Oh deer! Noisemakers used at Fort Worth development disrupting more than wildlife

Noise and disruption from a nearby construction site have become a growing concern for residents in the Ventana neighborhood in southwest Fort Worth.

Neighbors said loud booms coming from the construction of the new Maverick Golf and Ranch Club have caused confusion and alarm over the last several days.

James Ruiz said he hears the sounds around dusk, and others in the community have described the noise as startling.

“Well, again, it started sounding like fireworks were going off or even shots. I thought perhaps it might have been some gunshots that I was hearing in the distance. That could draw my attention and then, subsequent to that, just continue to hear them periodically and during the evening mainly,” said Rosario Ruiz.

Fort Worth police confirmed they received a couple of calls from residents questioning the noise, but said no formal complaints were filed for investigation.

“Yeah, if there would have been some notification to let us know what they were, it would have reduced my concern,” Rosario Ruiz said.

NBC 5 confirmed the Maverick Golf and Ranch Club development had been using noise-making equipment designed to keep animals off the property.

According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, such devices are commonly used to protect vegetation from deer, and no permits are required to operate them.

A spokesperson for the development said in a statement that once they learned neighbors were concerned, “… we immediately ceased use of equipment. We sincerely apologize for any disruption.”

Neighbors said they hope the quiet continues, especially during the holiday season.

“Again, it’d be nice if it did. It’s during the holidays and it’s just not something you want as a distraction to what we should be enjoying now,” Rosario Ruiz said.

The Maverick Golf and Ranch Club spans 1,100 acres northwest of Benbrook Boulevard and Hawkins Home Boulevard in Fort Worth.