Propane Cannon Guidelines 
As winegrapes begin the process of ripening, growers are using propane cannons as a tool to mitigate the effects of bird depredation on fruit. It is important that growers follow the  Guidelines for Propane Cannons as approved by the Board of Supervisors in June. These guidelines reflect the rules that are now in place with regards to the use of propane cannons, and must be followed by growers in order to maintain compliance. Growers not following the established guidelines will be cited by Code Compliance staff.

 The following points highlight some of the more significant elements of the approved guidelines:
  • No more than 1 propane cannon per 5 acres
  • Propane cannons may run 3 hours in the morning (up to 30 minutes before sunrise, no earlier) and 3 hours in the evening (up to 30 minutes after sunset, no later)
  • Cannons may not run all night or all day long
  • In areas with immediate neighbors, propane cannons must be a minimum of 600 feet from a residence/ animal enclosure in addition to the use of a buffering device

For the full document and details on the approved Proper and Accepted Customs and Standards for Operations of Propane Cannons and other Audible Frightening Devices Within Napa County Agricultural Lands, please click on the link above, or visit the  Napa County Ag Commissioner's website for details.

Thank you for your cooperation,
Napa County Agricultural Commissioner's Office
707-253-4357