Canada Goose and Greylag Goose Hunting Welfare

Goose hunting raises specific animal welfare concerns related to wounding rates, season timing relative to breeding, and the welfare of injured birds that escape but later die.

Key Facts

Wounding rates in goose hunting are estimated at 20 to 35 percent of birds shot, meaning many birds are injured but not retrieved
Shot injuries cause pain, impaired flight, and vulnerability to predation, often resulting in prolonged death
Goose populations have expanded significantly in Europe and North America due to agricultural food subsidies and reduced hunting pressure in some areas
Family groups of geese remain together through the first winter, meaning juveniles depend on adult parents for guidance
Lead shot used in goose hunting causes secondary poisoning in predators and scavengers that consume shot birds

Welfare Considerations

The welfare implications of goose hunting go beyond the moment of shooting. Wounding is an inherent feature of waterfowl hunting given the speed and maneuverability of birds, and a substantial proportion of shot geese die slowly over hours or days from their injuries. The shift to non-toxic shot, while legally required in many jurisdictions for waterfowl, is not universally enforced. Family group disruption during the critical first winter adds a secondary welfare dimension. Welfare-conscious hunting practices including proficiency requirements, retriever use, and strict shot distance limits can reduce but not eliminate these harms.

What You Can Do

Advocate for mandatory retriever dog use during goose hunts to recover injured birds
Support non-toxic shot requirements and enforcement for all goose hunting
Engage with wildlife management discussions about population control methods
Support research into wounding rates and welfare outcomes for commonly hunted goose species
Advocate for humane alternatives to hunting for goose population management in urban areas