Geese are hunted across Europe and North America in significant numbers. The welfare of geese during hunting depends on shooting accuracy, retrieval promptness, and the conditions of the hunt.
Goose hunting welfare hinges on two critical points: the quality of the shot that strikes the bird, and the speed of retrieval if the bird is not immediately killed. Wounding rates are high in waterfowl hunting — birds struck by insufficient pellets may fly hundreds of metres before landing injured, and without trained dogs to locate them may die slowly from blood loss or predation. Lead shot causes secondary poisoning in birds that ingest spent pellets while feeding — a welfare problem that has prompted restrictions and bans in wetland areas. Non-toxic alternatives including steel and bismuth shot reduce lead poisoning risk but may require hunters to adjust their technique. Responsible waterfowl hunting requires trained dogs, accurate shooting within appropriate range, and adherence to non-toxic shot requirements.