The goose hunting program in the Town of Oliver is making a difference on the bird population, according to council.
Councillor Dave Mattes said allowing hunting within Town limits has helped reduce goose numbers.
Council has once again given bylaw exemptions for the annual goose hunt at Tucelnuit Lake and the Oliver airport. This year seven permits have been issued, giving applicants legal authority to discharge firearms within Town boundaries.
Town staff report there continues to be a goose population problem at Rotary Beach and the airport.
Corporate Officer Cathy Cowan said hunters reported 75 kills last year. Five kills were at the airport, and the rest were around the lake, she noted.
Cowan said the Town has not received any complaints about the program.
It was noted that permitted hunters are required to abide by all provincial and federal regulations. Candidates are required to provide references related to their hunting experience.
Hunters must obtain permission from owners of any occupied building within 100 metres of the location where the shooting occurs.
There is no fee for the permits, and no compensation is paid.
Local RCMP are advised of who the permit holders are, and each hunter has liability insurance of $2 million.
The Town of Oliver contributes $2,000 annually to the City of Kelowna for the Regional Goose Management Addling Program, but there are no records indicating the number of eggs addled.
Mattes reiterated that egg addling and hunting have made a difference in the Canada Goose population.
Staff report that complaints about geese have lessened over the years, which supports the continuation of the program.
