Early Season Goose Hunting: Chad’s Strategies for Success
I’m Chad Belding, with The Fowl Life Television, and I am stoked to share the knowledge I have accumulated from our good friends and waterfowl experts across the country.
As the season approaches, I am filled with excitement to kick things off. One big thing on my mind this time of year is early-season goose hunting. Early season requires a unique set of strategies to increase your chance of a successful hunt. Today, I have put together essential tips and techniques to help you gear up, scout effectively, blend into your surroundings, call with finesse, and make the most of your harvest. Let’s Keep Talkin’!
Gear Up - Layering and Essential Gear
Mastering the concept of layering is crucial for early-season goose hunting comfort. Unpredictable weather and temperature fluctuations can demand windproof and waterproof gear as an outer shell, but keeping the option of layering down is essential as the day rolls on and warms up. I recommend layering moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and windproof and waterproof outer layers to stay warm and dry. Carhartt bibs are my go-to choice for providing protection from the elements and safeguarding my clothing and gear from blood. My Banded gear is one of the top contributors to success in any hunt, so protecting it is a must!
The Importance of Scouting and Understanding Your Birds
Scouting and planning are the linchpin of early-season goose hunting. Local birds are the knowledge champions of their territory and surroundings, making a low-profile approach essential to your success in fooling them. Use smaller decoy spreads and keep things looking low-stress and relaxed to match their behavior. The migration hasn't really started yet in most early-season goose hunts. The birds have mated, and a main gander has been chosen to lead. These birds are going to notice right away if your spread looks suspicious or overdone. Deploy around three dozen decoys, give or take by a little depending on the amount of birds you have scouted, to blend in and gain the trust of the smaller flocks present during this time.
Concealment is an art
Remember, concealment is where the real magic in early-season goose hunting takes place. Believe it or not, geese, my friends, have eyes that could rival those of a bird of prey. The structure of the eye in waterfowl allows the birds to see objects in fine detail two and a half to three times farther away than humans can. Ducks and geese can also see a much broader spectrum of colors-spanning from near-ultraviolet to red than people do. It's imperative to master the skill of blending seamlessly into your surroundings. Nature's vegetation becomes your ally in this endeavor; use it wisely to become as invisible as possible to keen-eyed geese. Remember to always ask permission from landowners to trim limbs and grass to create the perfect hideout. By blending seamlessly into your surroundings, your chances of being busted by wary birds are less likely.
The golden rule: Always leave your hunting spot in better condition than you found it. Keeping our hunting areas pristine is not only ethical but ensures that you can return for future hunts without issue. Pick up your hauls and trash, only drive vehicles where you have permission, close every gate you open immediately, and use common sense when you are a guest on someone’s property. We are all responsible for representing outdoorsmen and hunters in a positive way.
Sweet Talkin' and patience
Let’s talk about calling. When it comes to calling, early-season goose hunting is the perfect example of less is more. Keep this golden rule firmly in mind: Restraint in your calling can yield remarkable results. Mirror the relaxed demeanor of the geese with realistic clucks and moans. You can gradually increase the intensity of your calling if needed but never overdo it. The objective is to entice the geese closer, not scare them away. So proceed light-handed on the calls, and watch the bird’s back flap right into your range.
Walk it out
In the early goose season, it's not uncommon to encounter situations where these birds land about 80 yards or so away from your setup. While it can be frustrating, it's essential not to rush in with shots. Instead, you'll want to gently guide them away from the outskirts of your decoy spread. Shooting into them will not only scare off the flock and educate them, but you also run the risk of spooking other nearby geese. To address this, consider sending a trusty dog to do the job, or if you're without one, take a slow and deliberate approach to walk them out. This way, you maintain the integrity of your hunting area while ensuring those elusive early-season geese don't overstay their welcome on the fringes of your decoy spread.
"Keep Talkin'" is not a one-way street. We invite you to participate actively in this community. Your inquiries and questions are not only welcomed but also encouraged. So, please contact us at keeptalkin@tflproductions.com, and let's talk about our waterfowl addiction!