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These are the questions we encounter most often.
Please feel free to contact us if you have other questions.
A successful goose control program is first developed by identifying
all the reasons that the geese are drawn to a site. It is important to eliminate
as many of these factors as possible in order to successfully manage the problem.
For example, if you have controlled the resident population of geese by annual
spring egg depredation, but not taken any steps to discourage hand feeding
of the geese, then you will not likely see any significant improvement. We
further look at what goose control methods have been used in the past. Then
we design a goose control program that generally includes Border Collie patrols,
habitat modification, egg depredation, and Flight Control Plus® Applications,
as well as educational information concerning the issues of hand feeding.
It is best to manage geese by incorporating a maintenance program utilizing
Border Collies and other supportive hazing techniques, eliminating as many
of the factors that attract geese as possible.
Most of our programs include a spring and fall service period
and can vary from year to year as to the required frequency of visits.
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Our pricing is based on time per service visit, size of property, property features (such as: water features, vegetative mix, topography, accessibility to problem areas), and travel to location. After a site inspection is conducted, we provide a free estimate that is site specific.
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Our experience has taught us that the best results are achieved
by using Border Collies to remove geese from a property with multiple visits
as needed. We track each service visit so that at the end of a given service
period, you can quantify the progress that our program has made. It is generally
not realistic to expect to eliminate all geese from a property, but more importantly
to keep numbers in ‘balance’ so that all parties involved are satisfied.
When balance has been achieved, many of our customers have noticed a reduction
in the problems associated with the nuisance geese (ie: droppings, excessive
noise, customer complaints, wear and tear on maintenance equipment). They have
also noticed increased customer/tenant satisfaction, thereby resulting in increased
sales revenue.
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Canada geese have excellent eyesight and are inhibited in areas
where:
- Vegetation grows densely.
- Landscaping material is over 30 inches in height.
- Shorelines have large rocks.
- The path to water is broken up.
Thus,
geese are discouraged if access to water is difficult and a vegetative barrier
is present. It is best to use a combination of deciduous, evergreen, and seasonal
perennial color to provide an aesthetically pleasing yet effective landscape.
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While other breeds of dogs have been tried for goose control work, the Border Collie continually comes out on top for the following reasons:
- Border Collies' natural ability is to “herd” not to retrieve or capture its
flock.
- Border Collies' insatiable need to work.
- Border Collies' natural agility and ability to “stalk” its prey.
- Border Collies are one of the most intelligent dog breeds.
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It is not likely that the goslings hatched on your property if egg depredation was carried out properly.
What generally happens in the month of May is new hatchlings and their parents come from offsite in search of a “summer vacation spot.” It is not unheard of for families to walk several miles in search of a spot that provides plenty of grass and water for the summer during the molting season and while the young develop flight feathers! Irrigating turf improves the food source and will attract geese from neighboring properties.
This is why it is important to continue our Border Collie “harassment” until the geese become flightless in mid-June. We will never harm the geese and most likely, the parents will be unable to fly off during our visits, but we have found that constant pressure from our presence convinces the families to go elsewhere during the summer.
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Using dogs as a hazing technique is a relatively new method
of controlling geese and with it comes many perceived problems. To have a successful
program, it is important that all people involved (managers, employees, and
tenants) understand that it is critical that the dog be highly trained not
to catch or harm the bird. This is why we only use ABCA trained Border Collies—they
are of high intelligence and bred to work or herd desired flocks to a particular
location—in this case, to get the geese to fly off the property.
Since the Canada goose is federally protected, there are fines that range from
$5,000 to $10,000 if one is captured or harmed. If an untrained dog causes such
an unfortunate incident, it would fall under these guidelines and the owner would
be fined.
Some of our clients were apprehensive with this method for the very reason you
stated. Once a demonstration was provided, or our professional video shown, all
those involved were comfortable with the technique. However, we realize the education
of the public regarding the do’s and don’ts of goose control is an
ongoing process. The entire Wild Goose Chase staff is qualified to answer questions
and address concerns about goose control with Border Collies.
PETA and the Humane Society are two groups that have members in our communities
to ensure that our treatment of animal life is respectful. Wild Goose Chase,
Inc. is in compliance with these groups. In addition, we have an excellent working
relationship with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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For more information on managing conflicts with gulls and migratory birds:
Servicing Illinois & Indiana: Wild Goose Chase, Inc., email or call 708.448.8878
Wildlife Management Consutling: Wild Goose Chase, Inc., email or call 708.448.8878
Servicing Wisconsin: Migratory Bird Management, Inc., email or call 262.790-BIRD
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