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Canada goose population is on the rise on residential, commercial, and public properties in the GTA and beyond. Geese are intelligent, social, and adaptive birds that have learned to thrive living alongside human developments.
The growing presence of geese (and the mess they leave behind) seems to lead to an increase of online searches about killing or removing geese. However, before you set out to tackle the Canada goose problem on your own, please take a minute to learn about the legal, ethical, and practical aspects of such an endeavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I shoot a Canada goose on my own property in the GTA?
A: You may ONLY shoot a goose after obtaining the appropriate permits. The permits required depend on time of year (inside or outside of approved hunting season), the reason or purpose of the kill, the amount of geese you plan to shoot, and your municipality.
Q: What happens if I accidentally kill a goose?
A: If you accidentally hit a Canada goose with your vehicle, it is best to report the accident to local police. Your report and cooperation will help show that your actions were neither negligent nor reckless. There can be a penalty for killing a Canadian goose, if you are found to have done so recklessly and unlawfully. More information on that below.
Q: How do I apply for a permit to remove geese legally?
A: You'll need to request the appropriate permit from the Canadian Wildlife Service in your area. You can obtain more information here: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/migratory-bird-permits/damage-danger/instruction-sheet.html
Q: Do Canada geese ever get removed by the city?
A: Yes, many municipalities hire professional goose removal services such as Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control. In Toronto, the Economic Development and Parks Committee oversees the annual Goose Management Strategy.
Q: Are there any exceptions for farmers or landowners?
A: No, even farmers or landowners need to obtain permits to kill a goose. Failure to produce a current permit will result in a stiff penalty and potential court costs. A farmer in Northern Ontario who shot a single goose on his field and without realizing that his permit had expired, faced just that. He ended up successfully defending his position in court but still paid over $3,000 in legal fees, including the initial $300 fine.
Are Canada Geese Protected in the GTA?
Yes, Canada geese are protected in Canada under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (MBCA). This applies not only to killing Canada geese, but also to harassing them or disturbing nests. Any and all interference with Canada geese requires permits. The Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) is the federal body responsible for enforcing this act and issuing permits.
Can You Kill a Canada Goose?
Yes, you can - but only with the appropriate permits. Generally, you'll either want to apply for a federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting permit (MGBH) or for a "Danger and Damage" permit issued by the Canadian Wildlife Service, based on the reason for killing a goose and time of year.
- Hunting in Ontario:
- Hunting is a regulated activity with specific seasons and bag limits.
- To hunt migratory game birds in Canada, you must have and present a valid federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting (MGBH) permit upon request by game officers. For more information, see our article explaining what is required to legally hunt migratory birds.
- Hunting is generally not permitted in urban areas like the City of Toronto due to firearm discharge bylaws. However, a wildlife specialist like Dan Frankian may be able to discharge firearms within city limits due to his Urban Marksman designation and proficiency.
- Permits for Nuisance Control:
- The Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) oversees the issuance of "Danger and Damage" permits. Different permits are needed for culling, nest destruction, hazing, or relocation if you aim for permanent goose removal.
- These permits are typically issued for specific circumstances and to prevent specific damages (e.g., agricultural damage or aviation safety).
- The CWS may request that a non-lethal approach be attempted or integrated into a goose management plan.
Can You Kill a Canada Goose in Self-Defense?
Even though Canada geeese can be quite aggressive, killing one in self-defense may be difficult to prove in a court of law.
- The Legal Hurdle:
- While self-defence laws exist, they are difficult to apply to wildlife. The threat from a goose must be seen as an immediate and reasonable threat to life or severe bodily harm. (e.g., a goose attacking a child or elderly person).
- While self-defence laws exist, they are difficult to apply to wildlife. The threat from a goose must be seen as an immediate and reasonable threat to life or severe bodily harm. (e.g., a goose attacking a child or elderly person).
- Reality of a Goose Attack:
- Signs of an imminent attack include the goose lowering its head, sticking out its neck forward, honking, hissing, and moving its head up and down. In most cases, you can deescalate without the need for lethal force by backing away slowly, making no sudden moves, maintaining spatial awareness and eye contact with the goose, and remaining silent (do not yell at the goose). Learn more about avoiding a goose attack here: https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/what-to-do-if-a-goose-attacks-you-or-a-pet
- Signs of an imminent attack include the goose lowering its head, sticking out its neck forward, honking, hissing, and moving its head up and down. In most cases, you can deescalate without the need for lethal force by backing away slowly, making no sudden moves, maintaining spatial awareness and eye contact with the goose, and remaining silent (do not yell at the goose). Learn more about avoiding a goose attack here: https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/what-to-do-if-a-goose-attacks-you-or-a-pet
- Non-Lethal Alternatives:
- If an attack cannot be avoided, remain silent and unconfrontational. Use whatever you can as a physical barrier between you and the goose and protect your head and face.
- If an attack cannot be avoided, remain silent and unconfrontational. Use whatever you can as a physical barrier between you and the goose and protect your head and face.
What Are the Penalties for Killing Canada Geese Illegally?
- As per Migratory Birds Regulations from 2022, unlawfully capturing, killing, taking, injuring or harassing a migratory bird, or attempting to do so will result in a fine of $400 per bird.
- Fines may be increased for repeat offenders.
- Ignorance is not bliss: Not knowing the law is not a valid defense.
Examples of people who were penalized for hurting or killing a goose include a young lady in Winnipeg and an Ottawa area man: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/winnipeg-goose-fine-migratory-birds-act-1.7600025 and https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/gaggle-goose-greater-napanee-1.5604897
What Can You Legally Get Rid of Geese?
Simple Goose Control Options without Permit:
- Habitat modification to make the area less attractive to geese.
This includes landscape changes such as letting grass grow taller. planting low shrubs, or adding boulders to pond edges.
Legal and Humane Goose Control Options Subject to Permits:
- Nest removal
- Egg addling or oiling
- Falconry/Birds of Prey (flying eagles over geese)
- Hazing with trained dogs
- Lasers
- Decoys and deterrents (noise, reflective tape, etc.).
Pro Tip:
Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control, a GTA-based wildlife company, offers goose control services, especially for golf courses, airports, schools, parking lots, and waterfront properties. Hawkeye uses effective and successful methods such as falconry, dogs, lasers, ROVs and nest removal while foregoing methods that prove mostly unsuccessful (such as decoys and deterrents).
Who Should You Contact for Help with Geese?
- Canadian Wildlife Service (Environment and Climate Change Canada)
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF)
- Local animal control or bylaw enforcement offices
- Licensed and experienced wildlife control companies in the GTA - see www.hawkeye.ca
Conclusion
While geese can be extremely annoying and leave one heck of a mess to clean up, killing them is not a legal option for most individuals. The good news is that there are many humane and non-lethal goose control methods with long-term success rates.
Need Help with Geese on Your Property?
Rely on the Experts with over 35 Years of Experience in the Greater Toronto Area - Contact Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control and let's get started on your long-term geese management plan.
