Goose Hunting Tips and Tactics

Hunting geese with success is a tough challenge. Honkers, big geese weighing 10 pounds or more, are naturally anti-social birds. They only land in the same field because that’s where the best feed is. Lessers, a smaller sub-species of Canada geese found in the Central and Pacific flyways, are getting smarter. A decade ago, you could have killed limits if you knew how to set a big spread of decoys. It’s not so easy anymore. But the challenge is what makes goose hunting fun.

Some geese populations are tough to hunt, but it’s still satisfying when the birds do what they’re supposed to and a hunt comes together. We’ve hunted with and interviewed some knowledgeable Canada goose hunters. Here are the best goose hunting tips and tactics we’ve learned. Plus, the gear you need to get in the game.

Flocks of geese working the spread is a rush all waterfowl hunters should experience.

Goose Hunting Basics

Goose hunting can be complicated. Oftentimes 10 or more hunters will work together for a big shoot with hundreds of decoys. But it doesn’t have to be this way. You can also hunt geese solo or with a few buddies. No matter how big or small your goose mission will be, you’ll want to have a good handle on the following skills and gear.

Scouting

Successful goose hunters spend more time scouting than hunting. Drive around likely feeding areas 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’ll likely need permission from the landowner to hunt it. You can also hunt geese on public waters. Drive or boat around looking for geese in public hunting areas. Take note of the time you saw them, their position, and how they entered and exited the area.

Hiding

Concealment is important. Spend effort figuring out a good hide before any successful goose hunt. Always hide in shadows and plan for geese flying 360 degrees around you. You need to be concealed from every direction.

Decoy Spreads

Geese are drawn to realistic-looking decoy spreads. Realism is key. Better to hunt with a small spread that looks real than with a giant spread that looks like junk. In any spread, aim for realistic motion, avoid unnatural glare, and give the geese enough space to work and land.

Calling

Calling geese effectively takes practice and field experience. Learn by hunting with a good caller and practicing before the season. Use a variety of sounds and techniques to mimic real geese.

Goose Hunting Gear

You can go minimalist or gear-intensive and still be successful. It all depends on your approach. Here’s some starter gear to consider:

• Best Waterfowl Shotguns
• Best Layout Blinds
• Best Goose Calls
• Best Waders
• Waterfowl Hunting Jackets
• Waterfowl Hunting Boats
• Full Body Decoys
• Silhouette Decoys
• Floater Decoys

Hunting Geese in Fields

A good field hunt is a thrilling experience. Here are some key tips for hunting geese in fields.

Calling Field Geese

Calling geese effectively takes practice. Use the following strategies:

• Call easy early. During the early August and September goose seasons, call as little as possible to get them to commit. Juvenile birds can’t fly well, so they prefer to fly from the roost to the feed on a straight line.
• Welcome them in. When geese are finishing in the decoys, call more aggressively in the last 100 yards. Don’t go quiet.
• Keep calling simple. Focus on mastering the “moan” to bring in geese. Different variations of the moan can be made by pushing air through the call using different amounts of back pressure.

Decoying Field Geese

Show different spreads to pique the interest of geese. Use these strategies:

• Mix it up. Always change up your decoy spread to look different from other hunters. Buy different brands, sizes, and varieties of decoys.
• Match your spread to the size of the feed. Place decoys where the birds landed the previous evening. Ensure the spread has at least 25% as many decoys as the number of live birds in the field.
• Hunt the swing. Set up your decoys and blinds so that you can shoot geese “on the swing” when they hook over a cornfield or hedgerow.

Hiding in Fields

Hide smaller crews of hunters into hedgerows or become invisible if you’re hunting in the decoys. Use these strategies:

• Use the 1 to 10 rule. Rate the hide on a sliding scale and adjust the distance of the blinds from the decoys accordingly. Stay concealed from every direction.
• Hide in the decoys. Elevate decoys or use natural cover to obstruct the view of geese flying overhead and cast shadows over your blinds.

Hunting Geese Over Water

Decoying geese into a water spread is underrated. Consider these tips for hunting geese over water.

Get’em Coming Back to the Roost

Shooting the roost is effective, but wait for a majority of the birds to fly out to feed. Use a small spread for small ponds and a larger spread for big roosts. Set your rig after most of the birds have left the roost.

Running Traffic

If you can’t get on the roost, running traffic hunting requires a trailer full of decoys. Use silhouettes, floaters, and socks to create a large footprint. Hunt birds when they are returning from the feed for more success.

Target Rivers in the Late-Season

Target gravel bars or points that create a pool of slow-moving water. Wait for a strong cold front and set a river spread to mimic a large flock of resting geese. Play the wind and hide in layout blinds or natural cover.

Final Thoughts on Goose Hunting

Wild migrating geese represent a true challenge in waterfowling. You need to hunt smart and hard to consistently kill geese. Outsmart the birds and outcompete other hunters. It’s a rewarding experience.