Farmers may soon be able to  shoot  Canada Geese year round, without seeking permission from Fish & Game.

The Government is  looking at moving Canada  Geese from the protected birds list because of farmer concern over crop  and pasture damage cause by growing populations.

Federated Farmers says  Canada  geese  are a pest  and the  population explosion is seriously impacting waterways and waterfowl – not just farming.

It says  Fish & Game New Zealand  has failed its statutory obligation to manage this pest by spreading it to new parts of the country.

Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson  says a decision is likely to be announced in three weeks.