How to Haze Wintering Nuisance Geese

Seems fitting to talk about wintering geese especially after a blizzard crippled most of the country and a polar vortex so cold that even Miami, Florida reached temperatures in the 40’s on Christmas Day. As the peak of migration season has come and gone for migratory birds heading south, you can bet that pretty much any waterfowl species hanging around isn’t going anywhere. Typically, resident geese or birds that have found all they need to survive the winter have settled in and already started leaving their mark on your property, local agriculture fields, and of course becoming a hazard for nearby airports.
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Normally simple hazing techniques prove to be very effective, however when dealing with migratory birds in the winter most techniques are either ineffective or have minimal success mainly due to low levels of energy, cold temps, and familiarity with non-lethal hazing techniques used on them all year. Below is a list of techniques that we at Loomacres Wildlife Management have found effective and ineffective when using non-lethal techniques to haze wintering Geese.

1. Decoys or Effigies: Probably the most popular method used in residential areas or business parks, a well-placed Coyote Decoy can be effective at keeping Geese from nesting or roosting on your property especially during spring and summer months. However, as the year progresses Geese become desensitized and less weary. Our expert opinion and recommendations is don’t expect substantial results with this tactic.
2. Propane Cannons: If you haven’t seen this in action click this link and enjoy. Loud bangs mimicking shot gun blasts scares just about anyone including Geese. If used and timed in conjunction with your problem geese trying to either roost overnight or resting during the day the sound of the cannon along with human presence will keep them moving. Due to noise ordinance in residential areas the downside of this technique is typically used at airports or private lakes and ponds. Our expert opinion and recommendation thumbs up!
3. Drones and RC Trucks: Probably the fastest growing technique for hazing geese is the use of drones and RC Trucks, Cars, and Boats. They are fun to use, mostly effective and you can strap a go pro to them for your YouTube channel. However due to cold temperatures, snow, ice, and of course wind using drones and RC vehicles can be a costly error and be more frustrating than effective. We find this technique way easier and more of a fair-weather tactic for hazing geese and do not recommend it for winter hazing.
4. Pyrotechnics: Easily the most dangerous technique and we recommend proper training before attempting or implementing the use of bangers, or whistlers when hazing geese. For migratory birds that have limited interactions with this tactic it can be effective, however several studies have shown that wintering geese would basically fly away and come back to the same area within an hour. (Click here for study) We find this technique to have short term success but not effective at solving your problem.
5. Border Collies / Falconry: By far the best tactic and most effective tactic to illicit immediate results. A well-trained dog or a bird of prey introduces a predator to your nuisance geese and when geese feel unsafe or pressured by a natural predator they will disperse quickly and try and find somewhere else to feed, roost or rest. We highly recommend this technique and have been using it for years due to its effectiveness.

When dealing with wintering geese that are causing property or agricultural damage and becoming a hazard to airport and aviation safety our staff at Loomacres Wildlife Management find the most effective techniques for hazing nuisance geese is the use of Border Collies, Propane Cannons, and Falconry. For more information or to speak with one of on staff biologist please fill out the contact form below and someone from our company will reach out as soon as possible. 

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