What is a Canada Goose Agricultural Depredation Control Permit?

Canada geese are migratory birds that are protected by international treaties, the federal government and the states. 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a Special Canada Goose Permit to North Dakota Game and Fish Department that allows the lethal-take of Canada geese that are causing agricultural depredation problems within the state. 

The Department’s permit allows Game and Fish to issue sub-permits to agricultural producers and their designated agents so that they may legally take geese that do not respond to non-lethal deterrents; nests and eggs can also be taken. 

The intent of the permit is not broad-scale population control, but rather to reduce numbers of geese in localized areas during the growing season through a combination of non-lethal and lethal measures.