Like many other waterfowl, geese have been hunted as a source of food and feathers since prehistoric times. While the methods of hunting geese have changed and modified since then, the popularity of goose hunting has not. Goose hunting remains a popular sport throughout much of North America, where hunters of all ages attempt to bag these high flying animals. GooseHuntingShotguns wants to help aide in your next goose hunting excursion and offers a large selection of goose hunting shotguns, ammunition, decoys, calls and more to help you get the most out of your hunt. |
Goose hunting season in the U.S usually takes place in the fall and winter months. During this time, the geese have finished raising their young and are beginning to migrate to warmer areas. Most goose hunting takes place on rivers, lakes, swamps, fields and marshes because these are the areas that the geese will stop and land during their migration. Before heading out to take down one of these flighty animals, there are a few things you should consider to help prepare for your hunt.
The first thing you may want to consider is what type of goose you are going to hunt. There are six species of goose that can be found throughout North America. These include the Canada Goose, Brant, Black Brant, Snow Goose, Ross’s Goose and White-Fronted Goose. Of these, the two most abundant and widely hunted are the Canada Goose and the snow goose. Canada geese are recognized by their black heads, white cheeks and chinstraps, black necks, tan breast and brown back. While Canada geese used to be scarce, they can now be seen nearly everywhere and are the most common waterfowl in North America. While the nests of Canada geese are usually located in elevated areas near water such as streams, lakes and ponds, Canada geese can be seen everywhere from golf courses, parking lots, parks, lawns and farm fields.
The Snow Goose, otherwise known as the Blue Goose is recognized by the black patch on its bill edges. Snow geese come in two different color forms. The white morph Snow goose is white all over, except for the black bill patch; whereas the blue morph has a white had and front of neck, while its body is a dark grayish brown color. Like the Canada goose, the population of Snow geese also saw a sharp decline in the early 1900s and the hunting of the Snow Goose was actually stopped in 1916 due to the low population levels. Populations eventually increased, however, and hunting of the Snow Goose was once again allowed in 1975. The Snow Goose lives near ponds and streams and during the winter months they migrate to coastal marshes, bays, wet grasslands and cultivated fields. Snow geese often travel in flocks of thousands of birds and when flying overhead, the flock resembles a great cloud of snow
Once you have decided which type of goose you plan to hunt, the next thing you should do is begin to scout your intended target. Scouting geese should start a couple weeks prior to hunting season. One way to scout geese is to drive on back roads and locate fields where geese are feeding. Geese will normally return to the same field until the food is gone. Another method of scouting geese is to start at their roosting area and then follow the geese throughout the day. By doing this for a few days in row, you will learn the pattern of the geese and be able to map out the best areas to set up and hunt.
The next thing you should do is prepare your hunting zone. This can be done by setting up decoys, which are used to help lure geese within shooting range. Aside from your hunting shotgun, decoys are one of the most important tools in any goose hunt. When setting up your goose decoys, it’s important to remember that geese always land into the wind and will only land in an open space. For this reason, you should make sure you spread your decoys out enough so that there is an open area that is large enough for the flock of geese to land in. Another way to lure geese into shooting range is by using a goose call. When you see a flock of geese flying towards you from a distance, a goose call is a good way to attract their attention. Once the geese hear the call and look in your direction, they will be more likely to notice the goose decoys and try to land in your area.
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Once the geese have zeroed in on you and begin to fly your way, the only thing left to do is wait to take a shot. Most goose hunters prefer to use a 12 gauge 3.5’’ chamber shotgun with a modified choke when goose hunting. The 12 gauge 3.5’’ shotgun is able to shoot a large quantity of pellets at geese while the choke helps keep the pellets focused on the target. GooseHuntingShotguns knows the importance of a good goose shotgun and offers a large selection of 12 gauge 3.5’’ shotguns from manufacturers such as Winchester, Remington and Browning.
Goose hunting can be done alone, with your friends or with the help of a goose hunting dog. Many hunters prefer to use a hunting dog because they provide numerous advantages to the hunt. One advantage to taking a dog with you on your goose hunt is that dogs are able to maneuver over terrain that may be difficult for a hunter. A goose hunting dog is also a big help when it comes to locating and retrieving a wounded goose. By using its sense of smell, the dog is able to locate the wounded goose and in many cases, capture it before it has time to get away. Another advantage to taking a dog with you on your goose hunt is that dogs are able to maneuver over terrain that may be difficult for a hunter.
GooseHuntingShotguns has everything you need to help prepare for your next goose hunt. From goose calls and decoys to goose hunting shotguns, clothing, utility bags and training decoys and collars for your hunting dog, GooseHuntingShotguns has you covered when it comes to goose hunting gear and accessories. |