The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Michigan State University (MSU) began a three-year study in 2000 to learn more about the post breeding movements of giant Canada geese nesting in Michigan. The researchers use satellite and conventional radio transmitters to track goose movement from southern Michigan (study area map). It is well known that geese too young to nest and some unsuccessful nesting pairs leave breeding areas sometime during late May or early June and move north where they lose their old feathers and replace them with new ones. This process of replacing feathers is called "molt" and so the movement north has been labeled "molt migration." These individuals then return home in the fall. The goals of this study are to determine exactly where the geese are molt migrating and when they leave and return to Michigan.

The information gathered from the study will give biologists a better understanding of the ecology of the Canada goose and allow them to determine the most effective way to manage the species.