Geese!

[Born Hunter 17,775]

Over the past few weeks while doing a few jobs around the shoot and vermin days I've noticed a few pairs of greylags knocking about the duck ponds (never had geese before). Well today on one particular pond there was about 8 greys and 2 canadas. All good during the season making a nice addition to the bag. However, we put about duck on this particular pond and I was wondering what problems geese might cause? Will they bully the ducks for food? I would imagine this number of geese could put feed costs for this pond right up! If they nest are they gonna give our released ducks agro? Any particular problems the canadas might cause? Any info would be appreciated!

[Dave C 63]

I had the same problem last season, the geese came in and settled on the lake to breed and the duck disappeared over night, a couple of pair came and went over the summer but never really settled.

Like you say you dont mind during the season and these geese will return to your fed pond then, but if you are putting down duck the chances are the geese will disrupt them.

 

Let me know how you get on mate.

ATB

Dave.

[Born Hunter 17,775]

Thanks for your reply

 

I could fashion a feed area with restricted entrances to only allow the mallard through to keep feed costs down but my main concern is whether the geese will give the ducks aggro and make them want to bugger off for quieter waters.