I received an email on a letter that the superintendent at Indian Ridge sent to their members about the aggressive action they are taking towards the coots, so I thought I would post it here and show what we are doing in comparison. Our actions are the DFCC = (in bold writing).

We are very aware of the increased population of coots this year and the challenges they present. We are currently implementing a plan to address the situation.

In previous years, we have had fewer coots in total and also fewer coots than many of our neighboring Clubs. Each year we have employed a number of solutions to control the coot population. Last year we used a firm called Coot Busters, and we were marginally successful compared to other local Clubs.

However, this season the coot population has significantly increased, so we have formulated a comprehensive plan to control them going forward. We are implementing what is practical now, but our plans will have more impact next season.

Key is to be prepared for the coots immediately when they begin arriving for the season. Once they are entrenched in a property, it is much more difficult to move them to other properties. We anticipate seeing a significant reduction in their population next season.

Our plan consists of the following components:

1. Meet with any local clubs that appear to have better control over their coot population to understand "best practices" they utilize.

DFCC = To date we have talked locally with Toscana CC, Chaparral CC, Sunrise CC, Avondale CC, Indian Wells CC, Woodhaven CC and Mission Hills CC. We have also talked to several other clubs in Southern California, as well as Bend CC in Bend, Oregon and the Royal Colwood CC in Victoria, Canada to see what they do for coot control. Several of these clubs have contacted us because they have heard that we had the best methods and have gotten the best results.

2. Purchase two trained golf course dogs to interfere with the coots. Course dogs are standard practice at most clubs to assist with waterfowl issues. Our course dog, Peg, is at an age where she cannot successfully manage the task. (Peg will live out her life at Indian Ridge, as she has been a great asset in the past.) The dogs are currently being trained and will arrive within 60 days.

DFCC = Trained dogs, which ours are not, are good at herding the birds into the water. But once the dogs leave, the birds immediately return to land to feed, just as they do when chased into the water by golf carts. Herding dogs do not go into the water after the birds and must be present on a regular basis to achieve any type of results.

3. Obtain a permit from the Fish & Game Department to eradicate coots using a variety of methods and following City of Palm Desert guidelines.

DFCC = On December 20, 2011, we submitted all the appropriate documentation and fees along with the application to obtain a Coot Depredation Permit from the Department of Fish and Wildlife Services. Still waiting for their response.

4. Approach, as necessary, the appropriate parties on our City Council and the Health Department to influence them to allow us to manage effectively the coot population based on the potential health hazards and the negative impact they represent to our community.

DFCC = We have already talked to the Palm Desert Sheriffs Department and the City of Palm Desert Code Enforcement to discuss the necessary procedure to utilize the Coot Depredation Permit when it arrives.

5. Employ appropriate personnel to utilize slow-flying, radio-controlled miniature planes to interrupt the coots.

DFCC = We were the first club to ever implement this procedure. Desert Sky Cam was the original company, which took aerial photography. After we hired them to chase the birds, his company has now morphed into Coot & Goose Busters. Now several other clubs in the Coachella Valley currently contract them.

6. Utilize a turf grass topical application, if it proves to be effective, to areas where coots congregate, which will affect their eating habits. The application is currently being tested.

DFCC = This formula is being created by Coot & Goose Busters and is currently being tested on our property, as well as Indian Ridge, Toscana, Chaparral, Sunrise and several other clubs.

7. Employ "sound cannons" as needed to disrupt the birds. We anticipate using them in late September and early October during over-seeding and when the intermittent noise would affect the fewest homeowners.

DFCC = We have talked with a couple of superintendents that use the Zon® Mark 4 Propane Cannon and have been told that they are incredibly loud. They are mainly used on farms. The golf properties that use them are in a more rural setting then us and do not have homes in the nearby vicinity. They said that it worked fairly well at scaring off the Ducks and Geese. But they only work to scare the Coots back into the water where they feel safer. They also said that it needs to be blasted several times throughout the day and that it is mandatory that you contact the local police departments to get permission prior to any blast. We have previously discussed what impact this might have with the homeowners in a city environment like ours.


Please look forward to a much-improved outcome next season.

Steve Seils
Director of Golf Course Maintenance