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National News & Information > Control of Bird Populations Why does Fish and Game New Zealand control bird populations?
Fish and Game New Zealand manages waterfowl and upland gamebirds on behalf of recreational hunters. Management of these birds includes setting rules for how many birds can be taken by hunters and at what time of the year. Gamebird species include Canada geese, ducks, swans, pheasants and quail.
Gamebirds are hunted and harvested at a rate that is sustainable and in most cases at levels that are appropriate to all people including farmers whose crops birds occasionally feed on. Sustainable gamebird hunting ensures the birds are not over-hunted.
The role of hunting
However some bird populations are unable to be managed through traditional hunting. Reasons for this include the intelligence of the bird, the rugged terrain they inhabit and the almost endless source of good quality food. Paradise shelduck, and Canada geese are in this group.
In some cases population explosions result in the birds’ health suffering and pressure from farmers to control the increasing population. As the statutory manager Fish and Game New Zealand has the responsibility to effectively manage these population increases.
The aim is to achieve desired population levels through recreational hunting. If this is not sufficient, then Fish and Game New Zealand sometimes undertakes population control operations. In most cases this is achieved through organised hunts using a number of recreational hunters but occasionally Canada geese are shot from helicopters.
The Canada goose problem
In the early 1990s the Canada goose population in the South Island began to rise quickly. This was partly due to the improvement of high country farm pasture and the abundant food supply for both stock and geese.
Rather than have the bird be classed as a pest the Minister of Conservation asked Fish and Game New Zealand to prepare a Canada goose Management Plan. This plan was implemented in 1995 and sets regional population levels for Canada geese.
The most common population control method besides recreational hunting takes place in January when the birds are moulting and unable to fly. Staff move the birds into holding pens where they are stunned and beheaded.
This method may seem crude but it is the most humane method available. It is approved by both the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
Gamebird Management
As part of Fish and Game New Zealand’s ongoing gamebird management field staff undertake aerial counts of all gamebird waterfowl species. From these results the Canada goose population can be estimated and population targets for the coming year set. These targets are also governed by the Canada Goose Management Plan.
Fish and Game New Zealand actively encourages hunters to target Canada geese through organised shoots, competitions and improving access to farmers’ land. When hunting increases there is less need to undertake population control.
For more information, contact your local Fish & Game office or the New Zealand Council on (04) 499 4767 or fax (04) 499 4768 | 
