Category Archives: goose hunting

goose hunting

Goose Hunting Guides Aren’t All The Same

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Many expert hunters with years of experience choose to become goose hunting guides and are able to show other hunters the correct locations, strategies and methods to be successful at hunting. There are various types of guides from day guides to full service resorts that offer everything from ammunition to lodging. Choosing the right goose hunting guides doesn’t have to be difficult, but getting the right match for your hunting style and needs is important.

When choosing goose hunting guides you need to clearly understand what you are wanting. If you want to spend a week or a few days hunting, you may wish to consider a full service guide and lodge combination. Usually the lodge will have their own guides but you will be able to choose from the various guides. If you have a specific hunting style that you like, ask for a guide that uses that style. In addition speak to the guide before heading out, clearly outlining any special requests or needs that you have.

Goose hunting guides will scout the area prior to the day and time of the hunt. They should know the basic flights patterns and feeding times and locations of the geese, and will be prepared to have you in the right place at the right time to get set up and the blinds set prior to the geese arriving. Most goose hunting guides will start their morning at 4:00 am or early to ensure that you are in the right place before first daylight.

Typically goose hunting guides will be very aware of the weather conditions and will advise hunters of the various types of equipment, camouflage, and supplies that they will require. Those guides that have access to large lease areas will also be able to change hunting locations based on the current weather. Occasionally goose hunting guides will also be able to make recommendations for other hunting options such as duck, deer, wild hogs or even turkey, depending on the overlap of the hunting seasons.

Guides are not regulated in most areas, so be sure to ask for references or even better, get a referral from a hunter that has already been on one of the hunts. Word of mouth advertising is one of the most efficient ways for most guides to advertise, and they work hard to keep hunters satisfied and coming back. Be sure to find out about refunds do to cancellation, and the policies regarding a hunt that doesn’t go as planned. Some guides offer a reduction in the next hunt booked while others will provide a partial refund for services. Lodge or other expenses are typically not refunded under these conditions.

goose hunting

Seasonal Duck and Goose Hunting In Southeast Texas

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There are many opportunities for duck and goose hunting in southeast Texas. The coastal marshes and waterways along the southeastern coast make ideal stop-overs for migratory waterfowl, and the warm, sunny climate is a welcome break from the cold, snow and sleet often associated with more northern hunting. Duck and goose hunting in southeast Texas offers birds from both the Mississippi and Central flyways, so there is always a good population of many different species in the area during hunting seasons.

One of the advantageous of duck and goose hunting in southeast Texas is the wide variety of food sources available to the migratory birds. This area must seem like a mecca to ducks and geese as there are corn fields, rice field, grain and bean fields that are flooded annually, providing the perfect conditions for tired and hungry migratory birds to stop over and refuel for the next leg of their journey.

Duck and goose hunting in southeast Texas includes the use of dogs, traditional blinds and decoys as well as flags and calling in the geese. If you use a professional guide or goose or duck hunting guide service most of these items will be provided for you, all you will need is your license, appropriate stamps, guns, ammo and waders. This all in one service is ideal for those that travel to the area for the hunt and don’t want to have to bring all their gear and supplies.

The guides and professional that offer duck and goose hunting in southeast Texas are interested in keeping hunters coming back to use their services year after year. They spend hours every afternoon and even in the pre-season to find the patterns the migratory birds are using, which fields they are feeding in and the times that they are moving about. Usually most services offer hunting in the morning, just at sun rise, then end at about noon to give flocks a chance to feed without being disturbed in the afternoon. This keeps the waterfowl in the area as long as possible.

For sportsmen that are flying or arriving from different locations most of the guides offer accommodation through lodges or hotels in the area. They can arrange to pick you up at the airport or other locations and can even assist in obtaining licenses for out of state hunters. If you are planning on duck or goose hunting in southeast Texas and are from another state or country be sure to inform your guide so they can arrange to get you licenses when you arrive. This will avoid delays and any possible problems that may delay your hunt.

goose hunting

The Right Goose Hunting Blind

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With all the various types of blinds, choosing the right goose hunting blind for your needs is very important. Since every hunter has different hunting styles and techniques, finding the correct goose hunting blind is critical both for comfort in hunting as well as success in getting your limit.

The right goose hunting blind will be different for each individual. The major differences in goose hunting blinds include:

1. Type of fabric

There is some controversy with hunters whether man-made or natural fabrics are the best for a goose hunting blind. With the new types of camouflage and patterning on fabric, both work well, depending on the conditions that you will be hunting in. Man-made fabrics tend to be more water resistant, thinner and more lightweight, but also lighter and more likely to be damaged beyond repair. Natural fabrics are easier to repair, more durable, but also heavier and require drying to prevent mold and mildew.

2. Type of roof

There are several different types of options for a goose hunting blind roof. One of the most popular options is the spring-loaded roof. This roof is easy to immediately swing open to allow a 360-degree line of sight and firing. Another option is a zipper-closed roof, which can often be used as a deer or turkey blind as well. The roof is much slower to open, and there is often some obstruction. If you are hunting over the water or on fields where wing shots are not necessary they may be both practical and efficient.

3. Pit or above ground

A pit style blind is often a great idea especially if the landscape is not ideal for an above ground goose hunting blind. Even with a pit, a camouflaged cover will still be required. In very cold and wet weather a pit blind is often the least comfortable, but it can be very effectively hidden, even in a flat field. An above ground goose hunting blind is often used in places where there is some natural brush or treed areas along the waterway or the side of the field. Some of the very low blinds can be used in either situation.

Making the correct choice in buying a goose hunting blind is best completed by trying out a few different styles. Plan to attend hunting exhibitions, talk to other hunters or even contact a few guides to find out the pros and cons of the various styles of blinds. In addition online reviews and goose hunting forums can be a great place to get ideas and tips on the blind that will suit you the best.

goose hunting

Canada Goose Hunting Tips and Strategies

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Understanding a bit about the many different habits and behaviors will help in Canada goose hunting. While geese will behave slightly different depending on where and when you are hunting, there are some general tips or strategies that will work no matter where or when you are hunting. To plan your next Canada goose hunting trip remember to keep the following in mind:

• Canada geese are large birds that need frequent food. They will usually stop and rest in their migrations near areas that both food and clean water is available. Canada goose hunting will always be best close to larger bodies of clean water. Geese will not stay in swampy or sludge filled water, rather they will travel further without stopping for food to find good water.

• Canada geese will usually always fly or be found in large groups, but occasionally the breeding pairs will split off. In the migration times the largest groups will be found, often flying in flocks of thousands. Canada goose hunting can be made challenging at this time due to the mixture of other waterfowl that may be present, so always be careful to know what you are shooting at and avoid shooting into large flocks of mixed birds.

• Canada goose hunting strategies can capitalize on the geese returning to the same spots to feed, especially in three to four day cycles. Usually they will feed one area until all the grain or cereal crop is gone before moving again. As they are hunted they will become more leery of decoy placements, calls and even blinds. Consider hunting from different locations and leaving one or two area undisturbed until later into the hunt in one particular area. This will ensure the Canada geese will feel safe in these areas and will often use them as a default location later in their stay.

• Use calls judiciously. Canada goose hunting guides are experts at knowing how and when to use calls. If you use the incorrect call you are likely to drive off the geese, rather than bring them in. There are different calls for feeding, returning to the water, and for alarm or distress.

• Scout the area in advance of Canada goose hunting. Look for natural areas that the geese will land to feed, return for the evening, and for signs that they have been present. A large flock of Canada’s will leave debris and waste behind both on the ground and on the water.

In addition talk to other hunters that are familiar with the area. The weather will also play an important role as geese are likely to stay closer to safe, large bodies of water in cloudy or overcast weather while they will fly farther away on clear, warmer days.