Well, it usually starts WAY TOO EARLY in the morning, and after setting and picking up decoys, cleaning birds, scouting, etc. High wind is hard on windsock decoys for one, and if its too windy they will do whats called the death thrash. When hunting is tough and opportunities are few and far between, you need to make every shot count. You can adjust clothing to fit the weather conditions on your hunt, but it is always best to dress with multiple layers in case it gets cold or wet. No more than two hunting hours in a day can be spent on non-tidal waters without an overnight stay, with the exception of East Matapeake Hunting Area where hunters may hunt for an additional 30 minutes. Geese likely have another destination in mind, so youre trying to convince them they need to come closer. Full bodies work great around the shoreline, and socks can be sufficient to bulk it up. Goose hunting can require lots of gear. Snow geese are good at roosting in places where they cant get harassed. The resident population zone has been increased to 26 acres, and the conservation hunt zone has been extended to Feb. 28-April 22, 2022. You never know what the weather will be like on your hunt! Lastly, you should always pay attention to what the geese are feeding in, crop-wise. Some states require a special license for waterfowl hunting, while others do not. We hope that our guide helps give readers some ideas and inspiration as they prepare for their next hunting trip. You can typically purchase a license from the state wildlife agency or a license vendor. I dont recommend this though. Snow goose season recap What is the minimum investment in a good snow goose spread? I feel guys are so hung up on buying the latest and greatest decoys that they overlook the basics, at times. Keep one thing in mind: you can blow a loud call soft, but you can't blow a soft call loud. In my younger days, we were snow goose hunting with 6-8 guys A LOT. Most hunters incorporate some type of motion with their decoys. If the birds are farther out, a modified choke tube is better. Hunting from a Boat Tim Grounds, Johnston City, Illinois, "When 'running traffic' for Canada geese, I like to set up land-and-water spreads whenever I can. Also, because geese are relatively late risers, you typically have plenty of time in the pre-dawn or mid-afternoon to unload and arrange decoys, and to conceal yourself or your blinds. To prevent this from happening, set up out of the windin low areas of fields, behind tree lines, or on hillsides. There are a lot of snow goose decoys on the market right now, and MOST will do the trick. These are 4 brands that are well-known in the snow goose world. You can purchase a hunting license from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website or at any DEC license issuing outlet. Today I put my decoys five large steps apart and the results are even better." Youll know when its on because youll literally see snow geese everywhere when they arrive (assuming youre in goose country). What is the grind??? Brant are primarily coastal birds, nesting in low-lying coastal tundra and feeding extensively on aquatic vegetation. Stare down your target, swing smoothly yet aggressively through the bird and then slap the trigger. it ends with a repeat the following day. There are different types of licenses available, and the type you need will depend on the state you are hunting in. It is special because waterfowling is so much more than harvesting a feathered target. And dont forget about electronic calls that spit out recorded light-goose vocalizations for conservation-order hunting. Shotgun. I feel giving them a natural, resting spread works best for these situations. Well, I feel snow geese have a strong memory of where theyve fed when they hit an area. Likewise, it might be wasted effort to provide a basic tutorial about how to operate a goose call, especially the somewhat challenging short-reed model. 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. Or, better, start at the roost, and watch geese as they fly off to feed. Youll want more decoys when chasing larger flocks of migrant birds. What does I am goosed mean? Then we clip a wing and bag it in a cooler. 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. Sleeping geese signal that the area has been checked out and is safe enough to drop in and take a nap. Simply rip the goose down the slide and it will take out everything but the breasts and both wings. Maybe theyre isolated or hidden from roads. Often, I do just the opposite. Redbone Buzzard Everyone has their personal choice of goose calls, I have mine. First, you want to set the blinds close together. Im going to make a bold statement. 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. A permit allows qualified hunters to shoot from a motorized vehicle that has its motor turned off and is completely off the road right of way. I've never seen geese get tangled on takeoff or landing, and I often watch geese landing with geese. You will also need to be familiar with the Pennsylvania Game Commissions regulations regarding hunting geese. I NEVER cook my snow geese more than mediumusually, medium-rare is my goal. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; Try it, and I guarantee that you'll agree." 3 more permits (for those who have already received 2 permits), or. But today, most people hunt with 12 gaugesand for good reason. Why? They usually feed out the middle first, then work along the edges until they move onto the next field. Theres nothing wrong with realistic calling, but use your head. The first step, as mentioned, is to obtain a call or calls with which youre comfortable. When youre toting blinds, decoys and other gear long distances, its nice to throw your gun over your shoulder for easy transport. I would also recommend having one wood short-reed goose call that produces a softer, deeper, and more realistic sound. As mentioned earlier, I like to hunt pasture ponds a lot in the spring. Hunting Home Hunting ducks & geese Waterfowl hunting is special in Minnesota. Get our No-BS newsletter to your email box around twice a month. When Sillosocks came out with their Rotary Machine, it quickly caught on to the masses and it lost its power pretty quick. I love talking and hunting snow geese. Duck hunters may also need camouflage during certain times of day when the light conditions change and shadows become more common since waterfowl tend to become more active when the sun is low in the sky. Some of these tips may serve as reminders. The Necessities. This is obviously a personal preference. The bottom line? When snow geese are feeding, theyre constantly on the move in search of food. The weather is getting cooler, and the geese are starting to fly south. 5 in Sept. 3 in all other Phases. Ive never seen anything close in nature. Or perhaps those waters offer good visibility so birds can spot potential predators. The geese harvested during this special season will predominantly be local Canada geese from the immediate area in and around the hunting zone, the same geese that are causing problems on golf courses, housing and business complexes and airports. The bigger question might be when during the season to hunt geese. A sling really helps, though. Hunters can acquire additional permits on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 8:00 a.m. on October 1st. As a result, hunters who are registered in the resident population zone and who wish to hunt in the conservation hunt zone can do so on any day of the week. Generally, if geese are vocal, you should get vocal. I personally run zero flyers with these types of spreads usually. Feeder decoys obviously speak for themselvesthey suggest that there is food at that goose's location. You can also use goose flags, which are nothing more than plastic flags that resemble goose wings. Since this is a common goose behavior in these conditions, hunters should try to represent this behavior with decoys. During the fall and spring seasons, geese are the most common target species. But keep in mind that sometimes the smallest details pay the biggest dividends. Hunters must obtain a free Snow Goose Conservation Order Permit prior to hunting. This mega-feature includes loads of tips, tactics and advice on goose hunting, plus links to in-depth videos and articles that can help beginning waterfowlers and field-blind veterans pursue geese more effectively. Either way, birds usually frequent loafing areas consistently. I feel a lightly seasoned, medium-rare snow goose is delicious on its own. But if you keep geese moist during and dont overcook them, the meat breasts, legs or whole birds is savory and delicious. Realtree is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience to everyone, including those with disabilities.2022 Jordan Outdoor Enterprises, Ltd. All rights reserved. If its calm, youll want to set up usually in the middle of the field, or on the highpoint or hill in the field. However, these are pretty expensive for the average hunter so you have to justify more decoys or these. We asked a dozen of the nation's most accomplished goose hunters to share their secrets to success. Place the goose breasts on a cedar board, bake them at 350, and then throw away the meat and eat the board. The answer is yes, as long as its not your only color. 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. These are spreads that are left out over time during the migration. The type of hunting you are doing will help determine what gear you pack for your trip as well. When hunting waterfowl on land, there is no need to use boats, but they can . 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. Youve likely deduced that hunting fields requires you to gain access to private ground. 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. A skilled goose caller can convince birds to change their flight plans and travel a long distance to check out the plaintive calls they hear. 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. As stated, you cant go wrong with most windsocks on the market that have backbone support. Geese sometimes merely pass over your spread at the edge of range. Let's start things off with a list of everything a waterfowl hunter needs for the hunt. Full bodies work great around the shoreline, and socks can be sufficient to bulk it up. Plus, I find pasture ponds to have more of a hard bottom. This is essentially like hunting in the fall. Therefore, you must be as concealed as possible to fool these geese. amzn_assoc_asins = "B00280OOE8"; The bottom line is that it never hurts to ask a landowner if you can hunt. Water seems to 'soften up' geese and they tend to work really well. And the juvies and rossies eat them up, so theres that. I tend to harvest as many birds in pastures as I did in the corn, so lets just say I call it a win. Thats how I roll, to each their own. If you cannot locate or access a good field, dont sweat. Hunters should never harvest wild birds that appear sick. Possession of more than six birds per day is prohibited during these seasons. In both cases, you want maximum visibility and attraction, combined with lots of good calling. Also, plastic sleds or rickshaw-type carts can help you tote decoys to and from fields. The primary hunting zone for spring season is on Lake Champlain. Pattern several loads through various choke constrictions to see which perform best. I just feel they see them too much these days, but like rotary machines, they have their place. The regular goose season is from September 24th December 31st. 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. So there you have it, my long-winded article on snow goose hunting. This stamp is required for all waterfowl hunters 16 and . Geese dont typically finish on LOUD speakers, so keep that in mind. So what do I hunt nowadays? The world of goose hunting awaits. Check your state's waterfowl hunting regulations for details. Geese will always look to get out of the wind when it's blowing. If youre exhaling creates a plume of breath that doesnt dissipate right away, then you can expect to be hunting in subzero conditions. I would also recommend having one wood short-reed goose call that produces a softer, deeper, and more realistic sound. Why? The federal migratory bird hunting stamp is $25 for a four-year license. '"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. This is important because geese typically land as close as possible to the food source. They seem to have fallen out of favor a bit, but they might provide a good option if you have a limited number of full-body snow decoys. Simply strive for continued improvement to be the best you can. First things first, lets talk about what you should wear. Geese will normally key in on the very top of the spread. One of the golden rules is that if you can see the geese, they can see you better; so keep still and don't move. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Scientists generally agree that the birds have benefited from increased agriculture in their migration routes and wintering habitat, supplying them with almost unlimited food, which has led to better survival and reproductive productivity. It helps to mix several body postures of decoys into your spread, including lookers, which have erect heads to mimic alert geese; feeders, which have heads to the ground to imitate feeding birds; and loafers, which resemble content birds sitting or preening. If its muddy, however, they usually prefer that you travel by foot. Snow geese are the primary target species during the fall season. Browse search results for concession trailer waymatic Hunting & Fishing for sale in Illinois. Promise to abide by all hunting regulations, and ask about any special considerations parking, fences, cattle, buildings or new crops that might concern the landowner. They have 3 different calls that would work well on snow geese, in my opinion. Full bodies are nice to have if you have deep pockets, a BIG trailer, and lots of time to set up. Building a blind. Find the X, and set up there for the next morning. Weatherbug Everyone has their own favorite place to get weather. I also use them when theyre on the sides swinging ways out. Ducks still react favorably to them in many situations. Many options are available, including keeled floating decoys for water hunting to rags, windsocks, silhouettes and full-body standing decoys for fields. As mentioned in the dark goose section, geese eat various grains, grasses and other plants. To hunt geese in Pennsylvania, you will need a hunting license, a shotgun, and ammunition. A combination spread of sleeper shells, full-bodies, and floaters can be deadly. they start flying up) and the hunter selects one as a target. These messages include where the food is located in the field, where the food is not located, and where the safe spots are. There really are 2 types of spreads in the spring, the run-n-gun and the permanent decoy spreads. Under the age of 12, hunting and wildlife are not permitted for children. Geese are typically hunted in the regions of North America that have subzero temperatures. The end result is tender strips of delicious goose that go great on a fresh bun. The poly starts at $85 all the way up to the Buzzard at $200. Like many other birds geese see in color and a black or dark brown pattern may not attract their attention. But there are a few that are worth investing in. There are 3 ways that Im aware of for hiding in the decoy spread; wearing whites, using ground blinds, or an A-frame blind. I will show both ways, including keeping a wing on the goose for identification. Be ready for either, and make the most of every opportunity. Also, where are they roosting? Keeping the motion away from you is the key, and if used properly, its killer. Note the direction of their travel, and then follow them in your vehicle to find the hotspot. Snow geese have a bad rap, historically, when it comes to table fare. I also use some Dive Bomb headless windsocks to help beef up the numbers. Clucking and moaning, fast and slow, and having a 'goosey' rhythm will put the smartest honkers on the ground. This is usually a moderate to large spread, and usually, one that can be deployed in a couple of hours. All you need for the goose hunts are your guns, your ammo, license - spring conservation order permit, and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. High wind is hard on windsock decoys for one, and if its too windy they will do whats called the death thrash. The MGBH permit is valid in all Canadian provinces and territories. Blind Bag. If youve seen 100-plus honkers use a 100-acre corn field, you can probably get away with 50 or to 100 decoys. I use Sillosocks as the base, and I use only their feeders. Lets start with concealment, because if geese see you, other considerations wont matter. Remember when it comes to staying dry and warm, its better to have a few extra layers on you instead of being cold and wet. Colorado waterfowl hunters may need to work a bit harder to find good hunting opportunities during the 2022-2023 seasons. Remove full-body decoys from their bases and set them directly on the ground, or use shell decoys to emulate this look. This will level it out and create only one shadow. There are different types of licenses available, and the type you need will depend on the state you are hunting in. 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. Snow geese like to hover over your spread, looking straight down, and I dont feel silhouette snow goose decoys do justice in this situation. Pursue them at midmorning and midday over loafing waters or, if wet weather hits, at feeding areas. For example, here in the Dakotas, when its cold in the fall or the spring, they almost strictly target corn. That simple practice coupled with solid, aggressive gun movement and follow-through will improve your goose shooting percentage immeasurably. I use Weatherbug myself. Special seasons, often held before standard seasons that coincide with the fall migration, have been enacted in many areas to reduce these populations. 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." Many times, one or two birds will commit and land just feet from your blind while a larger flock circles. If not disturbed, geese will usually feed for an hour or two and then leave the field about midmorning. My Buzzard snow goose call has brass guts, which arent standard anymore, but you can still get them for a price. The birds especially big decoying honkers are so large that they appear to be moving slowly. This is actually the toughest part to write about. Note how birds react to various calls in different situations. I used to use blinds religiously, but I went back to whites over time. It just seems so unnatural to have a mini tree row in the middle of the field, but hey, to each their own. Sept. 1 - 18. Using the Wind to Your Advantage LOCATION IS KEY Before you get to excited about decoys, hunting gear, goose calls, fancy guns and all of the other things you can use for goose hunting you first have to understand that location is key. 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. Resonant-cavity calls are probably the easiest to operate. Ive had the best luck with a pond that is small enough where I can literally cover the entire shoreline, and scatter floaters in-between. I typically leave a small handful of fullbodies on bases to represent birds that may be walking or birds that may have just landed. Flapping these to imitate flying and landing geese often grabs the attention of birds at a distance. If you hunt the staging areas of Canada or the Dakotas in the fall, you know what Im talking about. Ive been using On X since its inception and I would feel naked without it. (Incidentally, when birds seem hesitant to finish, you might adjust your decoy spread or double-check that you're concealed. amzn_assoc_linkid = "94022f08a2ed4e6b2bd6f6b742bae197"; Another invention that I feel is worth noting was the Sillosock Flyers. You dont need to toss out 100 every time, as small spreads can work well. I like to run these myself when hunting migrators. Otherwise, birds might simply relocate to another field. Tap harvest data by district and species Track your points and permit status Purchase licenses and apply I wont waste time talking about those that didnt work. Shotgun. The Harvest Information Program (HIP) endorsement is required for all those hunting migratory birds. Natural cover often provides a good option. But in my opinion, the Clones outshine the rest. Next, set windsocks on TALL stakes all around the blind (and in-between the cracks). But its also important to throw in several lookers. When hunting over water or running traffic in a field, its often wise to call the shot at the first decent opportunity. The northeast corner of the state is home to the primary hunting zones for New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Remember, in field situations, geese are feeding, so you want to use lots of feeder decoys in some situations, perhaps up to 70 percent. Why is this important? Short-reed calls are by far the most popular, but they require some practice to operate correctly (more on this later). However, this isn't always the case. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; A hunting license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older. This is actually quite common in my home state of North Dakota in November. In order to deer hunt in the United States, hunters must possess a deer hunting license. That is, they are landing inside a group of geese, not in a large opening between groups. Those aged 12 and up can use the harvest information program for free, and a turkey permit costs $10. I do know some guys who run just one speaker and have it pointing up in the landing zone. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; I feel that the problem is with the chef. As you become a proficient caller, youll be tempted to blow that thing whenever you see a dot on the horizon. Take advantage of this natural cover whenever possible. 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. First, lets discuss field hunting, the preferred method of many goose fanatics. Canada Goose Hunting in Saskatchewan Home Hunting Articles We offer high quality, fully inclusive Saskatchewan waterfowl hunts based north of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Keep one thing in mind: you can blow a loud call soft, but you can't blow a soft call loud. 2021-2025 Waterfowl Zones and Season Dates Illinois Ducks Unlimited Maps of Approved Waterfowl Zones Movement is a real plus in decoy spreads, and even full-bodies with motion bases don't give me the movement I'm after. However, you dont want to spread your decoys so wide that the outer blocks are out of range. Dont be dismayed if youre not the best goose caller on your block. For field hunting, youll want a good selection of full-bodied decoys. To each their own. The duck stamp is $25 and can be used for three years. And theres no better way to acquire a BIG snow goose decoy spread than to add windsocks. Having access to open water when it's really cold can make a big difference in your success." How is that youre wondering? Practice shooting clays during the off-season, and then let your natural hand-eye coordination move that gun. Snow geese have just gotten so good at picking them out. Even if that cover is a bit off the X, youll usually be better off setting up in a well-concealed area and trying to lure geese a bit closer with decoys and calling. Clothing made from synthetic materials will not keep you as warm because they dont trap air like feathers do. Know where you are and who owns what are the 2 more important aspects of scouting. If there is snow on the ground, I also like to 'root up' some dirt or stalks among the decoys with my boot to make it appear as if birds have been actively feeding." With that being said its often called a young mans game, and for good reason. Also, throw in a few field decoys, which you can place on sandbars or a shoreline to look like loafing birds. Before using a new blind, blur its shiny exterior by rubbing it with mud. As a result, hunters often slow or stop their shotguns and shoot behind birds. We had 200 full-bodies on a sandbar and couldn't get the birds to finish. They often migrate relatively early, and hunters encounter good numbers of cackling geese in ag fields while hunting Canadas. Snow geese usually feed twice a day (morning and evening), and roost at night and in-between feeding. warm too! All 3 have backbones in them when hunting in no-wind situations, which I feel is important. The Snow Goose Conservation Order allows hunters to harvest Snow and Ross's geese without daily bag and possession limits, and beyond the regular snow goose season. North American geese Canadas, cacklers, specks and light geese roost at night on relatively open water. One more hint: Some farmers dont mind if you drive on their fields, especially if theyve been harvested and the ground is firm. On really windy days, full bodies shine over windsocks. Site by Gray Loon. Consider this your ultimate goose hunting guide. Im not a huge fan of guns flying in all directionsshould go without saying. But you can use several methods to target geese specifically over water. A light goose special management permit is required to hunt during the spring hunting season for light geese in the Central Flyway of Wyoming. If you get geese to come in very close you can use 2 shot or BB. 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. If birds want to work the spread and seem to decoy well, let them finish almost to the point of landing before firing. During late summer and early fall, that often means small grains, which farmers typically harvest early. The answer is yes. For example, if you are looking to do some bird watching, you will need binoculars and a spotting scope. Concealment is a must, so start with a good all-around waterfowl camouflage, such as Realtree Max-5. Thats normally the first 3-7 days of the geese arriving in an area. Hunting of Canada geese is legal throughout the country, but bag limits and seasons differ by zone. Permits and licenses are valid from September 1 to August 31. In nature, thats where the food is (behind is normally almost fed out). Over time, the snow geese have caught on to them and theyre not as effective as they once were. 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. Blind Bag. Most farmers dont like geese, and many are glad to see someone chase them away. Hunting hours for all migratory birds, including Canada geese, close at sunset on youth waterfowl days. If possible, use a camo gun, too. I will say, I rarely use them on fixed stakes anymore. Expand your search in a grid pattern, checking any likely fields near a major roost. Unlike previous strains of HPAI, this strain has caused mortalities in waterfowl in the state of Wisconsin. amzn_assoc_linkid = "c3aad439ac56fc659d642daf2a942479"; There are 2 ways I recommend cleaning snow geese after a hunt. Goose hunting opportunities are available in Pennsylvania, with a variety of hunting zones throughout the state. Cover as much real estate as you can with your decoys and it will stick out. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Easy. All fall tactics typically still work in the spring, just be where they want to feed. I used to hunt A LOT of flooded corn for these situations. We still use a bunch of them often, on really calm days. Rester and sleeper decoys can be used to show geese where the safe areas are. Full bodies have a lot less movement which is nice in those situations. 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. Before you put gas in your truck to scout, you should understand a few simple concepts of how snow geese feed and live. It works, trust me. Im going to share scouting tips, decoys, concealment, cleaning birds and everything in-between. Theres another element to the gear equation, and its probably the most enjoyable: calling. Over 1,200 locations in New York accept license applications. Large spreads also work best when hunting over water or "running traffic," which simply means youre hunting a field while attempting to lure in passing geese headed to another field or water. Thats their prerogative, of course. I will explain when I prefer them. Much of that depends on the situation. Nov. 26 - 27. If youre hunting migrators, in my opinion, you cant beat water. Hunting licenses are $25 and the base license is $12. For decades, hunters have used specialized goose calls to mimic birds and bring them close. Theres probably not a more useful app on the market for snow goose hunting. For smaller birds like teal and widgeon, a small caliber shotgun with light loads is usually sufficient. I feel more often than not, decoys are a numbers game for snow geese. Duck hunting season typically runs from September to January, and hunters can find good duck hunting opportunities in both the northern and southern parts of the state. Snow geese usually feed twice a day (morning and evening), and roost at night and in-between feeding. Take advantage of morning and evening feeding flights in fields. Also, check us out on Facebook. This is actually quite common in my home state of North Dakota in November. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; 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.) Sure, as mentioned, you can take quite a few incidental geese just by throwing a few honker decoys out with your duck spread and learning some notes on a goose call. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "flywa-20"; Westerholm from Nebraska, showed me this method years back and I use it often. Most years waders are not needed however if conditions become muddy waders . They primarily eat vegetation, including tasty grains that humans enjoy. You can also adjust your shell size based on the distance you are hunting geese from. 2022 Waterfowl Hunting Season Avian Influenza Safety Recommendations The composition of your spread is also important. You must register with the Harvest Information Program (HIP) if you are hunting any migratory game bird, except crows. Some states require a special license for waterfowl hunting, while others do not. Rubber boots or field boots are all that is needed most of the time. However, they can produce a vast range of goose vocalizations. Embracing the wind and rejoicing at the sound of wings. I promise you that this simple bit of discipline in the blind will help you put more geese in your decoy spread." Its not perfect, nothing is, but its scary how close it can be most of the time. Numbers of resident (nonmigratory) Canada geese have increased tremendously in recent years, often inhabiting urban and suburban areas and sometimes creating conflicts with humans. The same goes with the dilemma of the "candy goose" the lone bird that lands when its flockmates circle just out of range. Biologists recognize seven subspecies of Canada geese: Atlantic (canadensis), interior (interior), Moffitts (moffitti), Vancouver (fulva), dusky (occidentalis), lesser (parvipes) and giant (maxima). These seasons offer generous bag limits and focus on resident birds. Except for the northeast corner of the state, the primary hunting zone is in the entire state. Place some at different angles, though, to imitate geese walking about. Decoys. It doesn't matter if you are a championship-class caller or the average Joekeeping things simple often produces the best results. And on the flip side, when youre on the X where the geese want to be, sometimes the KISS principle applies. 12-Gauge Is The Gauge. These are good for keeping your cheeks and nose warm. If you can identify a loafing water, youll usually get a good hunt out of it. Rather than try to describe it, simply watch this, https://reviewyourgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/snow-goose-hunting.mp4, 4 -27 Were Back After Almost 2 Feet of Snow, 4-30 Ice Fishing Podcast Special with Dane Heid, Trent Eisman & Corey Perman. And if youre in the right place, at the right time, you can witness roosts in the 7-figures in terms of staging numbers. Youll need something to attract geese within gun range, of course, and thats where decoys come in. But how many and in what arrangement? If, however, other geese have given you the brush-off after a few looks, its usually better to pick off the candy geese one by one. The first thing you have to understand about spring snow goose hunting, is you have to understand what the birds are doing and why. One more consideration: Sharp-eyed geese have become very skilled at noticing odd rectangular lumps (blinds) in fields. Other than white-fronts, geese get a bad rap. Im not going to lie, this is the toughest situation to hunt for these reasons. Google has an age restriction on it, so I cant share it here (you have to click the link). As mentioned, your goal is to locate hot feeding areas in agricultural fields. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "flywa-20"; Keep these tools at hand and be prepared in the field for the different conditions you may face." 2 shot work well. On X Hunt I already went into detail on this APP, but lets just say its worth every penny. Most decoy spreads have decoys that are almost evenly spaced apart. Large water and field spreads can take many configurations: Vs, Js, Us, blobs or even long, loose groups of birds. I know someone is reading this right now who slays geese with themawesome! Yup, I said it. Glass likely areas at sunup for birds in the air or on the ground. So what kind of pasture pond is best? Remember, youre trying to talk to geese and convince them youre one of them. White-fronted geese migrate from Canada during the winter months. Youll probably never master them all, of course, but it helps to learn as many as possible and know when to use them while hunting. That simple formula, however, assumes many forms. Calls: 6-in-1 Whistle, Double-Reed Duck Call, Electronic Caller, Mouth Calls, Short-Reed Goose Call, Duck Call. In order to goose hunt, you need to have a license that allows you to do so. A lot of guys use shapes and letters as your decoy spread layoutdont do that. If its windy, I usually avoid the hills. Those spreads looked AWFUL in no wind. With these spreads, its nice to have as many snow goose floater decoys that you can get away with. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; For years, rag decoys were popular with light-goose hunters. Try soaking your goose strips in your favorite marinade, and wrap in bacon, and toss on the grill. My good friend and fellow waterfowler, J.D. 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. Those populations represent separate subspecies, with the Atlantic brant (Branta bernicla hrota) differing in plumage from their Pacific cousins (Branta bernicla nigricans). It will be legal to purchase or obtain a permit electronically beginning August 1, 2022. HIP registration is valid from July 1 - June 30 annually. The light geese daily limit is in addition to any other limits on the hunting area where harvested, but not more than two hours may be spent looking for or pursuing light geese without having overnight permission within that same day. And I usually only run my volume around 30-40% (depending on the unit). SPACING. Because of the high level of conflict between hunters and the resident goose population, goose hunting has been prohibited in the Southern James Bay Population Zone. Seriously. All other waterfowl species are closed to hunting during this special season. We used them on the rotary machines back then and we still do now. Otherwise, you have zero movement in your spread. This video is designed to assist hunters in successfully passing the Canada goose exam for Oregon or Washington by providing information about goose management issues in the region and ways to identify geese while hunting. Hunting or taking wild game with a firearm or bow necessitates a hunting license. During such outings it seems that no matter what you do, the geese refuse to respond favorably. Westerholm from Nebraska, showed me this method years back and I use it often. Geese are attracted by anything that moves and makes noise. 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. And I didnt include silhouettes for a reason, as I just dont ever use them. For example, in the fall snow geese will often feed all day as they build up reserves for the migration. Dont ask me why, it just works. With Canada geese, thats a basic honk and the shorter, sharper cluck. After you grasp the basics, learn as much as possible about the language of geese. 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