Managing Geese on golf courses Q and A
After learning that geese populations had been causing somewhat of a commotion for several greenkeepers around the UK, we wanted to find out how you can manage the wedge of geese, no puns intended. We spoke with Graham Wallace, Golf Course Manager at Bank House Hotel Spa and Golf Club in this 'how to' Q and A.
Tell us a little about you?
I have been in the greenkeeping industry for 36 years. I started out on a YTS, attended Myerscough College and my first job was at Gleneagles. I have been a course manager since 1994 and in my current role at The Bankhouse Hotel Spa and Golf club for 17 years".
How long have geese been at your course? Did you always know how to integrate them into the golf environment?
Ever since I have been at the club we have had geese at the course, often varying in numbers. We don't have as many issues as other courses due to the 14 large lakes here - which is not a natural home for them. However, when we get to 200 (which we have in the past), it obviously becomes a problem.
What would your advice be for greenkeepers who have recently had geese come to their course?
From a wildlife point of view try to manage it to a desirable level. The geese could come to a course for any of a number of reasons, so it is about managing them when they arrive.
Would a bird dog be advised for a golf course environment?
If the 'bird dog' was obedient and controlled that might help, but it depends on the site. You have to have time to train and integrate the dog onto the course before it is fully helpful.
What are the main challenges that geese can bring to a golf course? What needs to be considered?
Faeces is the biggest problem, especially when you see 200 roaming around the greens, plus the fact that they attack golfers if they feel threatened isn't an ideal situation either!
Is there a sustainable way to manage them?
IWe tried the GOOSINATOR (google it, it's real) and had great results. However, they were expensive to buy and the company only wanted to hire them out. Simply, the device runs on land and scares the geese to the water, which is their safe haven. It then goes on the water, scares them off and they find a different site. This is carried out regularly and they don't seem to return for a few years.
Following research, we also brought a radio-controlled motorboat. The objective here is to attract the geese to the lake and then use the boat - this scares them off in the same way. However, if you choose to try the boat option, wait until the young are big enough to fly (it would be cruel to scare them off if they can't get away).
Do any other pests/animals cause you a headache?
The biggest pest for me is worms; we need them for the soil, but the visual scarring can be terrible. Something that will drive them from the surface underground to do their work would be brilliant. We are trying irritants (sulphur, sulphates etc).