diff --git a/channels/chan_sip.c b/channels/chan_sip.c
index 668eeec297..3d4a674655 100644
--- a/channels/chan_sip.c
+++ b/channels/chan_sip.c
@@ -31209,7 +31209,6 @@ static struct sip_peer *build_peer(const char *name, struct ast_variable *v, str
 
 		/* Startup regular pokes */
 		if (!devstate_only && enablepoke) {
-			sip_ref_peer(peer, "schedule qualify");
 			sip_poke_peer(peer, 0);
 		}
 	}