Snow geese are notorious for being challenging birds to hunt. But that's part of the fun. Each year, many hunters look forward with great anticipation to the start of snow goose hunting season outfitted in their best gear, ready to take on the challenge.
If you are a fellow lover of the hunt, recognize that you have your work cut out for you. Not to worry with these nine tips, you'll be tackling snow goose hunting head-on with the hopes of bagging your limit.
Take The Weather Into Consideration
As we all know, the weather can be fickle and can affect the outcome of your hunt. And snow goose hunting is no different. Snow geese are highly migratory birds and their movements are dictated by the weather. Before heading out, be sure to check the forecast and plan your hunt accordingly.
So what weather conditions should you pray for?
A nice 45-degree sunny day with south winds blowing 10-20 mph is ideal. The winds will help the decoys move to mimic the ever-moving snow geese. While sunny days may be ideal, you can still have success on cloudy days. Just be aware that the snow geese will likely spread out and feed in smaller groups, compared to the larger flocks you'll find on nicer days.
Use Good Equipment
This should go without saying, but packing good-quality equipment is a must for any snow goose hunter. Snow geese are difficult birds to take down, so you'll want to make sure your shotgun loaded with the correct ammo is up for the task. If you are using a 12 gauge shotgun, we recommend the 3.5-inch shells loaded with BB, especially during windy weather. The larger the shot, the better chance you have of taking down these fast-flying birds.
Scouting Is Essential For Goose Hunting
As with any type of hunting, scouting is key to success. And with snow geese, you can hunt large amounts by finding and hunting where the birds are most active. Snow geese tend to feed (and usually continue to feed) in agricultural fields, so you'll want to look for recently harvested fields of wheat, barley, or peas. Day after day, snow geese will get comfortable feeding in the field, so snag a spot nearby, set up your concealment, and get ready for the hunt of a lifetime.
Location Matters
Not all snow goose hunts are created equal and where you hunt can make a big difference. Snow goose populations are high in Saskatchewan, Canada as it's the migratory pit stop for snow geese. With all the rich agricultural fields, Saskatchewan offers snow geese a large amount of area to roost. Once you have set up in a high-traffic area, you can hunt snow geese that are coming in to feed and those migrating overhead.
Hire Expert Snow Goose Hunting Guides
While scouting and finding the right location is important, having an expert snow goose hunting guide by your side during the hunt can make all the difference. Snow goose hunting guides have extensive knowledge of snow goose behavior and will know exactly when and where to set up your hunt for the best chance of success. They will also have the right equipment, decoys, and calling techniques to help you bag your limit.
Snow Goose Hunting Dogs Are Different From Duck Hunting Dogs
If you are used to duck hunting, you may think that any dog can be used for snow goose hunting. However, that is not the case. Snow goose hunting dogs are special and are trained specifically for this type of hunting. The sheer excitement of having hundreds of snow geese barrelling down on them can result in an untrained dog being spooked and running off. Snow goose hunting dogs need to be calm, yet excited, and able to handle the sights and sounds of a thrilling snow goose hunt.
Be Able To Move
Once we shout "they're coming!", you need to be prepared to move. Snow geese are constantly on the move, so being able to quickly and quietly relocate is a must. Hunters will often use sleds or carts to help with this, as it can be difficult (and noisy) to move all your gear by hand.
Decoys Are The Key To The Goose Hunt
While we could go on and on about the importance of decoys, we'll just say this: if you want to be successful in snow goose hunting, you need to use decoys. Snow geese are social birds and are attracted to the sights and sounds of other geese. By using decoys, you can create the illusion of a large flock of birds and lure the snow geese in for a closer look. Naturally, you have to set your decoys based on the weather, time of day, and feed.
Learn How To Call Snow Geese
In addition to using decoys, you'll also need to learn how to call snow geese. Electronic calls are the best way to go, as they can replicate the sound of the geese. Just ensure that you are using the right call and the volume is set at a level that won't scare the birds away.
Ready To Go Snow Goose Hunting in Saskatchewan, Canada?
Now that you know a thing or two about snow goose hunting, it's time to put your skills to the test. And there's no better place to do that than in Saskatchewan, Canada. With its large population of snow geese and vast agricultural fields, Saskatchewan is the perfect place to go snow goose hunting. Plus, snow goose hunting is a great way to spend time with friends or family, and it's an adventure that you'll never forget.
So what are you waiting for? Book your trip today!
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