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We have had several inquiries as to how to get rid of the
Canadian geese that rest, eat, poop and socialize on Lake
Pinehurst.  I will offer a few thoughts that might help.

First of all, Canadian geese are protected under the North
American Migratory Bird Treaty.  Killing Canadian geese is
Pinehurst geese are not migrating, they are protected under
this treaty.

Second, chasing the geese away from each of our properties
will result in sending them to our neighbors.  The geese have it
good here and they are not about to leave Lake Pinehurst.

Here are some tips that might help us keep the geese off our
properties.

1. Herding dogs.  Herding dogs, like border collies, will keep the
geese off your property.  If the dog attacks and kills a goose,
then you have violated the treaty and face legal action.
2. Don't feed them.  If you see people feeding the geese, tell
them to stop.
3. Decoys.  Predator decoys like a decoy dog or coyote will
deter the geese.  However, you need to move these decoys
around in your yard on a daily basis to fool the geese.  I have
heard that there are "Dead Goose" decoys that you can float off
your bulkhead, but I have not seen any.
4. Alter your landscape.  Canadian geese prefer wide open
areas where they can see predators.  Planting low-lying shrubs
and bushes along your bulkhead may keep they geese off your
yard.
5. Using sounds.  Pre-recorded distress sounds of various wild
birds may keep the geese away.  However, the noise may also
bother you and your neighbors.
6. Chemical deterrents.  The use of naturally occurring,
non-toxic chemical agents on feeding grounds can protect your
yard.  However, they need to be applied every time your yard
gets watered.

We welcome thoughts from all our members on effective
methods to keep Canadian geese out of our yards and how to
get them off Lake Pinehurst if possible.  The Lake Pinehurst
Association will gladly provide a dinner for two at any local
restaurant for anyone who can rid the lake of these geese.

Our problem will only get worse as the gaggle of geese on Lake
Pinehurst continues to grow and to pose an increased threat to
our property and to our wellbeing.

Thanks.

Tom Reedy
President, Lake Pinehurst Association