If you’re like most people, you’ve hunted geese before, but you may not have taken advantage of the spring season to do it. You might find it a little odd to don your waterfowl gear, getting your gun, and head to a field in February or March, but it can be a fun and rewarding experience.

Generally, people who choose to do a spring snow goose hunt book a hunt with a outfitter. You’ll find a variety of options in areas where spring goose hunting is allowed. Though some people might think it takes the fun out of the chase, it can make it more enjoyable. You’ve got plenty of birds to aim at, and you’ll be impressed by what you will see and can do.

However, if you’re planning to try guided snow goose hunt, there are a few things to consider. These tips can help you decide if it’s right for you and how to go about doing it legally and safely.

Why the Spring Snows?

Snow geese are in the light geese category, which includes Ross, blue-phase, and snow geese. During the spring conservation season, hunters get more opportunities, lighter rules, and can help with conservation efforts.

When there are too many snow geese, it causes issues on the tundra, primarily when searching for nesting grounds. Hunting is one of the most effective management tools available. It became realized back in the 1990s when vital tundra was damaged, and other wildlife became endangered. Since then, an LGCO (Light Goose Conservation Order) was implemented.

Choose the Right Destination

Snow goose hunting can be quite fun, but you have to know where to go. Depending on where you live, that may mean traveling, taking off work, and making it a vacation. If you truly enjoy hunting, this shouldn’t be an issue.

The goal here is to find high concentrations of birds, both outgoing and incoming. Look to book your guided snow goose hunting in a densely populated flyway. Remember, though, that light geese are flighty. They may change their course based on the weather. If the conditions are mild and stable, they tend to stay and settle, but they’ll leave quickly during blustery storms and cold days.

Select Your Outfitter

Once you’ve decided on the location you’d like to hunt, you need an outfitter. Generally, it is economical to do this, and you have a better success rate when you work with a professional operator. Of course, you can research options online, but you should also talk to them on the phone or in-person if possible. That way, you can ask questions.

What to Ask an Outfitter

If you’re planning to utilize guided snow goose hunting, you should ask the outfitter a variety of things. You need to know how many decoys are used and why. Smaller spreads could be more effective than larger ones, especially if the birds have only seen massive decoy spreads up to that point.

You should also ask about the calling tactics used and the blinds that they utilize. Some outfitters like to scout and hunt the fields every evening and morning. However, others like to set up the decoys in one field and hunt the Migrator’s. If the location is a known flight path, this could be beneficial.

One of the most important questions to ask an outfitter is about their track record. You need to know how many birds they took last season. Because of the liberal harvest limits, proficient outfitters can easily get 5,000 to over 10.000 birds in a normal spring season .

License and Limits

Though limits are loose, it’s still a concern and depends on where you hunt. For example, in Missouri hunters can shoot an unlimited number of light geese each day. You’ll also need a license to hunt these birds. Generally, you should apply for a license in the state where you will hunt. This can be easy if you already live there. If you’ll be traveling, you can usually go online to request your license.

Conclusion

Hunters love the thrill of the hunt, so when it comes to spring snow goose hunting, you probably enjoy seeing the winged creatures disperse, picking the one you want, and firing. Plus, you’ll enjoy the looser limit rules, allowing you to bag a lot. The goal here is to know where to go, who to work with, and what requirements you have.