New Resident Canada Goose Nest and Egg Depredation Web site
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducted a review of resident Canada goose populations for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that was published in September 2006. Based on this EIS, the USFWS recently revised the Federal Regulations that pertain to resident Canada geese.
Changes were made to make it easier for the public to resolve resident Canada goose conflicts. Among the changes, specific "Depredation Orders" were developed that will allow landowners to remove Canada geese at airports, in agricultural area, and in other areas where they are causing conflicts with human populations.
One of these depredation orders, the Nest and Egg Depredation Order, will allow landowners to destroy resident Canada goose nests and eggs. This Order goes into effect this spring and can be used by landowners in Virginia. No permit is required, but you must register with the USFWS in order to conduct this activity. A new Web site has been developed specifically for this registration process), and provides additional information on the program. You can also find information about resident Canada geese, and other waterfowl populations in Virginia, on this Department's Web site.