1. Operate zon guns between the hours of one hour (1) before sunrise to one and
   one-half hour (1 ½) after sunset.
2. If nighttime use is necessary notify Agricultural Commissioner of crop/target species/date/time/location to ensure proper and swift mitigation if complaints arise. Nighttime should be limited to the last resort to save affected crop.
3. Limit use of zon guns to when wildlife damage is most prevalent.
4. Limit use to time of day when wildlife pressure is highest.
5. Aim zon guns away from neighboring residences and as far back from fence lines as feasible.
6. Find natural sound buffers to place the propane cannon between the intended control site and neighbors.This could include berms, hedge/tree rows, large buildings, or even a stack of hay bales.
7. Contact nearby neighbors to share your wildlife damage control strategies, include time of day the device will be in operation and the planned duration.
8. Implement varying wildlife management techniques when using a zon gun; thus, acknowledging how each pest and crop type should be handled individually to meet its unique scenario.
9. Consider frequency intervals the zon gun should be set. Attempt to maintain a pre-determined level of economic threshold* for control of wildlife pests.
10. Monitor the site frequently. Make notes and adjust use as changes occur.
11. Move zon gun, every 3-5 days, to keep wildlife from becoming accustomed to the sound.
12. Consult your Pest Control Advisor and local UC Farm Advisor for additional tactics and management ideas to effectively manage wildlife pressures preferably only using zon guns as a last resort.
13. Responsible use of zon guns will ensure that complaints from the public are limited and resolved timely.

*Economic threshold is defined as the pest density at which management action should be taken to prevent an increasing pest population from reaching the economic injury level.

These BMP’s were developed by the Sutter & Yuba County Agricultural Commissioner’s offices and the Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau in April 2023. Currently there are no regulations prohibiting the use of zon guns in Sutter & Yuba Counties.  We ask for your voluntary cooperation to minimize the impacts to nearby neighbors. Questions or concerns related to the use of zon guns should be directed to: 

Sutter County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office

(530) 822-7500 or by Email

142 Garden Highway • Yuba City, California 95991 • (530) 822-7500 • FAX (530) 822-7510

• Management Practices for use of Propane Cannons (zon guns) in
  Production Agriculture (PDF)
• Voluntary Notice to Agriculture Commissioner of Intended Use of Zon Guns at Nighttime (PDF)