Typically it takes four to 12 weeks for Edwards and Anna-Liz to clear geese from the property for good .
“ Generally speaking , we find military members to be tough , respectful , outdoorsy people who come from backgrounds of discipline and excellent communication ,” said Bob Young , CEO and founder of Geese Chasers , who started the professional geese control and removal service with his border collie , Boomer . Geese Chasers recently added an 11th franchise in Cleveland .
The company offers a 25 percent discount on franchise fees for the military , which gave Edwards the incentive to launch the next phase of his career . Then came the important task of finding his canine business partner .
Anna-Liz was one of the original border collies that helped chase away potentially nesting shorebirds from construction sites at the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Project . In the process of expanding the tunnel , project engineers built islands used for construction . If protected shorebird species nested in that area , construction was forced to halt until environmental workers arrived to assist .
Predator-bird decoys were utilized to try to scare away the shorebirds and project workers even tried to tempt the birds into moving to a sand-filled barge . Ultimately , the Virginia Department of
Transportation opted for 24-hour teams of “ goose dogs ” to patrol the construction islands seven days a week to deter nesting .
A WELL-FED , HEALTHY ADULT CANADA GOOSE CAN PRODUCE UP TO
1.5 POUNDS
OF FECAL MATTER PER DAY
“ Every day that construction is slowed or stopped costs taxpayers money ,” said Edwards of the project , expected to be completed in 2025 . “ It also increases the amount of time traffic is congested in that area .”
Edwards purchased his 3-year-old border collie from the breeder who supplies dogs for the Hampton Roads project and off they went to launch their own enterprise in eight counties of Northern Virginia . Fortunately for Edwards , Anna- Liz was already trained and eager to perform for her new handler .
Using intelligent , well-trained dogs is really the safest , most humane way to get rid of bothersome geese on properties .”
— Bill Edwards
“ I go out with my dog and all she wants to do is please me ,” said Edwards , a former artillery officer . “ I don ’ t have to write her a paycheck . I take off her vest when we come home so she knows she ’ s not working , give her a dog treat and a good bowl of food and that ’ s it for the night . The next morning , she ’ s ready to go again .”
Getting The Job Done
Edwards believes Geese Chasers can be a useful tool for golf course superintendents who often are too busy to chase waterfowl but need help in controlling large populations of the property-damaging birds . He meets with superintendents to learn about their facility ’ s challenges and then conducts a free site survey to determine an effective action plan to remove the birds .
Prices for the service vary , based on the needs and size of the facility , and the number of geese present on the property . Typically , the initial clearing phase is four to 12 weeks , with Edwards and his dog anticipating the geese flying from pond to pond to escape until finally giving up and leaving .
“ I try to create a constant presence for the geese during my daily visits , while also not interfering with golfers on the course ,” Edwards said . “ We show up prior to the opening tee times and return after the day ’ s play .”
Edwards ’ life is certainly different these days . He has transitioned from protecting coalition forces on missions and orchestrating battlefield artillery fire to working with a highly motivated canine companion to deter large waterfowl . His new job is still a challenge and one that he welcomes as the golf season unfolds this spring .
“ No job is too big and no job is too small ,” he said . “ We ’ re ready to go .”
And just as their day begins with the command to seek “ birdies ,” Edwards and Anna- Liz share a moment of satisfaction each time geese take flight and leave a property .
“ I ’ ll say , ‘ That ’ ll do ,’ and she knows she did a good job and that her work is done ,” said Edwards . “ And then I ’ ll tell her to ‘ Load up ,’ and she ’ ll jump into our vehicle and we head to the next stop .”
vsga . org
IMAGES COURTESY OF GEESE CHASERS