Giant Canada geese are migratory waterfowl and subject to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service jurisdiction. It is unlawful to kill, hunt, sell, purchase or possess migratory birds except as permitted by federal regulations. Federal law also prohibits the destruction of the eggs or nests of migratory waterfowl. Permits are not required to harass or scare depredating waterfowl. Most problems develop when geese are encouraged by feeding or when artificial nesting structures are constructed.
Control has little chance of sustained success unless attractants are eliminated.
Feeding must be stopped. Neighboring property owners must agree to stop feeding before control is initiated. Some communities and homeowners' associations have passed regulations prohibiting the feeding of waterfowl in their jurisdictions. This prevents feeding by a few well-meaning individuals from nullifying the control efforts of the majority of the neighborhood. Artificial nesting structures should be removed to reduce production of more geese.