Councillor Whitney Smith on Cal’s Week in Review: MeatEater
Orillia’s parks, like Couchiching Beach and Tudhope Park, have experienced an influx of Canada geese this year, leading to increased contamination from droppings and frequent beach closures. As the goose population grows, the environmental and public health impacts are becoming more apparent. At a recent Orillia City Council meeting, Councillor Tim Lauer raised the issue of goose overpopulation and looked to city staff for a solution. In response, Councillor Jay Fallis suggested the city look into naturalization efforts.
However, I proposed a different solution: “I’m a waterfowl hunter, and I’d happily take care of that problem, as well as dozens of my friends.” Although some council members, including Mayor Don McIsaac, joked about the idea—remarking, “You could fill your tag at Moose Beach”—my suggestion was serious. Hunters could play a pivotal role in addressing this issue.
Debunking the Myth: Are Canada Geese a Protected Species?
A major myth circulating is that Canada geese are a protected species and cannot be hunted. This is not true. In fact, in Ontario’s Wildlife Management Unit (WMU), which includes Orillia, hunting regulations allow for up to 625 geese per hunter per season, with hunting permitted six days a week, excluding Sundays. These numbers reflect how abundant the population has become and underscore the need for management strategies.
The overpopulation is not due to protection laws but to restrictions on hunting access and areas. Allowing responsible hunters to assist in controlling the goose population, especially in designated park areas, could drastically reduce the strain these birds are putting on our local environment.
Highlighting the Goose Problem in Orillia Matters
This discussion was featured in an article by Orillia Matters, which covered the city-wide problem of goose overpopulation and the various proposals brought forward by council members. My comments about involving hunters as part of the solution sparked conversations both locally and beyond.
Support from the Hunting Community
Following the article’s publication, a constituent from the local hunting community reached out to thank me for advocating for hunters as part of the solution. This individual even contacted Ryan “Cal” Callaghan, host of the popular podcast Cal’s Week in Review from the MeatEater network. In Episode 307: Crime Desk, Pennsylvania Gator, and National Threats to Hunting, Fishing, and Access, Callaghan mentioned our discussions about using hunters to help reduce the goose population in Orillia’s parks.
This mention has brought even more attention to the idea, with more hunters reaching out to express their support.
Working with Orillia City Council to Address Goose Overpopulation
Given the growing support, I am now working with the Orillia City Council to explore this idea further. A temporary, controlled hunting season in select park areas could allow licensed hunters to help manage the goose population. By focusing on safety, regulation, and timing, this solution could drastically reduce the number of geese in our parks while ensuring the community’s safety.
In addition, the harvested geese could be donated to local shelters, providing fresh, healthy food for those in need, making this initiative a win-win for the entire community.
Inviting Stephen Rinella and Ryan “Cal” Callaghan to Orillia
If the proposal is approved, I plan to extend a personal invitation to Stephen Rinella, host of MeatEater, and Ryan “Cal” Callaghan to join us in Orillia for a responsible goose hunt. Their participation would highlight the effectiveness of sustainable hunting as a tool for wildlife management and demonstrate how hunters can positively contribute to conservation efforts.
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode
To hear more about how I am advocating for hunters to help solve Orillia’s goose overpopulation, tune into Cal’s Week in Review. The discussion is featured in Episode 307: Crime Desk, Pennsylvania Gator, and National Threats to Hunting, Fishing, and Access.
