Kip’s Comments - December 21, 2025

Be Listening… Somebody Knows Something

Yesterday I was made aware of dead Canada geese in a ditch in the southwest part of the county. It is possible the person who notified me was concerned the geese died of avian influenza. My first response was to notify the DNR. Today I went to look at the birds and found them as described - dead in the ditch. (There were many, not pictured.)

Dead Canada Geese in Ditch - Image 1051563

After seeing probably hundreds of dead waterfowl as a result of avian influenza last winter, I was pretty certain these birds had not succumbed to any disease. When I examined them I found visible injuries consistent with being shot.

Dead Canada Geese in Ditch - Image 1051571

I have been a Hunter Education instructor for decades and know Hunter Ed students devote time to game recognition and respect. For that reason, I will not attribute what appears to be a wanton waste of game birds to a hunter or hunters. These birds likely died and were wasted at the hands of shooters - not hunters. Hunters do better than this.

And, I wonder if the same person or persons that shot these geese also shot and ultimately fatally injured the young trumpeter swan from a few weeks ago in Waverly.

Iowa DNR Hunting Regulations specifically address wanton waste of wildlife. There are penalties for this type of behavior. If you know who may be responsible for this (or the shooting of the swan), please call the “Turn-in-Poachers” Tip Line at 800-532-2020. Your information may make you eligible for a reward.

Somebody has information about these birds. If that somebody starts talking, I hope any who hear it report it. This has to stop.