Goose Apocalypse: how do you deal with a geese infestation?
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Wed, 11/28/2018 - 10:26am
Robbie Sikes is the superintendent of the Empire Ranch Golf Course, and he is sick and tired of geese.
“On any given day when I get in, there are at least a thousand geese out on the greens,” said Sikes. “I’ve tried everything. The repellent doesn’t seem to do anything. People said get a dog to chase them, but I’ve got a lab who chases them every morning and they only fly up in the air and land in the ponds.”
Sikes is reporting $200-$300 a day is going just to the manual labor necessary to clean up poop from the course so golfers don’t have to muck through it. The geese are eating the grass as well, leaving portions of the “greens” bare.
He’s worried about the geese drinking water from the ponds as well, as the water more than likely isn’t fit for drinking.
According to Zach Campbell from the Nevada Department of Wildlife, there is an influx of geese during this time of year as the population increases with migratory flocks, who join forces with the flocks that live in the area year round.
Canadian Geese are a protected federal species, so vigilantes who would want to shoot them would find themselves behind bars shortly after. Hunting of almost any type of migratory bird without a hunting license is illegal, according to Fish and Wildlife, and using firearms for hunting within city limits is not allowed. However, according to Campbell, Fish and Wildlife are in charge of the feathered trespassers, and in June, a round up is conducted to keep populations at bay.
For more information on Fish and Wildlife, you can visit their website here.
According to Carson City Parks and Recreation's Lyndsey Boyer, the Senior Natural Resource Specialist, the main way to deal with geese is "hazing," which is exactly what it sounds like. Consistently making loud noises, such as fireworks or banging, and having them be chased by dogs is the best way to handle the situation.
Basically, any way that could disrupt their sense of peace and calm.
While some may say fireworks and dogs sprinting across the greens at a tranquil golf course might not be the best environment for golfers, neither are hordes of geese so it's a give and take.
In addition, stringing fishing line and caution tape in the air to prevent them from landing in a specific area (such as fields), are another good practice according to Boyer.
"Unfortunately the geese are a pain this time of year, and a challenge to deal with!" said Boyer. "The best thing you can do is regularly annoy them until they leave."
We’re also asking the public for their input on this avian problem. What’s your advice to discourage a hoarde or geese from taking up residence?
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