Goose Hunting
Author: Jar
Date: Friday 26th of March 2010
Url: http://www.huntingworldtop100.com/hunting-articles.html
The light geese hunting season depends on the region; in Idaho, a new opportunity for geese hunting opened this spring, beginning Feb. 20 and ending on March 10.
Being a successful goose hunter means you follow rules and tips, along with having ability and knowledge to hunt. When you have the opportunity to hunt a goose, you have to consider that it is notorious for having no real interest in any decoy spread. It also seems to understand a shotgun's maximum range, because of the way they fly, hindering the ability for shoots to hit, even from a good shooter with skills.
There are some favorable tactics that you can use to get your prey to lock-on decoys, and stay locked-on.
Decoying suggestions for Light Geese
Sometimes goose hunters use 1000 or more decoys in a field, based on what I said before about them (they have “commitment issues” with any decoy). If you use a lower number of decoys (300-400) this can work better for you.
A good tactic is to make a combination of shells, silhouettes, full bodies, wind socks and rags. With these, the possibilities of a good hunt increase, this stuff will work for light geese. Light goose season offers hunters more options during the spring. That's why if you use wind socks and rags, mixed with a limited number of full bodies, shells, and silhouettes, this will permit you be able to set up, assay and execute your stroke quickly.
The most common technique is to form a “J” or “fish hook” formation. The hunter then occupies the top position at the hook’s eye, with the wind on their backs obviously. A good tip is keep the decoys gathered in a close group, even having several large clusters of decoys. This in some cases will create the illusion of concentrated feeding areas.
Calling: If you are an experienced hunter, you can decide between electronic callers or traditional calling. For some hunters, the legal use of electronic callers during spring affects their preferences, but you must analyze your strategy and choose the best for your hunt. Staying in a stealthy position within the spread is always necessary. You can use pit blinds and layout blinds. There are some white jackets with hoods that you can use, too.
Interesting note:
In the extra season of the last year (2009), 23,072 light geese were killed. Of those, 15,190 were called using electronic callers.