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Canada Goose Overpopulation Calls for Controlled Hunt |
SUMMIT LAKE PARK, IN (Wild Bulletin)- The DNR has adopted an emergency rule to permit a
series of three controlled Canada goose reduction hunts at Summit Lake
State Park.
Various non-lethal methods of managing the Canada goose population at the park have not been successful.
The dates chosen coincide with waterfowl hunting seasons to optimize
effectiveness and take into consideration local goose flight patterns
and goose behavior.
The first reductions will take place Sept. 6, 11 and 13. The second and
third rounds of reductions are tentatively set for Dec. 1 and 2, 2007,
and Jan. 5 and 6, 2008, pending release of 2007-08 waterfowl season
information by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Large amounts of goose waste on Summit Lake's beach, in the picnic
areas and in bank-fishing locations have raised health concerns,
adversely affected visitor enjoyment and resulted in increased
operating costs.
As the population of locally breeding Canada geese has grown at Summit
Lake, several non-lethal control methods have proven to be ineffective.
Park managers have used special noisemakers; shot blanks; and tried
regular, high-decibel distress calls. They have also used a special
federal permit to apply oil to eggs during nesting season to keep the
eggs from hatching. Other methods have included spraying grass with a
commercial non-palatable chemical, and using physical barriers to
attempt to keep these birds out of certain areas.
During the reductions, the northern two-thirds of the park will be
closed to the general public and divided into 10 areas. One group of up
to four individuals will be assigned to each reduction area, and they
must stay within that area. These areas will be separated from each
other by a minimum 120-yard buffer to prevent crossfire.
The campground and some picnic areas will remain open during the
reductions. The areas of the property that are closed will be clearly
marked for campers and boaters with signs, flagging and buoys. Shooting
hours will be one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
Hunters who want to participate in the September reductions must
complete an online application between 12:01 a.m., July 27, and
midnight Aug. 10. Applications will be entered in a random drawing. No
paper applications will be accepted for this drawing.
One individual will be able to apply and include up to three friends for specific dates, but no hunter can apply more than once.
Applicants should have their hunting license number ready to enter in
the application. Preference is given to hunters who have completed a
hunter education course.
A waterfowl stamp must be presented on site on the day of the
reduction, but is not required to apply. An online application and
deadline for the December and January reductions will be available
after confirmation of waterfowl seasons by U.S. Fish & Wildlife.
Both successful and non-successful entries will be notified after the
drawing. Participants will be issued a check-in card at time of arrival
to the property to return upon departure, which will allow gate
attendants to determine the number of geese harvested. Conservation
officers will be present to monitor compliance of this and all other
regulations.
Summit Lake State Park is in east-central Indiana, near New Castle.
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