West Coast > Hunting News July 2008

Canada Geese on the Coast
Dean Kelly –Fish & Game Officer
 

Introduced in 1978 Canada Geese were initially slow to establish. A letter received by The West Coast Acclimatisation society regarding the proposed introductions from the Greymouth branch of Federated Farmers in 1977 suggested this may be the case, with it stating;
“…several members thought that you may have a difficult task, as there have been small colonies of Canada Geese on the Coast before, but they have always disappeared. We wish you every success with your venture.” 

How things have changed in recent years! As with the endemic Paradise Shelduck changes in farming practices over the last decade or so have created a more suitable environment for Canada Geese (nutrient rich grasses and clover) subsequently the population has increased to a level that now provides excellent hunting opportunities. Landowner complaints regarding crop predation by Geese, although few and isolated, have led to an annual aerial survey being conducted to ascertain changes in the West Coast Population so that the right balance can be struck between the potential to cause damage to crops on farmland whilst providing enough opportunities for gamebird hunters. In recent years, in areas where there are few hunters and population levels have climbed beyond the control of ground hunters and have been causing damage to pasture aerial culls have been authorised by Fish & Game and funded by affected landowners in accordance with Fish & Games Canada Goose Policy.

The 2008 Aerial survey was conducted from Karangarua River to Grey River on the 10th June in fine, calm conditions. 1947 birds were observed in the area covered as opposed to 2649 observed in 2007.

 
Analysis indicates there was a 70% decrease in the total number of geese observed in the West Coast region since the 2007 survey. Analysis also indicates an average annual decrease in bird numbers of around 17% since 2004. Canada Goose numbers in all management areas except the Ahaura/Haupiri have decreased since the 2007 survey. This may be subject to change as a known flock of birds in the Cook area was not located during the survey. A significant decrease in the regional population was observed in the 2006 and 2008 survey which is mostly attributable to aerial culls by helicopter.

While the main gamebird seasons winds down and you make your plans for closing weekend on the 27th July keep in mind that Canada Geese can be hunted all year except April on the Coast. Take a note of the nearest population to you from this article or check your ‘2008 Game Bird Hunting Guide’ that you received with your licence for a list of readily accessible farms and plan a hunt over the summer. You may well see why they are referred to as the best gamebird in the world to hunt.

 

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