Goose Hunting in Stilwater Cove - See updates for details
Notices for Stilwater POA
2025
October 2025
Stilwater Homeowners,
As discussed during our annual meeting, Lake Management has been granted permission to allow for hunters (selected by lottery) to access the Buffer Strip for the purpose of a goose hunt which will occur on the following dates of November 22-28 and December 16-23. The hunters will access the Buffer Strip using only the golf cart path. Lake Management will place small orange directional arrows marking the golf cart path and Buffer Strip areas to be used for the hunt. The arrows will be placed on the Friday before the hunt and collected the following dates of November and December. Owners should be aware of hunters using the parking area by the golf cart path and prepare to hear gunshots during this time period which is allowed from dawn to dusk.
Hunters will be fully licensed and are educated in how to safely hunt within these types of site conditions. Hunters must remain at least 150 yards from any home and Lake Management is looking to extend that to 300 yards. Lake Management will review the area and will place a large neon sign to clearly mark the approved hunting zone. Hunters must then stay within 50’ of that sign. Hunters are required to wear a minimum amount of orange for visibility. They may be camouflaged on the buffer strip in some type of tent or behind camo fencing. This is what is called a blind. They will be shooting towards/over the water and must only shoot fowl within 50' of the blind. It is our understanding that they will be using steel BB shot, which is safer for the water than lead. The shotguns can legally hold only 3 shells. The type of shot used for hunting fowl, only has an effective range of 30-50 yards. After this range any falling pellets fall harmlessly, resembling light “rain”. Hunters will use kayaks to retrieve any harvested birds.
While the buffer strip is not commonly accessed during this time of year, Owner's accessing the area should be mindful of the event. Avoiding the buffer strip and water is the safest, however should anyone be within the area, wear clothing which is visible to the hunters, keep pets on a leash, and utilize the area closest to the buy down (which would likely be behind any blinds). Rental properties should also inform any guests staying at the property during these time periods.
Reminders of the event will be posted on our website and social media and will also be emailed out again before each hunt begins.
Lake Management is hopeful that this action will help to mitigate the issues Stilwater has been experiencing with the growing goose population.Dear Stilwater Property Owners,
On Behalf of the Stilwater POA Board of Directors
Barry A. Savage