Dealing with the damage these animals cause to ornamentals and turfgrass can be expensive to repair. And yet it is necessary. Prudent practices may not be the most effective in pest control. This is due in part to assertive public concern or sentiment accompanied with wildlife regulations where public outcry would deter shooting or poison baiting. Although these unsightly methods would be effective for pest control it would disturb members of the club.

Finding creative ways of handling these creatures without causing harm to them or the turf is do-able. For example, live traps, repellents and feeding deterrents are more acceptable. Take a look at alternatives in landscape settings, installing protective cages around young trees and trunk guards.

However, experts maintain that there are some situations where poison rodent baits are needed when rat infestation becomes a problem. At Tamarack resort beneath the Cascade Mountains in Idaho, golfers enjoy the wildlife and brilliant scenery at this out-of-the-way location. They plan specifically for the wildlife experience to enhance their golfing round.

Unbeknownst to them, the maintenance crew is busy chasing down creative ways to provide a well-maintained, healthy course that also hosts wildlife on a daily basis. Although the animals are beautiful and exceptionally thrilling to witness while out on the course, the injury from their daily trailing is a reality that must be handled.

One Utah golfer commented that even though he enjoys every minute he has out on the course, he admits he hates scorpions, desert rattlers and finds grasshoppers in the sand traps very annoying. There have been stories of friendly deer on the course where they sit and watch golfers, nonchalantly stroll across the fairways and show no concern while stunned golfers watch their balls fly over their heads. The greens sometimes show undeniable signs of deer making their daily trek across the turf.

Dr. Paul D. Curtis, Dept. of Natural Resources at Cornell University and Dr. Jeff Jackson, Wildlife Management at University of Georgia offer a range of ideas for controlling birds and mammals on the golf course. They explain “It is important that you correctly identify mammals before starting control activities because materials or methods that are effective against one species may be useless against- or illegal-against another.”

They go on to identify and describe pests and their characteristics along with the damage they cause, such as the Meadow vole, moles, skunk, gopher, rabbit, woodchuck, deer and geese. Some advice offered for control includes the removal of “…dead vegetation or thatch that may serve as cover and nesting material. Voles dislike areas of bare ground.” “Fencing, wire cages and plastic netting are other methods you can use to reduce damage.”

“Combining an odor-based deer repellent with a simple, rope fence can prevent summer damage to bedding plants and perennials.” “Dogs, especially herding breeds (such as border collies) are well-suited for the task of scaring away geese.” To learn more there is a book available that offers help, it is called Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage. Contact: 202 Natural Resources Hall, University of Nebraska, P.O. Box 830819, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0819 or call the university at 402-472-3471.

For technical assistance in your area contact the wildlife services. A growing number of private-sector wildlife-damage-control contractors are available who can take on your wildlife challenges for a fee. Check your local yellow pages or conduct a google search for phone numbers and information.

Editor’s note: to read the complete article by Curtis and Jackson visit www.grounds-mag.com/golf_courses/grounds_maintenance_controlling_critters_golfcourse/index.html