Geese Hunting at Crossroads Church Ceased, Discussion to Follow

The issue of geese hunting at Crossroads Community Church in Aurora has been resolved for now.

On Monday this week Patch readers reported hearing of gunshots at Crossroads Church, located at 3003 South Eola Road, which is in close proximity to lands of the Fox Valley Park District as well as two Oswego 308 schools. The shots were from hunting geese on the church property.

Aurora Police went to the church following complaints to make sure the hunters were in compliance with all laws and they were, said Aurora Media Relations Manager Dan Ferrelli.

Contrary to speculation, the City of Aurora does not issue hunting permits, but rather the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

IDNR does allow hunting on private land as long as the owner gives permission, which Aurora Police found to be the case in this instance.

However, Ferrelli said after review by the City’s legal department there were some concerns raised about the hunting due to the proximity to the park district and schools.

Ferrelli said that the geese hunting has now ceased and believe the church was allowing the hunting because of major issues with geese and geese droppings, which can cause health concerns.

The City of Aurora has reached out to Crossroads to propose a meeting between the church and city officials to discuss the issues of the geese on the property, said Ferrelli, and the church is “looking forward” to the discussion.