Which method of controlling Canadian geese would require a federal permit?

• A. Using noisemakers
• B. Installing fences and netting
• C. Destroying nests and eggs
• D. Feeding them

Answer: (C)

Migratory birds are protected by federal law, so actions that take or destroy nests or eggs require special authorization. Destroying nests and eggs is considered taking a migratory bird, and you must obtain a federal depredation permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to do this legally.

The other options are deterrents or exclusion measures that do not involve taking nests or eggs, so they generally do not require a federal permit. Noisemakers, fences and netting, and feeding control are ways to manage geese without removing their nests or destroying eggs, though they may be subject to other local or state rules.