diff --git a/libraries/AP_Compass/AP_Compass_HMC5843.cpp b/libraries/AP_Compass/AP_Compass_HMC5843.cpp
index 05861627e8..bdeafdab9b 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_Compass/AP_Compass_HMC5843.cpp
+++ b/libraries/AP_Compass/AP_Compass_HMC5843.cpp
@@ -168,7 +168,6 @@ bool AP_Compass_HMC5843::init()
     }
 
     if (!_check_whoami()) {
-        hal.console->printf("HMC5843: not a HMC device\n");
         goto errout;
     }