WHEREAS, feral Canada Goose populations have burgeoned throughout the US and it is estimated that from 2011-2017 there was an annual growth rate of 1.14% of resident Canada Geese in the US;
WHEREAS, review of Cornell University’s e-bird on-line data shows high volume of Canada Goose populations in every region of Louisiana;
WHEREAS, these birds are the number one nuisance call for waterfowl in the state as they have adapted to urban and suburban areas causing damages to golf courses, lawns, greens, etc., and harassing pedestrians, golfers, and others;
WHEREAS, the contiguous states of Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi have established September hunting seasons for feral Canada geese in accordance with Federal regulations;
WHEREAS, other regional states including Missouri, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia, have established September hunting seasons for feral Canada Geese in accordance with federal regulations;
WHEREAS, few, if any, Canada geese now migrate to Louisiana in the fall-winter spring and none are known to do so any earlier than late October; and
WHEREAS, Federal legislation, 50CFR21.61 Population Control of Resident Canada geese allow states to establish seasons for hunting these geese to augment other government sponsored control methods.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Louisiana Wildlife Federation requests the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to evaluate the possibilities for a feral Canada Goose hunting season in September of each calendar year.
Adopted by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation in Convention Assembled, August 18, 2018 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.