Wetland Management: Giant Canada Geese and Wetlands

Restoration of giant Canada geese in Missouri began during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Initial restoration attempts occurred on Conservation Department lands but was later expanded to private lands at the request of private landowners. The primary method used during restoration was to relocate groups of 6-9 week old goslings. The goslings would usually remain in the general location where they learned to fly, and it would become their home area where they would later nest.

Image Right: Once nearly expirated from Missouri, giant Canada geese now provide excellent hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the state.

Brood-rearing takes place on or near permanent water such as lakes, rivers or large permanent wetlands. Goslings are flightless for about 10 weeks and are restricted to feeding areas within walking distance of water. Geese use a variety of wetland plants for food; but compared with ducks, they are primarily grazers of mowed or grazed upland grasses. Pastures are commonly used in rural areas, and the manicured and fertilized grasses of lawns and golf courses are highly preferred in urban settings. During late summer and fall, the diet of geese includes more seeds. Geese are adept at stripping seeds from mature heads of grasses such as bluegrass and crabgrass. During fall through early spring, agricultural crops such as corn, wheat, and milo become important food sources.

Public viewing and hunting of giant Canada geese is now available throughout the state. However, positive aspects of increasing numbers of geese are offset by a growing number of complaints. Owners of private ponds and wetlands, especially near urban locations, should be aware that actions to encourage Canada geese can often become too successful, resulting in more geese than desired. The use of artificial nesting structures and practices such as feeding birds by hand can result in future problems, which is why the Conservation Department does not recommends these practices. Landowners who provide good wetland management practices will likely have geese use their wetland during a portion of the year, but hopefully in numbers that are in balance with the surrounding habitats.

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