The Canada Goose: half-baked or finally cooked? What will be the future for the ‘king of game birds’?

Abstract

This article looks at the effects of the change in legislation regarding Canada Geese (Branta canadensis), which have become a problem in certain areas of both the North and South Islands. With the change in classification from a game bird to one of ‘unprotected’ status, geese now fall under no formal management strategy, nor are they the responsibility of any organisation. This effectively leaves the future of geese and the different stakeholders’ interests up in the air. To some, geese are regarded as the ‘king of game birds,’ to others they are just another pest. Issues associated with the planning and implementation of management and control strategies affect a wide range of stakeholders and a multitude of interests. Key issues such as whose values and interests take priority, health and safety, costs associated with management, public perception, and the issue of who is responsible for final decision-making all need to be considered and addressed.