Scare tactics, in compliance with Korean government guidelines, are the primary tools at Hallam's disposal to disperse the birds. Because Korean law protects several species of birds, all efforts are made to scare the birds without injuring them. Hallam most often uses a hand-held launcher, similar to a starter's pistol, that fires several types of devices designed to stir up flocks of birds without injuring them. For greater distance and accuracy, Hallam uses a special shell fired from a 12-gauge shotgun that sounds much like a large firecracker. He also uses air cannons.
Eradication is a last resort.
Keeping the birds guessing is key to my success, said Hallum. Situated near large rice fields and a small river, Osan's flightline is a prime location for potential bird strikes. Drainage ditches on either side of the runway and standing water add to the threat. In turn this provides support for a substantial resident bird population. In addition to the scare tactics, making the flightline less attractive to birds is as simple as mowing the grass.