If you plan to do some snow goose hunting in the spring, then you MUST acquire an e-caller (or more). If you havent looked at the snow goose windsock market lately, I will break the newsits flooded. A permit is not transferable, and only one person with whom it can be used can use it. If thats the case, youll have to use a blind usually a field blind, which will cover your body and gun and almost eliminate your vertical outline. Get our No-BS newsletter to your email box around twice a month. You can call in every goose in the county if you are good at the basics. They start to mill about as the sun rises and then typically fly to a feeding area usually a field at some point in the morning. First, provided youve scouted thoroughly and have located a field geese are using regularly, you can set up at their destination, which eliminates a lot of guesswork. So the real debate of snow goose decoys is full-bodies vs. windsocks. Ducks still react favorably to them in many situations. One of those inventions was the Rotary Machines for hunting snow geese. Field-hunting carries several advantages. Resonant-cavity calls are probably the easiest to operate. Food or drink (non-alcoholic) you may need while in the field. Duck Strap. For example, if you are looking to do some bird watching, you will need binoculars and a spotting scope. Finally, take snow goose shell decoys, cut a slit in them, and run velcro through the slits. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "flywa-20"; Other times, large flocks might drop in. I recommend putting them all in the same pocket as well so that if they do slip out or come loose from their cozy spot inside your clothing or boot liners it will be easy to find them. I like to run these myself when hunting migrators. Remember, curiosity kills geese." It is special because waterfowling is so much more than harvesting a feathered target. That doesn't mean you have to call more, but when you do call, use aggressive notes and blow them with a lot of volume." I spent a lot of time looking out the window, especially when we were flying over an area during the migration. On windy days, however, being in a slough or rockpile just downwind of your spread can be lethal. Those who wish to apply for an annual resident license must have lived in New York State for more than 30 days in the previous year. The key is to be where the birds want to sit for these types of decoy spreads. And thats the true joy of goose hunting; figuring out how to overcome those challenges. The answer is yes. Be polite and to the point. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; The worst he can do is say no. Site by Gray Loon. We shot our limits in short order." Whether it is hunting teal and other puddle ducks on small waters early season, hunting mallards on a river in the coldest parts of winter, going after divers on large reservoirs, or pursuing geese in a grain field, Oklahoma provides an opportunity for you. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; What I really like about whites is that birds dont flare often as you pull up. You must have the permit with you at all times, whether you are carrying it in a physical or electronic form. If youre hunting migrators, in my opinion, you cant beat water. Some folks lease consistently productive fields from landowners, and that can be a good option. If you are 16 years or older and hunt waterfowl (ducks . I had a waterfowl biologist once tell me that its in these staging areas where the adults abandon their young. Waterfowl hunters are legally required to identify the species and even gender of the birds they shoot. You will usually need an ATV, with Trax, to ensure youre getting in and out effectively. Another tip for hunting snow geese is flagging. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in Wisconsin in domestic poultry and some species of waterfowl and raptors beginning in spring 2022. And I usually only run my volume around 30-40% (depending on the unit). Normally, you want a medium-sized pond (maybe around 2-4 acres I like best). Snow geese are the primary target species during the fall season. Check out this selection of tips and recipes for cleaning and cooking your geese, and click here for more waterfowling content at Realtree.com. If you can identify a loafing water, youll usually get a good hunt out of it. Remember, you want a choke/load combo that will deliver a solid pattern at 40-plus yards, but you dont want something so tight that you miss decoying birds at 20 steps. For field hunting, youll want a good selection of full-bodied decoys. Although portions of Colorado have recently returned to more normal conditions, most of the state and the surrounding region remains mired in long-term drought conditions as we enter fall. This stamp is required for all waterfowl hunters 16 and . Its not perfect, nothing is, but its scary how close it can be most of the time. Sleeping geese signal that the area has been checked out and is safe enough to drop in and take a nap. Unless their feet are extended and their wings are back, geese are not moving slowly. Try to avoid the fed-out sections of the field. Westerholm from Nebraska, showed me this method years back and I use it often. In both cases, you want maximum visibility and attraction, combined with lots of good calling. Know where you are and who owns what are the 2 more important aspects of scouting. Geese will normally key in on the very top of the spread. Often, placing one group behind or amongst the blinds and then two to either side, with an open landing zone in the middle, works well. We didnt include this in the light-goose group because you might never see an emperor. As long as you dont overcook it, it wont be tough or extremely gameyto each their own. Learn how to blow a snow goose call. Dead goose. Removing the plug from a semiautomatic or pump gun's magazine to enable it to hold more than three shells (one in the chamber, two in the magazine) is a blatant violation of the law. Either way, birds usually frequent loafing areas consistently. Its important to be able to see 360 degrees around you so that if the geese are coming, you can spot them in time. The answer is yes, as long as its not your only color. Windsocks can get beat up badly in high winds and weather, and if youre hunting in corn, the stalks can shred the bags over time. The Federal Duck Stamp can be purchased from any hunting or sporting goods store, online at the Federal Duck Stamp Program website, or most post offices; it can also be purchased at any sporting goods store. How many shells do you need for goose hunting gun? If you misplace your permit, you can retrieve it using the e-permitting system. Canadas nest across inland North America, and Ducks Unlimiteds website points out that subspecies nesting farther north are generally smaller, and those farther west are typically darker. For years, hunters have used hay, corn stubble, wheat stubble and other natural vegetation to obscure their outlines while lying prone in fields. As stated earlier, if youre hunting staging geese in the spring, you hunt them a lot like the fall. These operate in similar fashion to honker calls, but youll need to use slightly different technique to produce the unique sounds of those birds. The state is home to many different types of ducks, including mallards, wood ducks, and black ducks. Duck Strap. Brant are the exception, of course, as most especially Pacific brant feed mainly along tidal flats or other waters. Keep an eye on the weather and keep mental notes of what theyre feeding in, and when. In my younger days, we were snow goose hunting with 6-8 guys A LOT. Others may be revelations. Hard to screw up, and who doesnt like bacon!!! Migration Alert: Central Valley Habitat Much Improved, Waterfowl Numbers Strong, Migration Alert: Major Weather Shift Benefits Oregon Waterfowlers, Migration Alert: Habitat, Bird Numbers Improve Across Chesapeake Region, An all-star lineup of professionals share their secrets to goose-hunting success. I feel guys are so hung up on buying the latest and greatest decoys that they overlook the basics, at times. I will explain when I prefer them. Goose down is the insulation that keeps geese warm when they are out at night searching for food. Hunting of Canada geese is legal throughout the country, but bag limits and seasons differ by zone. But in my opinion, the Clones outshine the rest. Realize, however, that many geese have learned to avoid fencerows, tree lines and other likely ambush spots and prefer to land and feed in the open. Thats their prerogative, of course. The end result is a nearly evenly-spaced decoy spread. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Those aged 12 and up can use the harvest information program for free, and a turkey permit costs $10. A license is required to hunt migratory birds, and a special migratory bird hunting stamp must be purchased in addition to the license. The type of hunting you are doing will help determine what gear you pack for your trip as well. If theyre relatively quiet, it might be wise to tone down your calling. I've never seen geese get tangled on takeoff or landing, and I often watch geese landing with geese. amzn_assoc_asins = "B00EHTIQKQ"; As a general rule of thumb, spread your decoys out as far as you can as possible. So there you have it, my long-winded article on snow goose hunting. Sean Mann, Trappe, Maryland, "When selecting your goose calls, I recommend choosing two different styles of calls. This call flat-out screams! For snows, its a nasally one-syllable honk. In order to goose hunt in New York State, you will need to obtain a hunting license, which can be done online through the Department of Environmental Conservation website. Possession of more than six birds per day is prohibited during these seasons. Thats how I roll, to each their own. Do not forget, you can find all of this and more on the Ultimate Guide to What to Wear Goose Hunting. Most field blinds have many loops in which you can secure vegetation. HIP registration is valid from July 1 - June 30 annually. Place some at different angles, though, to imitate geese walking about. This is obviously a personal preference. Sandbars on major rivers are great spots for water setups. So with that being said, I will explain why to use both. Ideally, thats where you will set up. Fred Zink, Port Clinton, Ohio, "Finishing Canada geese on windy days can be a challenge because they will usually land short and out of the wind. Sometimes, singles and pairs will arrive first. To further complicate this, geese of many species lesser snow geese and local Canadas, specifically can live to a relatively old age and have experienced quite a bit of hunting pressure. Sponsored byFlyway Media&Outfitter Logic. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; When Sillosocks came out with their Rotary Machine, it quickly caught on to the masses and it lost its power pretty quick. Just another way to help them pick you out in my opinion. Some manufacturers also make flapping- or tornado-type decoy setups, and these can work well, especially with light geese. Thats when the decoy whips back and forth in high wind. During times of freezing temperatures I like to run an 'ice eliminator' to ensure I have open water in traffic areas. What I'll do instead is keep the full-bodies to a minimum and use more floaters, especially if there is current. Fish and Wildlife Service. Your dog might be great, but why did your gunner not drop him? Those spreads looked AWFUL in no wind. Owner and Guide Bryce Collins enjoys sitting in the A-frames, which are in abundance as he enters his late 30s. You might also have the option of wearing the full face mask with just eye protection. The easiest answer is whenever you can. I will start with what NOT to do when setting decoys. If you have any questions, post up in the comments below and I WILL respond (usually fast unless Im in the field). Most geese have sharp vision and are extremely wary. But when its warm (above freezing), snow geese often will feed in small grains instead. I have seen them migrate into the wind, especially when they get caught in the weather, but more often than not they will ride the wind during a migration. When the bacon is cooked, your goose is usually medium-rare to medium, at most. But there are a few that are worth investing in. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; There is a variety of flapping decoys on the market for snow goose hunting. Camouflage clothing is a must, as well as warm boots and gloves. Dress in layers. So when scouting, if you see geese feeding along the edges of a field, it usually means its almost fed out. Fall hunting for snow geese, which historically was the O.G. After a week of hunting in the corn in the spring, my body is TOAST. First off, whats the wind that morning? Learn how to call with a lot of volume, but also learn how to call softer. For ducks and geese that are close, improved cylinder or even skeet constriction choke work well. So what kind of pasture pond is best? If you make enough noise they will come from miles around! Why wouldnt they taste great? Since geese are large birds you will want larger sized pellets to bring them down. If youve ever hauled a couple of thousand full-body snow goose decoys into a field with sleds and ATVs, you know what I mean. I constantly see guys put decoys practically on top of each other and watch the birds hover and not finish because there wasn't enough room to land. As stated earlier, socks tend to sway too much making them look unnatural. I just dont like to use them when theyre getting close. Over 1,200 locations in New York accept license applications. Focus on the head of a goose instead of the body, and swing through that target like you would with a speeding duck. Ammunition Supply. A light goose special management permit is required to hunt during the spring hunting season for light geese in the Central Flyway of Wyoming. amzn_assoc_linkid = "c3aad439ac56fc659d642daf2a942479"; There are 2 ways I recommend cleaning snow geese after a hunt. Nebraska Waterfowl Zones Selecting a bag limit for duck hunting Duck and waterfowl season reports Federal Duck Stamp HIP (Harvest Information Program) Harvesting banded birds Nontoxic shot Transporting game Abandonment/wasting Avian influenza We hope that our guide helps give readers some ideas and inspiration as they prepare for their next hunting trip. Rubber boots or field boots are all that is needed most of the time. Size of the shot you use for goose hunting will depend on what species are in your area. Keep one thing in mind: you can blow a loud call soft, but you can't blow a soft call loud. The late goose season runs from January 12th-April 30th, and the early teal or summer goose season begins May 13 . Often, they fly much later than ducks, waiting until sunrise or even later to lift off. I recall hunts where we decoyed adults, feet down, consistently in bluebird weather. Simply strive for continued improvement to be the best you can. If birds want to work the spread and seem to decoy well, let them finish almost to the point of landing before firing. I know guys whove used them successfully, even in the middle of fields, but to me, it just goes against my code of hunting snow geese. Snow geese usually migrate when the weather is favorable, such as North or Northwest winds. In addition to the daily possession limit, a new one has been added. When you find pods of 500 to 5000 snow geese, mostly juveniles, feeding in a fieldtheres a good bet youll end up shooting a lot of shells on the X. All you need to add is BBQ sauce, a marinade of choice, or like us Germansadd sauerkraut with the goose strips. Did I catch your attention with bacon??? Camouflage is essential to duck hunters because they are hunting in a heavily wooded area. Read the Article MyFWP Have you set up your MyFWP account? And dont forget about electronic calls that spit out recorded light-goose vocalizations for conservation-order hunting. "I have used everything from 'shoveled-dirt' decoys to mounted birds. Unlike previous strains of HPAI, this strain has caused mortalities in waterfowl in the state of Wisconsin. Well duck and hide among the 4-5 thousand decoys in the white suit style hunts, which are very different. Every portion of the season offers familiar yet distinct experiences. Basically, these are just hunks of plastic or fabric cloth you can drape over stubble or sometimes turn into a windsock decoy to resemble feeding geese. Geese will always look to get out of the wind when it's blowing. Most geese are very talkative and respond well to vocalizations from their own kind. Likewise, fencerows, rock piles or adjacent fields with tall crops (standing corn, for example) also provide great cover. John Taylor, Quantico, Maryland, "When hunting a sandbar or other water set, resist the urge to use a large number of full-body decoys. You can typically purchase a license from the state wildlife agency or . I want to say we used them in 2003 or 2004 for the first timeand it was amazing. Rather than try to describe it, simply watch this YouTube video on how we use this method. Clucking and moaning, fast and slow, and having a 'goosey' rhythm will put the smartest honkers on the ground. Dont be dismayed if youre not the best goose caller on your block. That is, they are landing inside a group of geese, not in a large opening between groups. Often, that means using few (or no) decoys and scaling back your calling (again, more on this later). Come on! Geese dont feed in Us or Js or whatever. Rogers Goosedown Outfitters will provide everything else for your hunt, including still and motion goose decoys, the hunting blind, and a guide. This is the method I use the most for hiding in the decoys in the fall. they start flying up) and the hunter selects one as a target. The possession limit for Canada goose, white-fronted goose, and brant is three (3) times the daily bag limit, except on opening day and the second day of the season when the possession limit is one (1) and two (2) times the daily bag limit, respectively. This is really a Ford vs. Chevy debate, honestly. However, geese might feed most of the day in fields during rainy or snowy weather. Sept. 1 - 18. So with that being said, you need to understand where the migration is at, at all times if you want to decoy geese consistently. Even small Canada geese have a four-foot wingspan; big birds up to six feet. Well, it usually starts WAY TOO EARLY in the morning, and after setting and picking up decoys, cleaning birds, scouting, etc. Full bodies are nice to have if you have deep pockets, a BIG trailer, and lots of time to set up. Snow geese have a bad rap, historically, when it comes to table fare. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; There are a lot of snow goose decoys on the market right now, and MOST will do the trick. Canada geese are herbivores, feeding mainly on grasses, aquatic plants, soft mast and, especially during spring and fall migrations, waste grain. But keep in mind that sometimes the smallest details pay the biggest dividends. Snows have white and blue color variations, and birds with the latter plumage are called blue geese, even though theyre the same species as snows (Anser caerulescens or Chen caerulescens, depending on your taxonomic preference). Camera to capture the hunt on film. In order to goose hunt, you need to have a license that allows you to do so. Minimum needed to be successful. Water seems to 'soften up' geese and they tend to work really well. So with that being said, do not space out your decoys evenly. When you locate a field geese are using, pay attention to how birds approach the area during various wind conditions, and note where they land. Seriously. You dont need a lot of fancy hunting gear for this type of hunt, but there are some essentials that will make the experience smoother and more comfortable. Almost 90 percent of the worlds population breeds along the western coast of Alaska, and emperor goose numbers declined considerably from the mid-1960s through mid-1980s. Avoid spinning-wing decoys for geese. We asked a dozen of the nation's most accomplished goose hunters to share their secrets to success. I also use some Dive Bomb headless windsocks to help beef up the numbers. Regardless, snow goose hunting is now a fall, winter and spring affair, with spring seasons attracting lots of attention from waterfowlers with few other hunting options at that time. A federal migratory bird stamp is not required for hunting coot, crow, rail, gallinule, snipe, or woodcock. This is a great time for hunters to get out and take a few geese. The more you cover the blind, the better. There are three general ways to hunt waterfowl hunting over decoys, jump-shooting, and pass-shooting. Cover as much real estate as you can and make your spread look as big as possible. I love talking and hunting snow geese. Imagine a 4-hour constant flight of birds coming at youits incredible. But it comes at a price. There is a daily bag limit of eight geese per hunter, but you can hunt up to three geese per day. Much of that depends on the situation. I feel guys are so hung up on buying the latest and greatest decoys that they overlook the basics, at times. These calls complement each other for different hunting and weather conditions. Ive been snow goose hunting for over 30 years and over that time, Ive accumulated a few things that I felt I could pass onto other hunters. You see, you must be in a place where geese want to be in order to have a chance to shoot them. Spring seasons were opened, bag limits were increased or eliminated, shooting was allowed one-half hour after sunset, and the use of unplugged shotguns and electronic calls was permitted. Scott Threinen, Rochester, Minnesota, "One important factor for everybody in the blind is to keep perfectly stillno movement until the shot is called. 2022 Waterfowl Hunting Season Avian Influenza Safety Recommendations After you shoot into a few flocks, though, things get dicey. Hunting or taking wild game with a firearm or bow necessitates a hunting license. A goose can take anywhere from an hour to two hours depending on the size of the bird. For hunters in the GMA2, you must complete an identification testonline with a minimum score of 80%. Its easier to cover and hide one large blob of several blinds than multiple small blinds. With Canada geese, thats a basic honk and the shorter, sharper cluck. Nothing will get you kicked off land quicker than making deep ruts in a field. Most of them had very little effect, if any, on snow geese (especially with adults). Youve likely deduced that hunting fields requires you to gain access to private ground. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; You must go afield and learn the finer points yourself. Eliminate this by placing your blinds almost side by side. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; With these spreads, its nice to have as many snow goose floater decoys that you can get away with. What Duck is That? I used to use blinds religiously, but I went back to whites over time. Full bodies have a lot less movement which is nice in those situations. Blinds create shadows that are simply impossible to hide. Typically, when snow geese find a field to feed in, they will start in the middle and sort of spiral around the field to the edges. A Tyvek suit lays out among decoys, and either a custom-made A-frame or padded backrest is used to support the suit. But they all work better when you spread the decoys out. There was a good current and the movement was all it took. Large, deep ponds are a pain so I just avoid them. Like many other birds geese see in color and a black or dark brown pattern may not attract their attention. As stated, you cant go wrong with most windsocks on the market that have backbone support. It just seems so unnatural to have a mini tree row in the middle of the field, but hey, to each their own. Those populations represent separate subspecies, with the Atlantic brant (Branta bernicla hrota) differing in plumage from their Pacific cousins (Branta bernicla nigricans). amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; Here are your general rules of thumb for where to set up in a field when snow goose hunting. Geese often abandon loafing areas after being harassed there. One more consideration: Sharp-eyed geese have become very skilled at noticing odd rectangular lumps (blinds) in fields. I would choose one acrylic short-reed goose call that produces a very loud, sharp, and somewhat high-pitched tone for field and windy day calling. The common denominator should be an open area or several in front of and within easy range of the shooters. warm too! Im a windsock guy myself. What gear do you need for goose hunting? Otherwise, you have zero movement in your spread. Let the geese tell you how many will work. Size of the shot you use for goose hunting will depend on what species are in your area. The ground is solid so you often can drive a vehicle in, no problem (use proper judgment, of course). 2 Where to Goose Hunt Find Birds in Fields and On Water Many hunters prefer to set decoy spreads in fields and try to lure geese close. If you cannot locate or access a good field, dont sweat. 2021-2025 Waterfowl Zones and Season Dates Illinois Ducks Unlimited Maps of Approved Waterfowl Zones The birds use their short, strong bills to "grub" for vegetation and, because of their unnaturally high numbers, have destroyed hundreds of thousands of acres of fragile coastal marine and freshwater habitat. Its time for you to go hunting! it ends with a repeat the following day. Expand your search in a grid pattern, checking any likely fields near a major roost. If youre like me, you have 10 dozen snow goose windsocks on TALL stakes. In my opinion, there isnt a better-sounding snow goose call on the market. But how many and in what arrangement? Finally, about 2-3 weeks after the main push comes through, the juvenile snow geese start to arrive. Back in the nineteenth and early 20th century, waterfowl hunters used shotguns in 4 gauge, 8 gauge, 10 gauge, and 12 gauge. With these spreads, its nice to have as many snow goose floater decoys that you can get away with. Ive never seen anything close in nature. If they are big Canada geese, then it's best to get #16 or even #12 shot shells. Permits will remain available until reserved permit quotas are depleted or until 72 hours prior to the hunt date. 5 in Sept. 3 in all other Phases. The best way to attract snow geese is with an electronic bird call. A Look At The Role Of A Tactical Coxswain, The Advantages Of Owning A Tactical Flashlight, Rugby League: The Ultimate Guide To Tactical Skills, The Inuit People And Their Relationship With Moose, The 5 Most Popular Types Of Tactical Blackouts, The LBX Tactical Armatus II Vest And 1012 Plate. Also, stay away from tree rows, power lines, rock piles, sloughs, or anything that would spook the geese on their approach. Waterproof (Gortex) is preferred. Their grain usage varies depending on regional agricultural and harvest patterns. I typically leave a small handful of fullbodies on bases to represent birds that may be walking or birds that may have just landed. You must purchase a Southern Hunting License in order to hunt in the Southern Zone. Most decoy spreads have decoys that are almost evenly spaced apart. We pulled all but four of the full-bodies and replaced them with 60 floaters. Panel-type or hay-bale blinds are also useful, especially if you find some natural cover such as a tree line or fence row which will help obscure their high profile. Calls: 6-in-1 Whistle, Double-Reed Duck Call, Electronic Caller, Mouth Calls, Short-Reed Goose Call, Duck Call. If possible, use a camo gun, too. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "flywa-20"; No sinking on every step like flooded corn (did I mention its exhausting?). However, this isn't always the case. Realtree is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience to everyone, including those with disabilities.2022 Jordan Outdoor Enterprises, Ltd. All rights reserved. Hunting flooded corn means MUD and A LOT OF IT. Youll probably want to avoid that field and see where theyre moving into next instead. When everyone is using bigger spreads, downsize to only one or two dozen decoys and go with very little calling. You must register with the Harvest Information Program (HIP) if you are hunting any migratory game bird, except crows. "Sean Hammock, Stillwater, Minnesota, "When temperatures drop below 20 degrees, or if fields are covered with ice and snow, geese will typically lie down soon after touching the ground. My good friend and fellow waterfowler, J.D. You can also adjust your shell size based on the distance you are hunting geese from. In high winds, geese approach the spread LOW, and typically if they bail out its at the edge of the decoys. You need to know what geese you can and can'tshoot. The wind is just too hard on them. These arent as realistic as full-bodies, but they can add depth and dimension to your spread while creating some movement. When geese are circling my decoy spread, I dont want them to run into dead spots where theres no sound. You can typically purchase a license from the state wildlife agency or a license vendor. Well, if youve never been on a week-long snow goose hunting trip, it has to be one of the most tiring vacations youll ever experience. The North American representative of this group is the greater white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons), commonly called the specklebelly, or speck, because of the black-and-white markings on the chests of adults. of the seasons, is where hunting can be usually the best. Some of my favorite snow goose recipes are using a crockpot. Cackling geese breed in northern Canada and Alaska and winter throughout the United States, western Canada and northern Mexico. Snows, specks and Canadas use numerous vocalizations to communicate. Be ready for either, and make the most of every opportunity. Why? Permits and licenses are valid from September 1 to August 31. I will show both ways, including keeping a wing on the goose for identification. You can do that by giving your decoy spread a different look. I feel more often than not, decoys are a numbers game for snow geese. Hunting hours for all migratory birds, including Canada geese, close at sunset on youth waterfowl days. So set up 'actives' in areas where you don't want the geese to land. But in the fall, it helps to know how to blow. More than duck hunting, goose hunting has two main fronts: water and agricultural fields. I feel giving them a natural, resting spread works best for these situations. Whether you're a casual goose gunner or a die-hard veteran, there's a good chance you have experienced days afield that end in frustration. North Dakota Game and Fish Department 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095 Phone: 701-328-6300, Contact Us Snow goose hunting has to be one of the most psychotic outdoor activities on the planet. Theyre exceptionally good at picking out dangerous situations and avoiding hunters. There really are 2 types of spreads in the spring, the run-n-gun and the permanent decoy spreads. What you are trying to do is stand out from everyone else around you. Shotgun Sling. Standard boat blinds, like those used in duck hunting, work fine for water hunts. ounces of lead. Your 12-gauge duck or pheasant gun will work just fine in the goose fields. The resident population zone has been increased to 26 acres, and the conservation hunt zone has been extended to Feb. 28-April 22, 2022. This is essentially like hunting in the fall. Black can also be a very effective color when hunting at dusk or dawn, especially if your camouflage doesnt have the dark colors needed for these times of day. The most important thing to remember about hunting geese in winter is that you want to stay warm. I use Weatherbug myself. Most deer hunting licenses are valid for a period of one year, and allow the hunter to take a certain number of deer, depending on the regulations of the state in which they are hunting. 2. The Necessities. NO SPAM! The end result is tender strips of delicious goose that go great on a fresh bun. Stare down your target, swing smoothly yet aggressively through the bird and then slap the trigger. These are 4 brands that are well-known in the snow goose world. Or perhaps those waters offer good visibility so birds can spot potential predators. These messages include where the food is located in the field, where the food is not located, and where the safe spots are. Hunters should never harvest wild birds that appear sick. Some folks go with 3.5-inch-chambered models to accommodate those larger shells, but 3- or even 2-3/4-inch-chambered guns work just fine. Okay so I will be honest, Ive never been an A-frame guy. Often, this is as simple as taking hay, corn stalks or cut alfalfa and placing it atop your blind. Snow goose season recap What is the minimum investment in a good snow goose spread? When quail hunting, it is not uncommon to request a small tip, but it is appreciated. Often, thats in the form of the aforementioned windsocks or motion-type full-bodies, which rotate side to side in the breeze on a metal stake. Get the best, most realistic blocks you can afford, and consider obtaining a trailer in which to transport and store them. For years, rag decoys were popular with light-goose hunters. Therefore, assuming youre at a destination field, its usually best to use two or three blobs of six to eight full-body decoys to reflect that situation. North American specklebellies (the birds are actually circumpolar) breed near the Arctic Circle from Alaska to central Canada and typically migrate very early. However, you can often get away with this on large waters the Mississippi River or a 10,000-acre lake, for example. The answers depend on the situation and the mood of geese that day. As mentioned, the time-of-day equation for goose hunting is fairly simple. Then, assuming the weather is fairly consistent, they usually make another feeding flight in the evening before returning to their roost water. All other waterfowl species are closed to hunting during this special season. All these things will make you more effective when you say or hear 'take 'em! Finally, you will need to purchase a shotgun and shells that are appropriate for hunting geese. So with that being said, here is how I approach hunting snow geese in the fall. And I will reiterate that Im usually a whites guy. Before you put gas in your truck to scout, you should understand a few simple concepts of how snow geese feed and live. 1 through BBB shot. That simple formula, however, assumes many forms. Except on SGL 214, where goose hunting is prohibited in September, there is a daily bag limit of one possession and a possession limit of three. The cost of a deer hunting license varies from state to state, but typically ranges from $10-$30. This almost goes without saying these days for any waterfowlerhave On X Hunt Mapping. The Controlled Hunting Areas in SGL 214 and SGL 46, which are open to the general public, will remain closed to goose hunting in September. There are different types of licenses available, and the type you need will depend on the state you are hunting in. They usually feed out the middle first, then work along the edges until they move onto the next field. Canada geese have relatively small broods of two to eight goslings. Do you need an outfitter? Geese approach your setup, lock their wings and prepare to land in front of you. Goose hunting opportunities are available in Pennsylvania, with a variety of hunting zones throughout the state. For decades, hunters have used specialized goose calls to mimic birds and bring them close. Decoys. Honkers also like greens, and theyll feed extensively on grasses and mowed hay (alfalfa) fields. Geese lock into these areas because they feel safe and secure there. They have a bit of gamey taste that turns off a lot of people. Points, islands and shorelines near travel routes also work well. The hunt here differs from the fall hunt in that each decoy will be set up in advance. Honkers typically start to migrate in late summer or early fall, but many hardy birds stay well into winter in Northern areas if open water and sufficient food remain. When hunting over water or running traffic in a field, its often wise to call the shot at the first decent opportunity. Lastly, you should always pay attention to what the geese are feeding in, crop-wise. Goose hunting can require lots of gear. Windfinder BY FAR the most reliable APP I know for gauging the wind into the future. Calls: 6-in-1 Whistle, Double-Reed Duck Call, Electronic Caller, Mouth Calls, Short-Reed Goose Call, Duck Call. They all work! amzn_assoc_linkid = "8ff0cd30a5381a8a10458efb50fe8497"; This ingenious product has been around for around a decade or more now, and if you havent seen it before, its amazing. Since this is a common goose behavior in these conditions, hunters should try to represent this behavior with decoys. A neck gaiter If its super cold, you may want to consider a face mask or balaclava. These are also tough to decoy as you have to usually compete with large neighboring flocks in the distance (always tough to compete with the real thing). However, these are pretty expensive for the average hunter so you have to justify more decoys or these. Ive had a couple of bangers next to rock piles and sloughs, but usually, I stay away from them. Doing so will involve mistakes and failure, but those frustrating episodes reveal the best lessons. '"Bill Saunders, Kennewick, Washington, "When hunting in areas with intense hunting pressure, don't try to match every decoy spread out there, especially during the late season. I just dont think they hear me anyways. Stout, heavy loads of relatively large shot work best for geese, especially big honkers. Yup, I said it. My good friend and fellow waterfowler, J.D. Snow geese are good at roosting in places where they cant get harassed. Tell the landowner how many people would hunt the field and when theyd be there. Check your state's waterfowl hunting regulations for details. Correct a Dove/Duck/Goose/Upland Game Application Obtain a Windshield Card Related Material Waterfowl Aerial Surveys Report a Waterfowl or Dove Band Hunting and Trapping Regulations (Includes Waterfowl Regs.) The federal migratory bird hunting stamp is $25 for a four-year license. A bit pricey, but totally worth it if you hunt snow geese often. It is illegal to hunt migratory birds (ducks, mergansers, coots, geese, doves, woodcock, sora, snipe) with a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells, unless it is plugged with a one-piece filler that cannot be removed without disassembling the gun. Hunting licenses are $25 and the base license is $12. This is called the kill hole. For everyone else, it's simply fun to know which duck is which. Snow geese are noisy, and most decoy spreads fail because theyre too quiet. It's all so special. The birds are then flushed (e.g. I feel decoys are usually the least important aspect of hunting snow geese. Now in the spring, you can use electronic callers, so this is a moot point. It is mandatory to obtain a Northern Hunting License and participate in the Hunting Information Program (HIP) in order to hunt within the Northern Zone. This app accomplishes both and you can usually get it for around $100/year if you buy around Black Friday (otherwise $16/mo). 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