The project will provide essential data on resident canada goose movements and demographics to inform management and regulation of oklahomas growing resident goose populations

The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service (DOI FWS) Region 2 awarded the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) a formula grant of $1.18 million under the Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education and Safety program (CFDA 15.611) for the period January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028. This award funds a comprehensive research initiative to generate critical data on resident Canada goose (Branta canadensis) movements and population dynamics in Oklahoma, addressing the need for science-based management strategies for the state's expanding resident goose populations. The project will integrate long-term harvest, banding, and age ratio datasets with field-based goose capture and GPS tracking to evaluate population vital rates, site fidelity, survival, and hunting vulnerability.

ODWC, in collaboration with Tennessee Technological University as a sub-grantee, will employ integrated population models and harvest simulations to estimate optimal sustainable harvest rates for Oklahoma's resident goose populations. Key deliverables include annual progress reports, a final technical report, and peer-reviewed publications designed to inform wildlife management regulations and balance ecological impacts with hunting opportunities. This research aligns with the Pittman-Robertson Act's mandate to support state wildlife conservation and management initiatives through data-driven approaches that enhance the scientific foundation for wildlife decision-making.

Resident canada goose branta canadensis hereafter goose populations have expanded in many areas necessitating management to balance negative ecological impacts and hunting opportunities. However key information on oklahomas resident goose population dynamics including abundance survival recruitment and sustainable harvest rates is lacking. We will integrate long term datasets on harvest banding and age ratios to elucidate resident goose demographics. Goose capture and GPS tracking will further clarify movements site fidelity survival and hunting vulnerability. Integrated population models will estimate vital rates and abundances while simulations will identify optimal harvest rates. Deliverables will include annual reports a final technical report and peer reviewed publications to guide resident goose management.