WATCH: Central Saanich officials are considering a goose cull because the birds are destroying local farmers’ crops. Kylie Stanton reports.
Some farmers on Vancouver Island are calling for a cull of Canada geese that they say are damaging local crops.
“The geese are just out of control,” said farmer Terry Michell.
“We have to work the land, buy the seed, the fertilizer, then plant it and irrigate it and know we’ve got to protect it from wildlife.”
To say farmers in the region are frustrated is an understatement. They’ve tried everything from egg addling, cannon and reflectors.
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The district is considering taking things a step further, proposing a geese cull.
“For farmers I know it cannot come soon enough,” said Central Saanich Mayor Ryan Windsor. “We have to take the action that’s necessary to correct the actions we took some 40 to 50 years ago.”
The non-migratory species of the birds were first introduced in the 1960s as part of an effort to create hunting opportunities. With no predators and plenty of available food, their numbers have multiplied.
“The farmers are aware that this is a non-native population and that something has to be done about taking corrective action,” said Windsor.
If it happens, it wouldn’t be the first time a cull has been deemed a necessary solution. Permits have been issued allowing licenced hunters to kill deer that impact crops on farming properties that are more than two hectares in size.
Critics say there are other alternatives and it’s time to draw the line.
“This year it’s geese, last year it was deer,” said Kelly Carson of Deer Safe Victoria. “Next year, what, raccoons, rabbits? Where is this going to stop? Exclusion is the only way to keep these animals off this land.”
While they continue to try other tactics, the municipality plans to meet with both provincial and federal levels of government to discuss a course of action that will allow farmers to get back to work.
-with files from Kylie Stanton
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