Have you heard loud 'booms' in and around Roseville, especially in the evening? According to the Placer County Agricultural Commissioner's Office, several farms northwest of Roseville have been using a tool called a 'bird scare cannon' to keep geese from destroying this year’s crop.
The cannon, or zon gun, is a small, propane-fired device that emits 'thunderclaps' to frighten off birds. It does not fire a projectile and is a standard agricultural practice and harmless to the animals. These were used about this time last year as well.
According to the Placer County Agricultural Commissioner's Office, zon gun use is allowable at night (when geese are feeding) under the county's right-to-farm ordinance but is seasonal.
Once the crops mature and grow to a point where they are no longer vulnerable to bird damage, the bird scare cannon usage will stop for this year.