A flock of snow geese (Scientific name: Chen caerulescens) migrating through Arkansas, USA, unexpectedly fell “like ripe fruit” after loud gunshots. It turns out the geese had entered a hunting blind set up by hunters.
The result was a staggering 473 geese shot down in just one day, setting an unprecedented record. So, why were so many of these geese killed?
Snow geese, like many other waterfowl species, have a migratory behavior that leads them to warmer regions during winter, flying in large flocks that darken the sky. These large migrations also represent the most opportune time for hunting.
The practice of waterfowl hunting or bird hunting is quite popular in Western countries, where hunters often bring along hunting dogs (pointing dogs, retrievers, flushing dogs), decoys, and other equipment to assist in their hunts.
In the United States, hunters must possess a license issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with appropriate hunting permits for their state. They typically dress in camouflage gear, wearing military-style clothing, high boots, and layered clothing, bringing only simple food for their hunting trips.
Hunters in hiding next to decoys. (Photo: Harpole’s Heartland Lodge).
There are also many regulations regarding hunting, such as only being allowed to carry exactly 25 rounds into designated hunting areas. If hunters run out of ammunition, they must return to retrieve more, and violations can result in heavy fines. Laws also stipulate that only a certain number of females can be hunted to maintain sustainable reproductive growth.
For hunters, hunting is seen as a recreational pastime, a sport for competition. However, occasionally they are permitted to hunt in large numbers due to the overpopulation of certain waterfowl species, which can pollute rivers and lakes and take nesting spaces from native birds…
Real geese killed next to decoys used for bait. (Photo: Huntupnorth.com)
In fact, Canada geese and other waterfowl pose a threat to aviation safety, causing headaches for authorities. U.S. authorities have previously ordered the culling of nearly 1,700 Canada geese near airports in New York City.
Countries like France and New Zealand also regard Canada geese as a “nuisance” and permit their large-scale culling. This is why hunting geese or ducks can result in the deaths of hundreds of geese (or ducks).
