It’s finally here - goose hunting season. Hunting is a diverse sport, with many hunters being selective on their bird of choice, whether that is ducks or geese. Some hunt for sport, while others hunt for recreation. Here are three tips to help a hunter be successful regardless of what they’re hunting. This list also includes tips on having the proper equipment, decoys, and knowing the conditions when out in the open.
These helpful tips come from seasoned hunters who know what leads to a successful hunting trip.
Proper Equipment
Proper equipment is more than just having the appropriate outfit; it also means having suitable guns and decoys. For a new hunter, they may think a simple shotgun is sufficient; however, there are certain guns that hunters would claim are better for waterfowl and goose hunts. A new hunter needs not only a shotgun that can be easy to use but also one that fits them making it better to swing and follow through with.
Not only is the type of gun important to consider, but the clothing and gear that the hunter is going to use also needs to be suitable for the hunter. For example, a hunter is going to want to use camouflage that is ideal for the weather conditions and temperature.
Decoys
When on a goose hunt, an unseasoned hunter may think that all one needs is their hunting equipment and a gun. The truth is going on a goose hunting trip is so much more than that – it includes having the correct equipment but also that contributes to a successful goose hunt. Decoys are one of the important things that can help a hunter. The more realistic in appearance and good movement, the higher a chance of it being noticed by the bird. Match your decoys with this the waterfowl you will be hunting, so if your specklebelly goose hunting use speck decoys not Canada goose decoys
Having decoys is one aspect; the other is knowing the best way to maximize the use of them. When placing decoys, it is essential to disperse them to as close as the bird were when scouting the field. If the geese were in the center try and get as close to the spot or the X as you can and set the decoys according to the wind, birds will land it to the wind.
Weather Conditions
While a hunter would love to wake up to see the ideal weather conditions, this isn’t always possible. Knowing the weather conditions beforehand can help a hunter prepare for the hunt wind speed and direction matters. On sunny days you may wish to use face paint
, or if having high winds use a goose call that has a higher pitch so the bird can hear it better.
Goose calls are ideal make sure your comfortable using one even better a couple having different pitches and tones, Wood tends to be more mellow where acrylic has a higher crisp pitch and can be perfect in attracting the waterfowl towards a hunter’s direction.
The off-season, for a hunter is a perfect time to take advantage of the beautiful weather and clear skies to practice their calling skills as well as their swinging and follow through and shooting skills. One thing that a seasoned hunter might recommend to a new hunter, whether they consider it a past-time or are just getting into the sport is skeet shooting. This is a great way to replicate the flying conditions of goose hunting.
Regardless if a hunter is new to the sport or maybe they are a casual hunter, knowing what can result in a successful goose hunt is always helpful. These three tips allow the hunter to enjoy a successful hunt.