- I have a Canada goose attempting to nest on my property, but there is just nesting material and no eggs yet.
No permit is required to deter Canada geese using visual, audial, and physical methods. These may include green lasers, garden hoses, leaf blowers, etc., but you may not physically harm the Canada geese. All local ordinances must be obeyed. If there are no eggs in the nest, you may destroy the nest without a permit – the nest may not be kept. Placing a barrier in front of the nesting area so that the Canada geese cannot re-nest is recommended. If an egg is in the nest, a federal permit must be obtained.
- I have a Canada goose nesting on my property and would like to remove the nest/eggs to alleviate aggressive nesting behavior of the geese.
You MUST register online with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) prior to destroying the eggs/nest. Once the egg/nest destruction work is complete, make sure to return all record forms per website guidance/instructions to USFWS. No permit is required from Indiana DNR for Canada goose egg/nest removal.
- I have an aggressive Canada goose (defending its nest) on my property. I registered online and destroyed the nest/eggs, but the Canada goose continues to be aggressive.
In situations in which Canada goose aggression is not resolved by removing the nest and eggs, a permit can be issued by the Wildlife Permitting Biologist to euthanize the aggressive Canada goose/geese pair. The Canada goose/geese must be euthanized by a qualified Waterfowl Control Operator. All operators name their own rates and fees. A permit can only be issued to someone with the legal authority at the property in question (landowner, HOA President, property manager, etc.).
- I have many Canada geese on my property. I would like to trap and relocate the Canada geese to another location.
A permit can be issued by Wildlife Permitting Biologist to relocate Canada geese during their flightless period ONLY (approximately mid-June through early July). The trapping and relocation can be conducted by the permittee or a qualified Waterfowl Control Operator . All operators name their own rates and fees. A permit can only be issued to someone with the legal authority at the property in question (landowner, HOA President, property manager, etc.).
- I have a mallard duck that has nested on my property. It has a nest and egg OR the eggs have hatched and the ducklings are in a confined space.
A mallard egg/nest destruction permit can be issued by the Wildlife Permitting Biologist to remove nests/eggs. If the eggs have hatched, and the ducklings are in a confined space, such as a fenced-in yard or courtyard, the ducklings can be herded (through doors or corridors) to open spaces immediately next to the enclosed area (the hen will stay with the ducklings). If this is NOT an option, a permitted Wildlife Rehabilitator or Waterfowl Control Operator can possess the ducklings (if they cannot access food or water) and ultimately free the ducklings with the hen. Contact the rehabilitator or operator prior to taking action. All operators name their own rates and fees.
- I have a domestic (non-wild duck or goose) on my property.
Domestic ducks and geese are NOT regulated by Indiana DNR.
- I live in a rural area and have problems with Canada geese. They regularly rest on a body of water on my property OR they have caused crop damage on my property.
Consider hunting as a management strategy to alleviate Canada goose concerns. Where safe and lawful, hunting Canada geese in the legal season is the most economical, practical, and preferred method to alleviate Canada goose concerns. Outside of the hunting seasons, Canada geese causing agricultural depredation or damage to property can be shot via a permit issued by the Wildlife Permitting Biologist. These are short term solutions. Where able, follow up with habitat modifications .