Goose Decoy Spreads
When it comes to goose hunting there are some adages that last a lifetime. The first and foremost concern is being in the right field when it comes time for the geese to be flying. If you are in the wrong field I don't care if you have the top of the line calls and decoys you are going to be struggling to get birds in range. Concealment is another key issue when hunting any animal. If they see you before you have a good shot you are sunk. Ensuring your camoflauge is up to snuff is imperative. If you have both of those things covered and you are in a good spot with sufficient concealment then it is time to worry about the subject of this article, goose decoy spreads!
Let's break down what we are trying to accomplish with a goose decoy spread. We are trying to convince the geese that the area is natural and bunch of their buddies are already there pigging out. Therefore realism is very important when we are talking spreads. In addition, have a pattern that is conducive to getting the birds to finish in a given area that is close to your layout blinds is very important also. Quality shots, afterall, are the hallmark of successful goose hunters across the nation. The final thing to consider is economics, as in yours. If you can't afford to be out hunting because you spent too much on your spread than that is completely counterproductive. Find ways to skimp where you can and still shoot a pile of birds is the idea here.
Goose decoys spreads and realism - putting it together
When it comes to hunting geese you need to make them feel at home. I don't care if you are hunting snow geese, canada geese or specklebelly geese you are going to need to convey this message. In fact, when it comes time to hunt those white fronted geese you had better play close attention to your specklebelly goose decoys! These birds are notorious for their scrutiny of goose spreads. You want your decoys to be high quality. You want as many of your best decoys nearest the blind as possible to ensure when they get really close they will finish. And on top of that, you want a bunch of decoys to calm their nerves that there is any trouble. Stiking out for realism is important to any type of goose hunting.
Goose Decoy Spreads - Finding A Great Pattern
I think that patterns are somewhat over rated in goose hunting. That being said, you need to have a way to funnel geese as close to your blinds as possible. In this way perhaps it can't be stressed enough. When it comes to spring light goose hunting the bigger the spread the better. Just remember to keep those snow goose decoys with an "X" or a "V" which will funnel the birds as close to your blinds as possible. Generally one very large line of decoys can be spread out even as far as a couple hundred yards. The geese like to see a bunch of white in the fields and therefore the sign that there is a safe and ideal location for them to be. Getting them to commit to a location that is in good shotgun range is the idea.
Goose Decoy Spreads - How Not To Break The Bank
Let's face it, goose decoys are expensive. And there seems to be an insatiable need to keep accumulating them. And truth be told, usually more is better in this game. However, there has to be some cash limitations to just about every hunter, no matter how well heeled. The idea here is to buy less expensive decoys and add them to areas where the geese look the least. Think far away places. Flambeau goose decoys are a great example of this. Generally these are less expensive than their full body cousins and look ok, but not fantastic. Simply put them at the outskirts of your spread to keep the size looking impressive, but saving some cash in the process.
So there you have it, a 3 step approach to building a great goose decoy spread and finding your game bag ever expanding.
Tags: Goose Decoy Spreads
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Field Goose Hunting Rules Of Thumb
If you are serious about goose hunting then you are invariably going to be hunting in the fields. Geese love the water, but more for resting and relaxing than for eating, and that means that patterning them consistently on the water is a challenge. Plus once you find out where they roost you will get one good day of hunting. And then they will be gone for good. Nothing ends quality goose hunting in a specific area better than busting up a roost. Now, hunting in a field can be as simple as driving around, finding a field where the geese are, setting up the next morning and shooting your limit, but if that isn't your gig on a routine basis, some goose hunting rules of thumb are needed to continue to be successful in the field. With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you get more consistent hunting in the future:
Setup your Goose Decoys On the Highest Point In A Field
Geese are very visible creatures. They look from miles away to see what is going on and where a healthy food supply awaits. You would be surprised how far they can see once they are up in the air. That said, if you are down in a valley or not on the highest point in the field you have permission to hunt, they are far less likely to see you. You want them to see your decoys easily and make their way towards your spread once they get up in the air, and for that to happen the highest point is also the most visible point.
Avoid Standing Corn Or Woods If At All Possible
Geese are smart birds. They know that tall corn and trees are the source of a lot of things that can harm them. In addition to you and I lying in wait amongst the trees and standing corn over the years, there are also many predators that can easily hide in these areas. For that reason geese are hesitant to make their way too close to such a spot. Unless you have a great reason I would avoid these spots altogether.
Find A Way To Remain Completely Hidden
The key to continued success in the hunting game is two key areas, scouting and concealment. Layout blinds are possibly the greatest thing invented for field hunting geese in the past twenty years as they allow for portability coupled with top notch concealment. If you don't have a layout blind, laying in the decoys or finding a low hedgerow are also options. Geese have keen eyesight, so sticking out like a sore thumb will get you no shots and you will continue to be frustrated.
Put The Birds To Bed
A common technique that is bandied about is to scout around in the afternoon until you locate birds. And not just a small flock or two, a heaping bunch of them using one field. If you don't already, go and obtain permission to hunt the field and then get back and make sure that the geese stay in the field until dusk. They will leave that evening/night at some point and then you can get there before they come back the next morning. This may take a lot of miles and time, but it will pay off in spades when the geese are landing in your face.
So there you have it, a plethora of great rules of thumb to take with you the next time you are planning on goose hunting out in the fields. If you utilize these techniques, a more successful hunting season awaits.
Tags: Goose Decoy Spreads, goose decoys, layout blinds
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Field Hunting Goose Spread Patterns
Below you will find a good video describing the X and Horseshoe field patterns for hunting geese. Notice how the patterns are designed to funnel the geese into a small area where you have your blinds. When setting your goose decoys always remember how the geese are going to react to the spread and allow for the best shots to take place right in front of your goose blind. If the geese are reacting to your spread in a way that doesn't produce high quality shots, don't be afraid to move your goose decoys around to encourage the birds to finish in good range. Sometimes it is only a small change that will concentrate the landing area that geese prefer.
Tags: Decoy Patterns, Goose Decoy Spreads, Horseshoe Pattern, X Pattern
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