Report Nr. 3181 A Preliminary Report on the 1992 Early September Experimental Canada Goose Season in Northern Michigan

The giant Canada goose (Branta canadensis maxima) was first reintroduced in southern Michigan in the mid-1920's. By the early 1970's, the population had grown immensely in all parts of the state, and nuisance complaints from citizens became common. Complaints were most often associated with excessive goose droppings on beaches, lawns, and boat docks. Some agricultural damage also occurred. By 1990, the state's pre-hunting season population was estimated at 75,000 birds, including 12,200 in the North Zone and 14,600 in the Middle Zone. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in 1986 (in the Lower Peninsula) and in 1987 (in the Upper Peninsula) in concurrence with the Mississippi Flyway Council and U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), established a special experimental early September goose season. It has been in effect ever since. In addition, the state uses the regular hunting season, a special late (winter) hunt, and a translocation program for managing the resident goose population. The harvest estimates are not yet available for the 1992 Early Season. The average annual estimated harvest for 1986-1991, however, was 13,200. The early season accounted for an average of 18.3 percent of the geese harvested per year in Michigan. The DNR surveys suggested about 1,200 birds were taken annually in the North Zone and 2,100 in the Middle Zone.