Effects of Disturbance and Hunting on the Behavior of Canada Goose Family Groups in Eastcentral Wisconsin

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The behavior of radio-marked family groups of Canada geese (Branta canadensis) was studied in relation to disturbance and hunting during the fall migration of 1979-81 in eastcentral Wisconsin. Intact family group cohabited the same roosting areas more often than members of random groups. Members of intact family groups were found closer together than members of random groups in 1981 when there was little disturbance at roosting areas. In 1979, when there was more disturbance on roosting areas, the mean distance separating family members at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge (HNWR) was the same as for members of random groups. More family members were shot when roosting sites were disturbed. Broken family groups used the same roosting areas less as the season progressed, whereas intact family groups were found on the same roosting areas at about the same rate throughout October-December.