CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) -- Birdies are welcome at the Trysting Tree Golf Club, but there are limits.

Trysting Tree superintendent Patrick Doran says geese have been an issue since the course affiliated with Oregon State University opened two decades ago, but their numbers have increased in the past five years.

The birds are chewing up the turf, and their many droppings have caused concern about salmonella.

The course is seeking a permit to deal with the birds, but that may not be necessary.

State Fish and Wildlife officials say a permit is needed to shoot or trap the Canada geese, but hazing tactics are effective and can be done without a permit.

County and state officials downplayed the health risk to golfers, noting they have yet to hear of any Trysting Tree players sickened by geese.

A state epidemiologist says if you don't put the droppings in your mouth, you should be OK.