Canada Goose Hunting Tips and Strategies

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.

How To Build Your Own Goose Hunting Blinds

There is no doubt that all goose hunting blinds have their advantages and their drawbacks, and many hunters like to experiment with designing their own. To build your own goose hunting blinds requires a bit of imagination, an understanding of what works and what doesn't, plus a good idea of what fools geese and what scares them off.

Getting started to build your own goose hunting blinds requires a bit of planning, so start by making some notes and sketches of what you like and what you know that you don't want. Some points to consider when deciding to build your own goose hunting blinds include:

Do you want to lay down or sit up in the blind?
Do you wish to have a solid bottom on the blind?
Will you need to pack or cart the blind on foot?
What materials do you want to use for the blind?
How to you wish to have the frame go together?
How heavy or light should the blind be?
How many people will use the blind?

Once you have the basic idea of the size, material and dimensions, your next step in how to build your own goose hunting blinds is to actually go out and find the materials. A great idea for cheap and lightweight frame material is inch electrical conduit. This can be purchased at any home supply or electrical supply store. It is usually gray, but can be easily spray pointed brown to blend into the surrounds. You may also want to paint in various colors of brown and tan, especially if you are hunting on fields rather than in marsh areas.

The next step in getting ready to build your own goose hunting blinds is to find the covering material. Man-made fabrics will be lighter weight, but will also flap more and move more with the wind. This may draw attention to the blind, especially on flat fields and solid surfaces. Heavier, natural fabrics move less, are less shiny, and often are more practical to clean and care for. In addition brush or straw can be used to cover the sides of the blind for both additional camouflage and minimization of wind movement on the blind.

To actually build your own goose hunting blinds in the field cut 6 lengths of the electrical conduit about 5 feet in length, or roughly in half. These will form three inverted "V" shapes for the sides and top. Two eight to ten foot lengths can be used to support the sides, one down the middle of each of the inverted "V" shapes. The ends will remain open. The blind can be made taller or shorter by spreading out the supporting sides of the "V"s. The conduit is held together in place with wide rubber bands, electrical tape or leather strips. Remember it is only a temporary blind and taking apart and putting up should be simple and easy.

Understanding Alabama Goose Hunting Regulations

Understanding Alabama Goose Hunting Regulations
Alabama is one of the many states that offer a regular and early season goose hunting opportunities. Understand Alabama goose hunting regulations will allow hunters to have an exciting and trouble free shoot. The following Alabama goose hunting regulations are strictly enforced in the state:

Licenses Alabama goose hunting regulations require that every hunter have a valid hunting license for the season. Youth and special category licenses are available as well as standard hunting licenses.

Federal regulations in addition to the state of Alabama goose hunting regulation there are also Federal regulations to consider. These include the manner in which any migratory bird can be killed, and strictly prohibits the use of traps, nets, or pistols among others.

Season Alabama goose hunting regulations are in effect all year round, but hunters may only hunt for geese within the specified open seasons. The exact dates of season openings may vary, especially in the spring hunt, so continue to check the state Department of Conservation of Natural Resources for specific date information.

Times hunting can only occur between specific daylight hours as set forth in the Alabama goose hunting regulations. Night hunting or hunting outside of the stated hours is considered illegal.

Water shooting geese can only be shot from a boat if the boat is stopped, the motor is not propelling the boat forward or the sails are completely unfurled.

Bag and Possession limits these may vary from year to year but it is illegal to exceed the bag limits or the possession limits for any type of goose or waterfowl within the state.

Ammunition and guns in Alabama all hunters, including youth hunting with adults are restricted in both the type of gun as well as the ammunition that is used.

Typically Alabama goose hunting regulations closely match all hunting regulations in neighboring states. As will all hunting laws, the state works to conserve the numbers of geese in the state, as well as ensure that hunters are provided opportunities to enjoy the sport. When hunting in Alabama it is important to note that different parts of the state may be identified as protected areas, and hunting in these areas, as well as in state or federal parks or reserves is strictly prohibited. If you are concerned about where you will be hunting it is possible to contact the Department of Conservation of Natural Resources to clearly understand the location and any special restrictions or rules for hunting in that area.

Understanding Alabama Goose Hunting Regulations

Alabama is one of the many states that offer a regular and early season goose hunting opportunities. Understand Alabama goose hunting regulations will allow hunters to have an exciting and trouble free shoot. The following Alabama goose hunting regulations are strictly enforced in the state:

Licenses Alabama goose hunting regulations require that every hunter have a valid hunting license for the season. Youth and special category licenses are available as well as standard hunting licenses.

Federal regulations in addition to the state of Alabama goose hunting regulation there are also Federal regulations to consider. These include the manner in which any migratory bird can be killed, and strictly prohibits the use of traps, nets, or pistols among others.

Season Alabama goose hunting regulations are in effect all year round, but hunters may only hunt for geese within the specified open seasons. The exact dates of season openings may vary, especially in the spring hunt, so continue to check the state Department of Conservation of Natural Resources for specific date information.

Times hunting can only occur between specific daylight hours as set forth in the Alabama goose hunting regulations. Night hunting or hunting outside of the stated hours is considered illegal.

Water shooting geese can only be shot from a boat if the boat is stopped, the motor is not propelling the boat forward or the sails are completely unfurled.

Bag and Possession limits these may vary from year to year but it is illegal to exceed the bag limits or the possession limits for any type of goose or waterfowl within the state.

Ammunition and guns in Alabama all hunters, including youth hunting with adults are restricted in both the type of gun as well as the ammunition that is used.

Typically Alabama goose hunting regulations closely match all hunting regulations in neighboring states. As will all hunting laws, the state works to conserve the numbers of geese in the state, as well as ensure that hunters are provided opportunities to enjoy the sport. When hunting in Alabama it is important to note that different parts of the state may be identified as protected areas, and hunting in these areas, as well as in state or federal parks or reserves is strictly prohibited. If you are concerned about where you will be hunting it is possible to contact the Department of Conservation of Natural Resources to clearly understand the location and any special restrictions or rules for hunting in that area.