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Hunting geese with consistent success is one of the toughest challenges in waterfowling. Honkers, the big geese that weigh 10 pounds or more, are inherently anti-social birds. They do not like each other for the most part and are only landing in the same field because that\u2019s where the best feed is. Lessers, a smaller sub-species of Canada geese found mostly in the Central and Pacific flyways, are getting smarter. A decade ago, you could have gone to Kansas or Oklahoma and killed limits if you knew how to set a big spread of silhouettes and socks. It\u2019s not so easy anymore. But the challenge is what makes goose hunting fun.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sure, some populations of geese are getting hard to hunt, but it\u2019s still incredibly satisfying when the birds do what they\u2019re supposed to and a hunt comes together. We\u2019ve had the good fortune to hunt with and interview some of the most knowledgeable Canada goose hunters in North America. Here\u2019s some of the best goose hunting tips and tactics we\u2019ve learned. Plus, the gear you need to get in the game.\u00a0<\/p>\n Goose hunting can be pretty complicated. Oftentimes 10 or more hunters will work together for a big shoot with hundreds of decoys. But it doesn\u2019t have to be this way. Those big field shoots are effective, but you can also hunt geese solo or with just a few buddies. No matter how big or small your goose mission will be, you\u2019ll want to have a good handle on the following skills and gear.<\/p>\n The most successful goose hunters spend more time scouting than hunting. The most simple way to scout is to drive around likely feeding areas (cut agricultural fields) in the morning and evening. Look for geese in fields and in the air. If you see a flock flying low, headed for a field, follow them to the feed. If you find a promising feed, you\u2019ll likely have to get permission from the landowner to hunt it. (Read our guide on how to get hunting permission<\/a>).\u00a0<\/p>\n But you can also hunt geese on public waters. Simply drive or boat around looking for geese in public hunting areas. Make sure to check your local regulations so you know which waters are huntable.\u00a0<\/p>\n Once you find birds, note what time you saw them, how they were positioned, and how they entered and exited the area. (Learn more about scouting for geese and ducks<\/a> here).<\/p>\n New waterfowl hunters often don\u2019t put enough effort into concealment. Geese that have experienced hunting pressure can be extremely wary. You need to spend serious effort figuring out a good hide before any successful goose hunt. That could mean a brushy fenceline, a riverbank of head-high cattails, or a layout blind tucked into the grass. Always try to hide in the shadows<\/a>. Always plan for geese flying 360 degrees around you and directly over you. You need to be concealed from every direction.\u00a0<\/p>\n Geese have keen eyesight and will be drawn to a realistic-looking decoy spread from hundreds of yards away. Realism is key. It\u2019s better to hunt with a small spread that looks real than with a giant spread that looks like junk in a field. Decoying in geese is a real art that takes a lifetime to master. But there are some ground rules. In any spread you want realistic motion. You want to avoid unnatural glare off your decoys. You want the spread to be visible from a good distance, so the geese have enough space to work. You also want to give them space to land.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n If learning to decoy geese is an art, then calling geese is like learning an instrument. It takes practice and field experience to become proficient. The best way to learn is to hunt with a good caller and mimic what they do. Practicing before the season is key, too. Below is a solid video on calling geese for beginners. (And here are more tips on calling geese and ducks<\/a>).\u00a0<\/p>\nGoose Hunting Basics<\/h2>\n
Scouting<\/h3>\n
Hiding<\/h3>\n
Decoy Spreads<\/h3>\n
Calling<\/h3>\n