Canada geese pair
Lu Matthes, Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative
Q: After reading your story about non-migrating geese ("Miscues, bloopers, and do-overs") in the February 2022 issue of Ohio Cooperative Living, I was wondering if Canada Geese could be hunted, as deer are hunted, and the meat then donated to food pantries for less fortunate folks for food?
A: That’s a good suggestion, Lu, and I subsequently contacted the Ohio DNR, Division of Wildlife, to see if this procedure had ever been considered or used in the past. The following is the answer I received from Gary Comer, wildlife management supervisor in central Ohio:
“It has happened in the past, Chip. The City of Columbus did it the last time they held round-ups, probably five years back. The issue is the cost to process, and finding inspected processors. Although not required for game, most foodbanks prefer meat from inspected facilities. Some donation programs such as Farmers & Hunters Feeding the Hungry require some form of inspection process and certification. The cost for geese was very high, $7 to $12 per bird. Landfill is much more cost effective. Disposal seems to be the norm in most cases.”
