Five Tips For Successful Goose Hunting

One of the biggest hunting seasons in North America is goose hunting. Most hunters see Canada geese as the ultimate in waterfowl sport hunting. In addition the result of a successful goose hunting expedition is a wonderful, succulent roast goose, which is an extra benefit.

There are several strategies that can be used to ensure a successful goose hunt. The following five tips will be effective no matter where you are goose hunting, but keep in mind that it is always a good idea to do a bit of research before goose hunting in a location that you are unfamiliar with.

1. Shot Size

In goose hunting it is important to remember that the body size of the goose is misleading with regards to the actual vital area of the bird. Typically a goose's vital area is only about 1/10 of the total bird size, so your shoot should be both accurate and efficient. A 10 to 12 gauge shotgun with BBB, BB, 1 or T-shot is considered the best set-up. It is important to check the shot density at about 30 to 50 yards to ensure that that pellets are staying in compact formation at this distance, especially if you are shooting geese on the fly.

2. Use a Blind

Goose hunting is very different from other waterfowl or upland game bird hunting. Geese are very nervous and observant by nature, and will not usually fly into a body of water if they notice disturbances or unusual objects such as hunters, trucks, tents or other items around the water. Blinds that are camouflaged can help reduce this "disturbance" and will ensure that geese will land in the bodies of water that you are hunting. Blinds typically need to be mostly camouflaged from above, and often simple canvas blinds work very effectively.

3. Placement of decoys

When placing decoys out from the blind be sure to place them in a pattern that is accurate. Geese will typically land very near decoys providing they are acting like geese should. A "U" shaped pattern is ideal, especially if the bottom of the "U" is closest to the decoy. The geese will often land at the ends of the "U" and then swim towards the center, bringing them in closer to the blind. If the blind is well camouflaged it is possible to have the bottom of the decoy set 6-10 feet from the blind, provided the ground is not too swampy to be able to sit that close to the edge of the water.

4. Know the patterns

Understanding the patterns of flight that the geese are using can help you in determining where and when they will be flying. Typically geese will feed during the early morning hours and during the afternoon, and often knowing when and where the flock is likely to be at the given time of day will really help in getting set up and locating yourself in an ideal location. Typically two or three days of observation is all that is needed to get a good handle on the movement of the flock.

5. Using goose calls

Goose hunting calls are not as easy as trying to mimic any sound make by the geese. There is a distinctive feeding call, flock call, and excitement sound, all which are very different. Learning both to mimic the calls and use the respective call at the right time is critical to being able to attract the flock. For example, using a flock call to bring geese to decoys is ideal, but using the feeding call would be less effective as this would be unnatural to the flock, usually resulting in them flying off rather than landing.

Learning these five basic steps in goose hunting will help you with the basics in getting started in this exciting sport.

Goose Hunting Texas Style

There are many different locations across North America that are ideal for goose hunting. Texas offers many different locations for goose hunting all across the state. The many peanut, grain and cornfields make wonderful fall hunting opportunities just after or just prior to the harvest, when the migrating geese are on their southerly trek.

There is any number of opportunities in the state for goose hunting. Texas has snow goose, Canada goose and Specklebelly hunting, as well as light geese season in the spring. Light geese include snow geese, blue and Ross' geese. Goose hunting, Texas state locations, are usually in the south central area, although West Texas offers some unique goose hunting opportunities as well.

One of the many benefits of goose hunting, Texas and surrounding areas, is that the weather is very warm even throughout the winter season. Since there is not excessive snow, even spring goose hunting is relatively dry and comfortable. The fall seasons run greater opportunities for heavy rainfall during the months for goose hunting. Texas weather is very unpredictable, so hunters are always encouraged to prepare for cooler, wet weather even on pleasant days.

There are many different styles of goose hunting. Texas offers a variety of hunting options from hunting from blinds with the use of decoys and calls, to shooting geese on waterways or in feeding areas. Goose hunting, Texas counties and areas, usually is done on lease land, which is chosen because of its location to both the water and food sources. Many of the guides lease hundreds or even thousands of acres that gives optimum opportunities for day hunts or even hunts that last several days.

In Texas guides may work with small groups of hunters or even private individuals. Many guides are booked up to one year in advance, especially if they have the premier leases and hunting locations. In addition many guide services have lodges that offer full amenities including high speed wireless internet, world class chefs and five star lodging.

Goose hunting, Texas style, is an ideal vacation for families. Since most of the lodges are located close to major metropolitan areas such as Houston, Galveston and Corpus Christi. Most of the lodges offer day trips or transportation into these areas that are home to various shopping facilities, cultural events and parks and events for kids and families.

Goose hunting in the state of Texas is a annual spring and fall event. If you are an avid hunter or want to get started in the sport consider a guided hunting trip in the state, you won't be disappointed.

Goose Hunting Guides Aren’t All The Same

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 Blinds: The Key To Success

As a general statement geese are naturally much more wary of changes in their environments so choosing goose hunting blinds that will both conceal and blend are critical to getting the geese to land where you need them to be. Goose hunting blinds must be easy to set-up, easy to take down, provide the right amount of concealment while not obstructing or hindering your view and ability to take a shot. Choosing the right goose hunting blinds takes a bit of research, consideration and time, don't just buy the cheapest or the first one that you see or you may regret your choice on your first hunting trip of the year.

Some things to consider when choosing goose hunting blinds include:

1. How easy is to get the roof open to make the shot?

Remember that the best camofluaged blind is not going to be helpful if it is difficult or slow to get the blind open to make the shot.

2. How big does the blind need to be?

Will you be hunting alone, in pairs or in small or large groups. Too large or too small of a blind pose safety concerns as well as make long waits uncomfortable and cramped. Blinds that are too large are unnecessarily, especially if you are hiking into the area.

3. Do you want a solid bottom blind?

If you have hunted or are planning to hunt on damp, wet or muddy fields you already know how valuable a solid bottom blind can be. Not only do they keep you dry from ground moisture, but they also double up as towing sleds, great for moving gear back and forth to the field or waterway.

4. Do you want to sit down in the blind, or what level of comfort do you need?

There are some of the new models of sit down blinds that will allow the hunter or hunters to sit comfortably in a chair or a swiveling stool. These blinds are always larger but more than make up for the addition weight and size on longer hunts.

5. Is the blind lightweight and easy to set up?

Remember that most of the time you will be at least setting up in the dusk or dark, so having goose hunting blinds that are simple to set up, even just by basic telescoping or snapping aluminum frame pieces is very critical. Lightweight products offer easy in hiking and carrying the gear, but may also be easier to damage.

Last, it is very important to consider the comfort factor in buying goose hunting blinds. If you want to have a small space heater or even a warm cup of coffee on a propane cooking stove in the blind it is important to factor these considerations in when you are looking around. Remember too if you hunt with dogs that there will need to be room in the blind for them as well, especially if you are hunting in fields. Getting the right size of goose hunting blinds can make the difference between a good hunting trip and a great day hunting.

The Right Goose Hunting Blind

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.

Play Free Online Goose Hunting Games For Fun and Entertainment

Play Free Online Goose Hunting Games For Fun and Entertainment

Free online goose hunting games are fun for the whole family, plus are a great way to keep your reflexes in top response times for the start of the hunting season. Most of the free online goose hunting games requires some type of membership to the website or club sponsoring the game, but usually this membership just includes providing and email address and signing up.

Some of the most popular free online goose hunting games also have additional hunting features such as big game hunting, duck hunting or even hunting on safari. For a number of the free online versions there is limited access to all of the features, but is it still fun and entertaining to play the online versions, even without all the frills and extras. There are also some of the free online goose hunting games that offer actual full downloads for a very minimal price that allow you to compete against other online hunters around the world, send chat and messages to others playing the game, or even have your name entered in the games hall of fame for high scores.

Most of the online games now have an amazing level of detail in graphics, sound effects, attention to detail and lifelike hunting experiences. Some of the games even allow you to earn points to buy a dog, get decoys, callers, or even buy an ATV to allow you to move quickly from hunting spot to hunting spot. Of course most of the free online goose hunting games have realistic weather conditions including rain, sleet and snow as well as beautiful sunny days where the geese are able to see you even under your blind.

Some of the free online goose hunting games are easy to locate in a general search engine using the exact terms "free online goose hunting games", while others may be found by searching for hunting games or shooter games. As with any type of download or online activity it is important to run a virus scan when downloading as well as monitoring the site, especially if your kids enjoy playing the game when you are not around to supervise.

Online games are often a child's first introduction to hunting, and can help them learn about the sport even when they are still a bit too young to head out into the field. Many of the online goose hunting games provide information on safe hunting tips, conservation of geese and waterfowl as well as hunting etiquette. These free online goose hunting games can be educational as well as fun, and are a great way to get kids interested in goose hunting as well as providing information.