THE WILD VIEW
Bird Control Permits – Simplified
D
uring the past couple of months, many of us have been busy getting things ready for the spring season, including attaining our Migratory Bird Damage permits for goose control. We try to do this ahead of time so they are in place by the time the goose pressure needs to be addressed. We’ve been noticing some changes to the process of permit applications in Ontario this year. Firstly, it’s taking up to three weeks to get a permit (three hours in previous years) and many are not being processed without the required summary report as mandated, as often forgiven during the process in previous years. Just why exactly do we need a Migratory Bird Damage permit? During my recent discussion with Ms. Liz Sauer at Environment Canada, she explained that permits for migratory bird control are required for certain conditions only. So to simplify, here is a summary of facts for dealing with migratory bird permits:
• Permit application process is free • Migratory Bird Damage Permits are issued by Environment Canada (federal) through their provincial branches of the Canadian Wildlife Service to scare/kill migratory birds (waterfowl including ducks, geese and gulls). • Damage permits are issued if migratory birds are causing or are likely to cause damage to agricultural crops, private property (golf courses, parks, or pose a threat to human safety). • Permits are only required when migratory birds, in our case Canada geese and gulls, are intended to be killed, translocated, or if the removal of eggs from a nest is required, or if controls are being conducted using a firearm or airplane.
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28 Green is Beautiful • Spring 2011