The Canada goose is a migratory species protected under the Migratory 

Bird Treaty Act (www.fws.gov/laws/lawsdigest/migtrea.html), Federal 

regulations, and State laws. Two behaviorally distinct types of Canada 

goose populations exist in most parts of the country: resident and 

migratory. Since resident Canada geese are present throughout the year, 

they can damage lawns, marshes and cropland through overgrazing. 

Each goose can produce at least one-half pound of droppings per day. 

Large numbers of geese can quickly cause problems on athletic fields, 

parkland, and school yards. Geese aggressively defend their nest sites, 

which can lead to conflicts when nests are located near entrances to 

schools, businesses, or homes. 

Legal Status and Authorities 

The Resident Canada Goose Nest and Egg Depredation Order (www.aphis.

usda.gov/wildlife_damage/waterfowl/50_cfr21.50.shtml) was issued by 

the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in 2006 (50 CFR 21.50). The 

Depredation Order authorizes landowners and local governments who 

register with the FWS to destroy resident Canada goose nests and eggs on 

their property from March 1 through June 30, when necessary, to resolve 

or prevent injury to people, and damage to property, agricultural crops, or 

other interests. 

In order to conduct these activities, landowners must register 

online anytime between January 1 and June 30 of the year in which 

the activity will take place. The registration must be renewed annually, 

following submission of an annual report of the number of nests with eggs 

destroyed. There is no fee for the registration. The process requires the 

application of appropriate nonlethal methods to minimize the extent to 

which eggs must be destroyed.

Protecting People

Protecting Agriculture

Protecting Wildlife

Wildlife Services Factsheet

February 2011

Management of Canada 

Goose Nesting

Wildlife Services (WS), a 

program within the U.S. 

Department of Agriculture’s 

(USDA) Animal and Plant 

Health Inspection Service 

(APHIS), provides Federal 

leadership and expertise 

to resolve wildlife confl icts 

that threaten the Nation’s 

agricultural and natural 

resources, human health and 

safety, and property.

The program helps individuals, 

local governments, businesses, 

and others manage waterfowl 

to achieve an optimal balance 

between the positive value and 

confl icts that these birds may 

present.

A two-person team should 

conduct nest visitations. One 

should work the eggs, while the 

other wards off goose attacks 

using a shield, but never touching 

the bird..
To register with FWS go to: https://epermits.fws.

gov/eRCGR/. On the registration site, check to see 

if a State permit is also required by clicking on State 

Contacts and Agency Information or visiting: https://

epermits.fws.gov/eRCGR/DOC/eRcgrSCL.pdf/.

Details on egg addling procedures can be found 

by clicking on Management of Canada Goose Nesting

or by visiting: www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/

downloads/canada_goose.pdf/.

Treating Goose Eggs to Stop Hatching 

There are three accepted methods of treating eggs.

Oiling—Use 100 percent food-grade corn oil. The 

oil blocks the pores in the egg’s shell, and prevents 

further development of the contents. Some States 

require a pesticide license to use this method, so 

check State regulations before proceeding. Many 

people find this the most convenient method. 

Puncturing—To puncture the egg, hold it securely in 

your hand, braced against the ground. Insert a long, 

thin metal probe into the pointed end of the egg. Best 

results are attained by placing slow steady pressure. 

Once the probe passes through the shell, place its tip 

against the inside of the shell, and swirl with a circular 

motion.

Shaking/Addling—Shake each egg vigorously until you 

hear a sloshing sound inside the egg. This technique 

may prove impractical for large numbers of eggs.

Egg Oiling Basics

Once you have registered with the FWS, secure the 

following materials: data sheet to record information, 

a print-out of your online registration confirmation, 

pencil, permanent marker, 100 percent corn oil, and 

an applicator such as a spray bottle or oil-soaked rag. 

A two-person team should conduct nest 

visitations. One should work the eggs, while the other 

wards off goose attacks using a shield, such as a trash 

can lid or broom. Never strike the bird; merely hold 

the shield between yourself and the bird to prevent 

physical contact.

Geese generally nest near water with a good view 

of the area and potential predators. Nests may also 

be located on peninsulas and islands, in tall grass 

near mowed areas, and near barriers such as walls or 

even flat roofs. Goose nests are round or oval, built of 

vegetation, with four to six eggs.

Once incubation has begun, the goose may be 

difficult to see. The gander may appear as a lone 

guard within a few hundred feet of the nest. Seeing a 

lone goose is one important sign that a nest is nearby 

and egg oiling should be started. 

After locating the nest, approach with an attitude 

of confidence and control. The geese tend to be less 

aggressive if the team begins confidently rather than 

timidly. 

All eggs in the nest can be treated at the 

same time if they are warm to the touch, indicating 

incubation has begun. Mark each egg with a 

permanent marker to identify which eggs have been 

treated. This is necessary if the eggs are cool, which 

means the goose may lay more eggs and you will need 

to return to the nest to treat additional eggs.

Once eggs are marked, apply 100 percent corn 

oil with a spray applicator or cloth. The oil should 

cover the entire shell but a thick coating is not 

necessary.

The oil blocks the eggshell pores to prevent 

continued development. The adult goose will remain 

on the nest beyond the expected hatching date, 

reducing or preventing the potential for re-nesting. It 

is not necessary to remove the oiled eggs later. The 

treated eggs don’t harm the goose and the adult geese 

will simply abandon the nest. 

The behavior of nesting geese to humans varies tremendously.
Enter your report at the FWS registration Web site 

by October 31 each year.

The adult geese may return to the area the 

following year, so keep a record of where you found 

the nests and go to the same area next year. 

Egg Aging Techniques 

Although the Nest and Egg Depredation Order allows 

treatment at any point during the 28 day incubation 

period, some individuals may prefer to restrict egg 

treatment to the first 14 days of incubation. An “egg 

float test” can be used as a guide to determine the 

age of the incubating eggs. 

The diagram below illustrates how eggs will act in 

water at different developmental stages.

Days of incubation: 

Egg 1: 0–3 days 

Egg 2: 4–8 days 

Egg 3: 9–13 days 

Egg 4: 14–18 days 

Egg 5: 19–23 days 

Egg 6: 24–27 days 

NOTE: The behavior of nesting geese to humans 

varies tremendously. Review the information found 

by clicking on Management of Canada Goose Nesting

or by visiting: www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/

downloads/canada_goose.pdf/.

Additional Information 

For more information, visit the Web site at www.aphis.

usda.gov/wildlife_damage/ or contact USDA/APHIS/

WS at 4700 River Road, Unit 87, Riverdale, MD 

20737 or by telephone at (301) 734-7921. The local 

WS office can be reached toll-free at call 

1-866-4USDA-WS (1-866-487-3297)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

United States Department of Agriculture

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service