Garden Hill Conservation Area

[OldTimer]

(05-22-2012 12:02 AM)MichaelAngelo Wrote:  Excellent point about the goose plague. For so long I had thought them a protected species. I was happy to hear that there is in fact an open hunting season for Canada Geese

Yes there is an open season on Canadian Geese in the fall, and the limit is 5............... In some areas.

However the areas where we need "pest" control do not allow hunting or the discharge of a firearm at any time. Packs of hunters bearing 10 gauge shotguns will never be allowed on the Toronto Islands, or any other waterfront park or conservation area.

This results in the "non problem" geese genertions being thinned out while the geese in conflict with humans, and their offspring, are essentially protected and thrive. These populations of "bad habit" geese in urban areas increase yearly as new generations learn behaviour (and skills) unwanted by people.

It is a fact that the high waterfowl populations in our cities contributes greatly to the elevated ecoli bacteria levels in our waters - which then results in the closing of public beaches and swimming areas. Hamilton's Pier 4 suffers greatly in this regard.

I do note that some states in the USA are reacting to the problem and now allow the humane thinning of Canada Goose populations in urban centers via early stage egg coddling, or corn oil swabbing (i.e. the eggs never hatch).

Tough problem to solve while keeping all parties happy.

Regards,

OldTimer