Management Actions
The group considered all possible alternatives from doing nothing and "letting
nature take its course," to some of the most extreme actions conceivable.
Each alternative was examined in detail based on its potential for implementation,
success and/or problems. A preliminary list of these strategies was forwarded
to the Mississippi and Central flyway councils, the councils' technical
committees and other biologists and managers for review and comment. The
list was then reduced to 14 management strategies believed to be viable
tools for reducing and ultimately controlling the snow goose population.
It quickly became apparent there is no one single fix or solution. Resolution
of this complicated problem will require a broad range of techniques applied
across the entire snow goose range throughout the year. Doing nothing was
rejected immediately as irresponsible.
Management strategies need to reduce population size and limit population
growth. The most effective time to remove snow geese from the population
is during migration and wintering periods when they are concentrated and
available to hunters. In addition, habitat resources on migration and wintering
areas can be managed to reduce overwinter survival of adults.
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