KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- Talk about a wild goose chase, literally.

That's exactly what went on in Kirksville last Thursday.

Agents from the Conservation Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were doing a goose roundup at the ponds at Hollister and the Kirksville Country Club.

They used golf carts and remote controlled boats to herd the birds.

They were catching young Giant Canada Geese that hatched this spring to take them to Swan Lake in Chariton County where officials want to establish a resident population of the birds.

"You know, they're real nice to look at from a distance. We don't always like them in our backyard. They always leave presents behind, and you know, you can be somewhat forgiving to them for a certain period of time, and then they start to really get on your last nerve," said Conservation Agent Marsha Jones.

As soon as the birds were captured and banded, the were put into the “goose caboose,” a trailer for transporting the birds, for their trip to Swan Lake.

Those in charge of the golf course and those teeing off will be very glad to have the geese gone.

Agents also rounded up some geese at Thousand Hills State Park to send to a new home.

In all, they captured 28 of the fowl.