Change to protection status of Canada geese
From 9 June 2011 anyone will be able to hunt or kill Canada geese at any time of year without a need for a game licence or permit for control.
Canada geese will move from Schedule 1 to Schedule 5 of the Wildlife Act 1953 and will no longer be considered protected. Fish and Game councils will no longer manage the geese as a hunting resource. DOC will not need to issue permits for their control.
Canada geese swimming
Implications
The change to the legislation means that:
- Landowners and others requiring geese to be controlled will have the option of undertaking control themselves or liasing with hunters.
- Hunters may be able to liase with local farmers to access to hunting opportunities.
- Game hunting regulations will not apply when hunting or killing geese.
- Geese can be killed by any humane means. Although, the use of poison is not allowed as there is no poison registered for use in goose control.