**1. Introduction**

The Barnacle Goose, *Branta leucopsis,* is one of the very few species of birds endemic to the north-east Atlantic region [1]. Nests have been found at heights of as much as 1,000 feet above sea level on steep faces of coastline. In these conditions, the parent birds are very successful in defending their eggs against predators explaining partly the success of this goose [1]. It belongs to black geese genus, *Branta*, with largely black colour separating them from the grey *Anser* species. First, the Barnacle Goose and the close relative Brent (or Brant) Goose, *Branta bernicla,* were previously seen as one species, but modern genetic analysis has shown that it is an eastern derivate of the Cackling Goose *Branta hutchinsii* lineage [2].

All Barnacle Goose populations are increasing, and growing geese foraging on cropland leads to serious challenges for many farmers. To prevent geese damage to agriculture farmers are seeking different tools to protect their crop. In Finland, the size of the migrating Barnacle Goose flocks are causing increasing human-wildlife conflicts (**Figure 1**). This chapter seeks a sustainable solution between conservation and hunting.

#### **Figure 1.**

*Barnacle goose flock landing like the African locusts to feed everything on the farmer's field in Finland. Photo: Courtesy of Esko Rajala.*
