How Groundskeepers Can Get Rid of Geese from Golf Courses

What with spring in the air and golfing season on the horizon, it's time we talked about geese on golf courses. What is intended to be a relaxing albeit challenging experience can quickly morph into the afternoon from hell. Just ask the Michigan young golfer who found himself at the mercy of a VERY angry Canada Goose and has the scars to prove it.

Why Do Geese Flock to Golf Courses?

You see, a golf course is like a little slice of heaven for just about every goose on the planet - or a big slice, if we're talking 18+ holes. And, it is thoughtfully constructed and maintained by humans, to boot. Here's what makes a golf course so irresistible to geese:

• Wide Open Grassy Areas
  This is the perfect scenario for geese; they prefer short cut grass with no obstructions and an open view to scan for potential predators.
  
  
• Abundant Water Sources
  Our desire to make it pretty and make our fellow golfers lose a ball or five in the drink has led to little ponds and water features all over the golf course - perfect for geese. Being waterfowl, they depend on water for survival - for nourishment as well as to provide an escape if predators are in pursuit.
  
  
• Lack of Natural Predators
  While they may have to dodge the occasional rogue golf ball, geese feel fairly safe in this well-maintained and open landscape. The constant presence of humans pretty much guarantees that natural predators like coyotes keep their distance.
  
  
• Minimal Human Threats
  Golfers are a generally amicable bunch and seldom bug the resident geese – and with hunting on golf courses very much  frowned upon, it's no wonder that geese think they're in a designated safe zone.
  
  

Problems Caused by Geese on Golf Courses

Many golfers actually don't mind geese all that much; especially when the little ones have hatched, they're entertaining and cute to watch. Managers and groundskeepers rarely share those sentiments. That's because they are faced with some or all of the following issues:

• Turf Damage
  Geese absolutely adore those tiny fresh green grass shoots that are best found and easiest picked when the grass is kept short and neat. This is what goslings devour in the early days and weeks of life almost exclusively, too. So grass regeneration is stunted if not made impossible all together and will eventually result in giant bald patches on the fairways.
  
  
• Excessive Goose Droppings 
  Well, what goes in, must come out... and much of that is smelly, slippery, and just unsanitary all around. And, as bad as it is fresh and wet, it's almost worse once it has dried; parasites, bacteria and all sorts of pathogens can now become airborne and cause serious health issues.
  
  
• Aggressive Behavior
  Geese can become territorial and attack golfers and staff. This is most likely to occur during nesting season. Particularly the male will fiercely protect his mate and their nest to any and all who inadvertently wander too close for (his) comfort. Mind you, Mother Goose won't stand for allowing intruders, either.
  
  
• Water Contamination
  Geese droppings can pollute ponds and water features, leading to algae and potentially harming other birds or wildlife.
  
  
• Noise Disruptions
  For those of us who take 3 minutes to set up our next shot, brows furrowed with deep concentration, loud honking can be utterly distracting and create a negative experience.
  
  

Golf Course-Specific Geese Control Methods

Obviously, the use of pyrotechnics is not an option on a golf course and even pond wiring or netting is not ideal in this setting. So that leaves us with methods such as:

Modifying the Course Layout to Deter Geese

• Reshape Shorelines
  Installing steep pond banks (at least 18 inches) can make it harder for geese to enter and exit the water.
  
  
• Strategic Vegetation Placement
  Planting tall native grasses and shrubs along fairways and water edges helps obstruct the view and makes landing spots appear less appealing.
  
  
• Rock or Riprap Barriers
  This entails placing large rocks along pond edges and is another way to discourage geese from nesting. It may also prove to be a successful geese relief method for golf courses.
  
  

Golf Course Goose Removal Techniques

• Falconry
  Having a trained eagle circle above any area sends a very strong message to any and all geese below: Leave or else! This is an entirely natural form of goose control, taking advantage of the predator/prey relationship that already exists. Only the presence of the eagle is required - nothing else. this is a non-lethal method. The goal is to unsettle the geese, not injure or kill them.
  
  
• Trained Goose-Control Dogs
  Using trained dogs to safely and repeatedly chase (or haze) geese off the course is also a non-lethal method and works exceedingly well as a follow up to the eagle. 
  
  
• Lasers
  The use of lasers after dark further reinforces the message that this is not a safe area to rest and nest. This is what we want when it comes to goose management. We want the geese to vacate the golf course of their own volition.
  
  
• Remotely Operated Vehicles
  Boats! Remote controlled boats also introduce a degree of unpredictability and hence a lack of perceived safety. These are also deployed after sunset, when geese have retired to the safety of a body of water.
  
  

Controlling Nesting & Preventing Goose Infestations

• Remove Goose-Friendly Shelter Areas
  Keeping bushes and shrubs near ponds trimmed discourages and hopefully prevents golf course nesting.
  
  
• Disrupt Goose Habits
  Regularly altering tee times or maintenance routines near common goose gathering spots can help prevent geese from feeling secure.
  
  

Long-Term Geese Control Strategies for Golf Courses

• Restrict Feeding by Golfers & Staff
  Posting signs and enforcing policies against feeding geese and other wildlife is essential. Directing proper waste disposal is also important.
  
  
• Implement Golf Course-Specific Noisemakers
  You can use rotating distress calls that don’t disturb golfers but may deter geese. The timing of this routine will have to be switched up daily and even then, the geese will realize that there is no physical danger and eventually ignore your efforts.
  
  
• Hiring Professional Goose Removal Services
  Partnering with a licensed, certified, and experienced wildlife control specialist for humane, ongoing geese removal efforts is the most effective use of your time, effort, and money.
  
  

Legal Considerations for Golf Course Goose Removal

• Understanding Federal & Local Wildlife Laws
  Be aware of and ensure compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act as well as potential local regulation.
  
  
• Permits for Nest Removal
  You must secure the necessary permits to get rid of goose nests, as you do to use most other control methods. A reputable bird control specialist can guide you.
  
  
• Ethical Removal Practices
  Because Canada geese are protected, it is of utmost importance to choose humane control and removal techniques that serve both geese and the golf course environment.
  
  
• Public Relations
  Aside from potential legal consequences, be aware that any incident that injures or kills geese on your golf course can quickly turn into a public relations nightmare. At least 2 Edmonton area golf courses were implicated in 'wrongful goose deaths' and had to weather a bit of a media storm.
  
  

Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control

As a recognized leader in the bird control industry, Hawkeye has the expertise, experience, and resources to successfully get rid of Canada geese from your golf course. We regularly see excellent results with falconry, dogs, and a few follow-up methods, based on your particular situation.

Call us today for professional goose removal and control services in Toronto, Oakville, Markham, and other areas.