Flock Behavior and Vulnerability to Hunting of Canada Geese Nesting at Crex Meadows, Wisconsin

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Abstract
Fall movement and survival of 64 Canada goose (B. canadensis) families within a flock re-established in a 579 km2 area closed to Canada goose hunting were studied in 1972 and 1973. Distinct groups of families (subflocks) formed from 5 different brood-rearing areas. On attaining flight, families in different subflocks 1st fed in fields closest to the marshes from which they fledged. Later, more distant fields were used, but subflocks continued to feed separately. Geese roosted in marshes nearest their feeding sites during the entire period. Hunting pressure casued families feeding outside the refuge area to change fields, but subflock composition and roosting locations were unchanged. Shallow marsh freeze-up altered subflock composition, distribution of feeding geese, and roosting locations. Geese in subflocks feeding most often in the refuge were least vulnerable to hunting, and appeared to have the lowest local mortality. Two subflocks also had different wintering areas. Geese in a subflock migrating and wintering east of the Mississippi River were reported shot more often than those to the west. These results suggest a need to understand subflock behavior before assessing survival in local populations.

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