throughout the winter. a temporary barrier
Urban and suburban developments with between your yard
Size manicured lawns, abundant water bodies, and and the water to keep
refuge offer all the resources that geese need to flightless geese out.

4 - 5.6 ft
thrive. Geese are especially attracted to lawns that
are heavily fertilized, watered, and mowed. Geese Do not feed Canada
wingspan. are herbivores and are important in their ecosystem geese. Artificial
as they distribute seeds from the various plants they feeding can habituate
Larger than a Mallard, and them and harm their
smaller than a Mute Swan. consume. Canada geese prefer grass shoots, aquatic
vegetation, seed heads, birdseed and various grains, digestive system. Bread
which accompany human development. products are not beneficial
to waterfowl survival.
Artificial feeding is not necessary for their survival
and can be harmful to their health. If environmental Always be aware of your
conditions prevent food from being obtained, Canada surroundings when visiting
geese can go up to 30 days without food. Artificial parks and areas near water.
feeding can create a resident population which does Canada geese are protective
Mute Swan not migrate, and these geese can become a nuisance. of their nests and hatchlings.
During the spring and summer nesting season, Do not disturb
Canada geese become very protective of their nests them or get too
Canada Goose and hatchlings. For your safety, be aware of your close to them.
Mallard surroundings when visiting parks and areas near
water. Do not disturb the geese or get too close to
their nests or young.