{"id":411,"date":"2021-02-22T18:59:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-22T19:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/?p=411"},"modified":"2024-04-09T17:22:43","modified_gmt":"2024-04-09T17:22:43","slug":"snow-goose-hunting-a-beginners-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/index.php\/2021\/02\/22\/snow-goose-hunting-a-beginners-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Snow Goose Hunting: A Beginner\u2019s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image lazyload\" alt=\"hunter holding snow geese\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"margin: auto;margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%\" data-dimension=\"landscape\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/snow-goose-lead-image.jpg\"><\/div><figcaption class=\"orgnc-SingleImage-caption\"><span class=\"orgnc-SingleImage-credit\">LemieuxImages\/Adobe Stock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"Article-disclosure\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #444444\"><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fieldandstream.com\/affiliate-disclosure\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Learn more \u203a<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"GAGWRRNRNRDRTLJKXOHSKG3GTU\">Snow goose hunting season is coming, and not a minute too soon. Duck season is a distant memory. Canada geese are closed almost everywhere. What better cure for waterfowl withdrawal than to put yourself underneath a few thousand snow geese? Light goose season now runs into the spring in much of the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central flyways.<\/p>\n<p id=\"M44R2A6QF5AFPJBVDKE7QRYFXA\">Wherever you do it, snow goose hunting takes work. Like all goose hunting, it starts with lots of scouting. There are big decoy spreads to set, often in muddy fields. On the other hand, there are no bag or possession limits, and you can use unplugged guns and electronic callers. So, if you put in the effort, the reward can be a high-volume hunt you never knew existed right near home. Here\u2019s what you need to know to get started snow goose hunting.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Snow Goose Hunting Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>What Are \u201cWhite\u201d or \u201cLight\u201d Geese?<\/li>\n<li>Where to go Snow Goose Hunting<\/li>\n<li>How to Set Out a Decoy Spread for Snow Goose Hunting<\/li>\n<li>The Best Light Goose Decoys for Every Budget<\/li>\n<li>The Best Blinds for Snow Goose Hunting<\/li>\n<li>The Best Electronic Callers for Snow Goose Hunting<\/li>\n<li>The Best Ammunition for Snow Goose Hunting<\/li>\n<li>The Best Shotguns for Snow Goose Hunting<\/li>\n<li>Frequently Asked Questions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"CFAUKPZ2OFE55I3PEDSM44TGCY\">What Are \u201cWhite\u201d or \u201cLight\u201d Geese?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-dimension=\"landscape\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"A flock of geese flying through the air.\" class=\"wp-image-89753 lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/D7VESWVDSND4PND4PLEEQMMTPI-1024x768-1.jpg\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A mix of white and blue-phase lesser snows. <i>Forrest Carpenter<\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"VK5LOKZKUZHYBD55EISR3BTK6A\">\u201cWhite\u201d or \u201clight\u201d geese refers generally to two species of snow geese and to Ross\u2019s geese. \u201cLight\u201d is the technically correct term, but people use both interchangeably. The Atlantic Flyway is home to greater snow geese. Slightly smaller lesser snow geese and duck-sized Ross\u2019s geese make up the flocks of the Mississippi and Central Flyways. A blue color phase is quite common among lessers. Almost all Ross\u2019s geese pure white and mature birds have distinct caruncled bills. Juvenile snows and Ross\u2019s are gray.<\/p>\n<p id=\"WEIFZ22HDZCWNKCGPNAG3UVE6I\">All three species breed in the far north, from Hudson Bay to the Arctic, and make a long journey to their wintering grounds. Lessers and Ross\u2019s geese winter from Arkansas to the Gulf Coast, while greaters stop along the mid-Atlantic coast.<\/p>\n<p id=\"SD4A3Q3P2BD73BABIMYU3PX5BQ\">Light geese evolved to feed on tubers and marsh plants, but the wholesale conversion of land to agricultural crops in the United States and Canada improved their diet to the point where they return to the breeding grounds fat, healthy, and ready to overpopulate the fragile tundra. The special conservation order season intended to reduce populations began in 1999 and remains in effect, which is why you can go goose hunting in the spring.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"DVEDAMYSJBDXBGAHZSZETI7WCY\">Where to go Snow Goose Hunting<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-dimension=\"landscape\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"A juvenile snow goose flying through the air.\" class=\"wp-image-89757 lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/J236XPOTGZC5NJT4VIQ5Y6HVZM-1024x768-1.jpg\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A single juvenile snow goose, feet down, ready to land. <i>Forrest Carpenter<\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"RM2DNS76PZDT5HTBN3RCLOHMWI\">Restless migrators, snow geese stay just below the snowline as they head north in the spring. Days with southerly winds are migration days, while a north wind or bad weather may prompt short reverse migrations. Snows will stage by the tens of thousands when the weather holds them up, and it\u2019s possible to scout and hunt feed fields just as you would in the fall. As you scout, bear in mind that snows think nothing of flying 20 to 25 miles out to feed. You can set up either on the X field, or on the flight lines between the feed and the roost.<\/p>\n<p id=\"MUZ5IADKGBH2XFENU7EDR5FVZA\">Putting out a decoy spread in a grain field along a migration corridor and trafficking northbound or reverse migrators is very effective, and it works best when you can pick a high spot for maximum visibility. If you can find a pond by a grain field on the flightline, set a field-and-water spread. You\u2019ll lure tired birds late in the day as they look for a place to feed a bit and rest overnight.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"L6TU24YOA5CO5A3JYCA7VZ4UZY\">How to Set Out a Decoy Spread for Snow Goose Hunting<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-dimension=\"landscape\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"A group of hunters carrying snow geese.\" class=\"wp-image-89760 lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/QSYNRDUFKZGA3JT7QU5KUPS3QQ-1024x768-1.jpg\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lesser snow geese shot over a spread of Dive Bomb windsock decoys. <i>Forrest Carpenter<\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"NETNFRAEZZDAHO5TRPIZRFEBLU\">Quintessential birds of a feather, all snow geese do is flock together. On a flight day, you\u2019ll see skeins of geese stretching from horizon to horizon. It\u2019s an awe-inspiring sight. On a practical note, it means it takes a lot of decoys to impress traveling snows. Spreads of over 1,000 decoys are common, but three hundred set in the right place at the right time work, too.<\/p>\n<p id=\"HLEZKW463VAKZGE543FWBQFAOE\">Start small. If you and a few friends all chip in on decoys you\u2019ll have enough to start out. You can add a few every year, because snow goose sickness is a disease you\u2019ll have for a long time. <\/p>\n<p id=\"5FXMO7MYARD2TAXTA6KFYRCNKQ\">Set decoys in a teardrop shape with the point aimed downwind and a landing hole where the tear begins to narrow. Pack the decoys so tightly in the upwind portion that it\u2019s hard to walk through them, but space the birds in the point farther apart. The whole spread might measure 100 to 150 yards from front to back. Geese will key on the point and follow it right up to the landing hole. Hide blinds among the tightly packed decoys upwind of the landing hole, but be ready to move them to the side if geese are seeing them, or even downwind if the birds are sliding off the spread short of the landing zone.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4U4XUEC4FZBIDAVMVHKVKGWSKU\">The Best Light Goose Decoys for Every Budget<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-dimension=\"landscape\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"A Banded Goose on windsocks.\" class=\"wp-image-89763 lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/OMUITG5YVBFP5HUBXMOKVA3IBA-1024x768-1.jpg\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A banded goose lying on a stack of windsocks. <i>Forrest Carpenter<\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"GLUFY3H7O5EMLOWS2W7WWGMD5I\">When you hunt the greater snow geese of the Atlantic flyway, you\u2019ll want primarily white decoys with some gray juveniles mixed in. The lesser snow geese of the Mississippi and Central flyways come in both white and the blue color phase. About 70 percent white geese, 30 percent blues make a good mix of adult decoys, which should make up about two thirds of the spread. The rest should be gray juveniles. If you have to err, err on the side of white decoys, which show up best.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"K3BTJ6ZFC5GKXB3R5EW3FIXACQ\">Best Full-Body Snow Goose Hunting Decoys: <a href=\"https:\/\/banded.com\/products\/pro-grade-full-body-snow-goose-harvester-6-pack?variant=42361783812267\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Banded\/GHG Full Body Decoys<\/a><\/h3>\n<div class=\"ProductCard--theDrive \" data-id=\"ProductCard\">\n<div class=\"ProductCard-image\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/banded.com\/products\/pro-grade-full-body-snow-goose-harvester-6-pack?variant=42361783812267\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><br \/>\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Banded-decoys.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"auto\" alt=\"Bird Hunting Gear photo\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Banded-decoys.jpg\"><br \/>\n              <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"ProductCard-cta\">\n<p class=\"ProductCard-btnWrap\">\n      <a class=\"ProductCard-btnLink\" href=\"https:\/\/banded.com\/products\/pro-grade-full-body-snow-goose-harvester-6-pack?variant=42361783812267\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><br \/>\n        SEE IT<br \/>\n      <\/a>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p id=\"QKZKRICCIRHKTCD776GNE3RFMA\">Full bodies provide the ultimate in realism, which can matter because adult snow geese are wary, and fooling a flock of 1,000 birds means you have 2,000 eyes to deceive. Full bodies require serious commitment, and they aren\u2019t cheap. You\u2019ll need a trailer or maybe two to haul them all. And forget decoy bags\u2014you\u2019ll use giant feed sacks instead. Hunting with full bodies is a major production.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"CTFAWN5R6ZF4FFJ6MY3II7A7GQ\">Budget Snow Goose Hunting Decoys: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.divebombindustries.com\/collections\/snows\/products\/s5-tall-snow-goose-socks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dive Bomb Snow Goose Windsocks<\/a><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-dimension=\"landscape\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"A hunter amogst goose decoys.\" class=\"wp-image-89771 lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/AAJ6WU7TUZFUFKCMVEAAYBYLRA-1024x768-1.jpg\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A hunter hides among Dive Bomb windsock decoys. <i>Dive Bomb Industries<\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"PSRPEL5BX5HPDNO6QJFJPY6A2Y\">Windsocks are affordable, they move in the wind, and you can fit 10 dozen in a bag, which means a spread fits in the back of a pickup. Dive Bomb Industries sells quality <a href=\"https:\/\/www.divebombindustries.com\/s5tallsnowgoosedecoys\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">snow goose windsocks<\/a> in short- and long-stake versions for around $65 per dozen.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"GJ6QQXSNRBAJDBTA7EBNLWHK3M\">Snow Goose Hunting Motion Decoys: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sillosocks.com\/products\/snow-goose-flapping-flyer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sillosock Flyers<\/a><\/h3>\n<p id=\"XWULG3P4Y5HUZAL7CX3YVFE7O4\">Feeding snow geese move. They walk. They hop over one another to get to food. Include some motion in your spread. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sillosocks.com\/products\/snow-goose-flapping-flyer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sillosock flyers<\/a>, $25 each, come on a 3-foot stake and flap their wings in a breeze. You\u2019ll want some, and regular hand-held goose flags, too, for days when the wind dies.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7YZ5JA3Q7NCQTIBW3CUXYCUFOE\">The Best Blinds for Snow Goose Hunting<\/h2>\n<p id=\"5QS74BVN3VBPLBGCXADGYQ3IHQ\">Hiding matters with snow geese. The current trend is to wear whites and lay out on a back rest underneath long-stake windsocks. Hiding under socks works best on sunny days when it\u2019s not miserable out and the shadows of the windsocks overhead make you invisible.<\/p>\n<p id=\"MHZ5RJUZ7VD3DHYA2SW6XBR6UI\">Layout blinds can work great in a field if there\u2019s enough stubble to hide them. They work best cloudy days when they don\u2019t throw shadows, and they are more comfortable when it\u2019s cold and windy. Whichever you choose, experiment with hunting from different parts of the spread so you\u2019re not directly in the approaching flock\u2019s line of sight.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"YCH7BL7Z3NDD3GDWOIBCIKVMMM\">Deluxe Choice: <a href=\"https:\/\/banded.com\/product\/finisher-layout-blind\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Finisher Layout Blind<\/a><\/h3>\n<div class=\"ProductCard--theDrive \" data-id=\"ProductCard\">\n<div class=\"ProductCard-image\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/banded.com\/product\/finisher-layout-blind\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><br \/>\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/finisher-blind.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"auto\" alt=\"Bird Hunting Gear photo\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/finisher-blind.jpg\"><br \/>\n              <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"ProductCard-cta\">\n<p class=\"ProductCard-btnWrap\">\n      <a class=\"ProductCard-btnLink\" href=\"https:\/\/banded.com\/product\/finisher-layout-blind\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><br \/>\n        SEE IT<br \/>\n      <\/a>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p id=\"XMAU4JMECFHA3I4ODNTD2477WM\">One of the first and still one of the best layout blinds, the <a href=\"https:\/\/banded.com\/product\/finisher-layout-blind\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Finisher<\/a> sets up and breaks down quickly, and it\u2019s a comfortable place to spend a day watching clouds of geese pass overhead.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"BMLLUUPNRJHVJEJ6ZZYKVHXKPU\">Budget Choice: <a href=\"https:\/\/tanglefree.com\/products\/snow-ghost-blind?variant=7163107180590&amp;currency=USD&amp;utm_medium=product_sync&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_content=sag_organic&amp;utm_campaign=sag_organic&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiA7NKBBhDBARIsAHbXCB5vLjFpLhDMqjdpqQ6lEtKaRa5brIo-Ze3MQ3SOZVfZ8PJoADSBOZ8aAtxkEALw_wcB\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tanglefree Dirt Ghost Blind<\/a><\/h3>\n<div class=\"ProductCard--theDrive \" data-id=\"ProductCard\">\n<div class=\"ProductCard-image\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/tanglefree.com\/products\/snow-ghost-blind?variant=7163107180590&amp;currency=USD&amp;utm_medium=product_sync&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_content=sag_organic&amp;utm_campaign=sag_organic&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiA7NKBBhDBARIsAHbXCB5vLjFpLhDMqjdpqQ6lEtKaRa5brIo-Ze3MQ3SOZVfZ8PJoADSBOZ8aAtxkEALw_wcB\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><br \/>\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/tanglefree-blind.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"auto\" alt=\"Bird Hunting Gear photo\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/tanglefree-blind.jpg\"><br \/>\n              <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"ProductCard-cta\">\n<p class=\"ProductCard-btnWrap\">\n      <a class=\"ProductCard-btnLink\" href=\"https:\/\/tanglefree.com\/products\/snow-ghost-blind?variant=7163107180590&amp;currency=USD&amp;utm_medium=product_sync&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_content=sag_organic&amp;utm_campaign=sag_organic&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiA7NKBBhDBARIsAHbXCB5vLjFpLhDMqjdpqQ6lEtKaRa5brIo-Ze3MQ3SOZVfZ8PJoADSBOZ8aAtxkEALw_wcB\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><br \/>\n        SEE IT<br \/>\n      <\/a>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p id=\"MFYTFUORYFD4HGMLF3IJNLCV3Q\">Light and simple, the <a href=\"https:\/\/tanglefree.com\/products\/snow-ghost-blind?variant=7163107180590&amp;currency=USD&amp;utm_medium=product_sync&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_content=sag_organic&amp;utm_campaign=sag_organic&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiA7NKBBhDBARIsAHbXCB5vLjFpLhDMqjdpqQ6lEtKaRa5brIo-Ze3MQ3SOZVfZ8PJoADSBOZ8aAtxkEALw_wcB\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dirt Ghost Blind<\/a> works as a backrest for hunting in whites, or as a layout blind with its detachable boot bag that you can pull up to cover yourself with.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2K3GP623JVAO7LLJ5ZIPKQ666U\">The Best Electronic Callers for Snow Goose Hunting<\/h2>\n<p id=\"CHSONGNHXBFTLHSAJMVZM3K6TY\">In the days before electronic callers, if you shot 20 or 30 spring snow geese in a day you told people about it. Electronic callers make 100-bird days possible.<\/p>\n<p id=\"AHCAMIADHFAT3DKR4EBADNXHVA\">Use one or two callers in a smaller spread and up to four in a big spread. Like all calling, electronic calling involves trial and error. Watch birds react and be ready to adjust the volume up or down if they\u2019re not finishing.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"FDQTIG6NEREMRD4PXSL4ZSEKBY\">Deluxe Choice: <a href=\"https:\/\/shareasale.com\/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1507094&amp;m=4355&amp;afftrack=FS-RU&amp;urllink=www.opticsplanet.com%2Ffoxpro-snow-pro-digital-game-call.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">Fox Pro Snow Pro Digital Game Call<\/a><\/h3>\n<div class=\"ProductCard--theDrive \" data-id=\"ProductCard\">\n<div class=\"ProductCard-image\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/shareasale.com\/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1507094&amp;m=4355&amp;afftrack=FS-RU&amp;urllink=www.opticsplanet.com%2Ffoxpro-snow-pro-digital-game-call.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><br \/>\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/snow-goose-call.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"auto\" alt=\"Bird Hunting Gear photo\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/snow-goose-call.jpg\"><br \/>\n              <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"ProductCard-cta\">\n<p class=\"ProductCard-btnWrap\">\n      <a class=\"ProductCard-btnLink\" href=\"https:\/\/shareasale.com\/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1507094&amp;m=4355&amp;afftrack=FS-RU&amp;urllink=www.opticsplanet.com%2Ffoxpro-snow-pro-digital-game-call.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><br \/>\n        SEE IT<br \/>\n      <\/a>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p id=\"CHVP2UP7MNB7ZLBZU3EUA4466Q\">Foxpro has made electronic callers for predators for years, and they bring that experience to <a href=\"https:\/\/shareasale.com\/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1507094&amp;m=4355&amp;afftrack=FS-RU&amp;urllink=www.opticsplanet.com%2Ffoxpro-snow-pro-digital-game-call.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">this goose caller.<\/a> It comes with 39 pre-loaded snow goose sounds and two speakers, and you can attach four more for extra volume.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"MWV6XMNX6BAXBJQJN3Z42DJLUQ\">Budget Choice: Homemade Caller<\/h3>\n<p id=\"7Z5HVBJE4JC6LPPBQTONDIBVKE\">No commercial call is cheap. Google \u201cMake your own snow goose e-caller.\u201d Buy or scrounge amps, speakers and wires, and a plastic tool box for the amp. Load a snow goose call app onto your phone. Plug the phone into the amp. Hit \u201cplay.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\" data-dimension=\"landscape\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"snow geese landing\" class=\"wp-image-310171 lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/AdobeStock_92026412-scaled-1.jpeg\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Decoying large groups of snow geese requires enormous spreads, a lot of calling, and a good hide. <i>chiptape\/Adobe Stock<\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"YGS5TQPLIZEODO4SHTPHV7VXBE\">The Best Shotguns for Snow Goose Hunting<\/h2>\n<p id=\"6ZKYCPR2TREMFOBHHI5OROTJEQ\">Early in the season, when adult geese make up the bulk of migrating birds, you\u2019ll often need to shoot geese at longer ranges over the top or as they slide. Later in the year, when the inexperienced juvenile birds migrate you have a better chance of good shooting at decoying birds up close.<\/p>\n<p id=\"KFFK7N4XOVDLHHDO3FA4CT42D4\">Shoot a 12. It\u2019s good to have a gun that can reach out. Modified is a good compromise choke for long and close shots. Or, pack an Improved Cylinder and Improved Modified in your blind bag and be ready to switch depending on whether adults or juvies show up.<\/p>\n<p id=\"F25DK5MQHRHWLADOC2YNPLBQZM\">Your gun should be reliable, and it will have to shoot when it\u2019s dirty. If a snow goose field isn\u2019t muddy, it\u2019s dusty. Bring a can of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/G96-Complete-Triple-Action-Gun-Treatment\/dp\/B006EE0OUC\/?Tag=camdenxfas-20&amp;tag=camdenxfas-20&amp;asc_source=browser&amp;asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fieldandstream.com%2Fcategory%2Fwaterfowl-hunting%2Ffeed&amp;ascsubtag=0000FS0000089804O0000000020240409080000\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">G96<\/a> and give the gun a spritz if the action slows down. You\u2019ll want to add a 2 or 3 magazine extension for snow goose season, too. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.choketube.com\/choke-tubes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Carlson\u2019s offers extensions<\/a> for many popular guns.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"37JREKYL4NBABLK445L7NDLCZY\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cabelas.xhuc.net\/c\/2536217\/185932\/2623?subId1=FS-HT&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cabelas.com%2Fshop%2Fen%2Fstoeger-m3500-snow-goose-semi-auto-shotgun\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">Stoeger 3500 Snow Goose<\/a><\/h3>\n<div class=\"ProductCard--theDrive \" data-id=\"ProductCard\">\n<div class=\"ProductCard-image\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/cabelas.xhuc.net\/c\/2536217\/185932\/2623?subId1=FS-HT&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cabelas.com%2Fshop%2Fen%2Fstoeger-m3500-snow-goose-semi-auto-shotgun\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><br \/>\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Stoeger-Snow-Goose.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"auto\" alt=\"Stoeger M3500 Snow Goose Shotgun\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Stoeger-Snow-Goose.jpg\"><br \/>\n              <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"ProductCard-cta\">\n<p class=\"ProductCard-btnWrap\">\n      <a class=\"ProductCard-btnLink\" href=\"https:\/\/cabelas.xhuc.net\/c\/2536217\/185932\/2623?subId1=FS-HT&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cabelas.com%2Fshop%2Fen%2Fstoeger-m3500-snow-goose-semi-auto-shotgun\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><br \/>\n        SEE IT<br \/>\n      <\/a>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p id=\"NY5Y37ESPNF3LE5DEHLYYJZIAI\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/cabelas.xhuc.net\/c\/2536217\/185932\/2623?subId1=FS-HT&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cabelas.com%2Fshop%2Fen%2Fstoeger-m3500-snow-goose-semi-auto-shotgun\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">3500 Snow Goose<\/a> is a 3\u00bd-inch inertia gun that comes ready for the field in a coat of distressed white Cerakote, extended chokes, a magazine extension, and a spiffy paracord sling.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read Next: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fieldandstream.com\/hunting\/how-to-hunt-geese\/\">The Complete Guide to Hunting Geese<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ZSUQAX3X2VFWDIYCQTAW5WAYAU\">The Best Ammunition for Snow Goose Hunting<\/h2>\n<p id=\"AZ4P4A7BHJDMHERV2GEARLY7X4\">The conservation order not only allows no limits and unplugged guns, it allows extended magazines, too. You may shoot a lot, and you\u2019ll be shooting at angles, like straight overhead, where you\u2019ll really feel recoil. So, skip the 3\u00bd-inch shells and super-high velocity stuff. You don\u2019t need it, anyway.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"WTBG7UJFSBC2DD3WI4KRIA7SIE\">Deluxe Choice: <a href=\"https:\/\/apexmunition.com\/product\/tss-s3-steel-blend-ws\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apex TSS\/S3 Blend<\/a><\/h3>\n<div class=\"ProductCard--theDrive \" data-id=\"ProductCard\">\n<div class=\"ProductCard-image\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/apexmunition.com\/product\/tss-s3-steel-blend-ws\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><br \/>\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Apex-Waterfowl-Ammo.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"auto\" alt=\"Bird Hunting Gear photo\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Apex-Waterfowl-Ammo.jpg\"><br \/>\n              <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"ProductCard-cta\">\n<p class=\"ProductCard-btnWrap\">\n      <a class=\"ProductCard-btnLink\" href=\"https:\/\/apexmunition.com\/product\/tss-s3-steel-blend-ws\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><br \/>\n        SEE IT<br \/>\n      <\/a>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p id=\"HHQLHENJMNGLXCHQJ62SQ5AHG4\"><a href=\"https:\/\/apexmunition.com\/product\/tss-s3-steel-blend-ws\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The 3-inch, 12 gauge blend <\/a>load contains an ounce of BBs and a quarter ounce of smaller TSS pellets to fill up your pattern. It\u2019s pricey, especially for high-volume shooting, but it really works.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"BT43VTVJUZHH3NVZUNFAZQFHLQ\">Budget Choice: <a href=\"https:\/\/cabelas.xhuc.net\/c\/2536217\/185932\/2623?subId1=FS-RU&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cabelas.com%2Fshop%2Fen%2Ffederal-premium-speed-shok-waterfowl-load-shotshells%2F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">Federal Speed Shok<\/a><\/h3>\n<div class=\"ProductCard--theDrive \" data-id=\"ProductCard\">\n<div class=\"ProductCard-image\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/cabelas.xhuc.net\/c\/2536217\/185932\/2623?subId1=FS-RU&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cabelas.com%2Fshop%2Fen%2Ffederal-premium-speed-shok-waterfowl-load-shotshells%2F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><br \/>\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-image=\"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Federal-shells.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"auto\" alt=\"Bird Hunting Gear photo\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Federal-shells.jpg\"><br \/>\n              <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"ProductCard-cta\">\n<p class=\"ProductCard-btnWrap\">\n      <a class=\"ProductCard-btnLink\" href=\"https:\/\/cabelas.xhuc.net\/c\/2536217\/185932\/2623?subId1=FS-RU&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cabelas.com%2Fshop%2Fen%2Ffederal-premium-speed-shok-waterfowl-load-shotshells%2F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><br \/>\n        SEE IT<br \/>\n      <\/a>\n    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p id=\"7KOPAA7XNNEVZIHUBWGOD4NOVE\">The choice of many budget-minded hunters, <a href=\"https:\/\/cabelas.xhuc.net\/c\/2536217\/185932\/2623?subId1=FS-RU&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cabelas.com%2Fshop%2Fen%2Ffederal-premium-speed-shok-waterfowl-load-shotshells%2F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">\u201cBlue Box\u201d Federals<\/a>, was already good before they received a makeover. Now, they have better powders, primers, and shot, and they still cost under $20 a box. What more do you want? Shoot the 3-inch BB, No. 1, or No. 2 load at 1450 fps.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs<\/h2>\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\">\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1678116073460\">\n<h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Q: How many decoys for snow goose hunting?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Hundreds. At a minimum, you should plan for around 500 decoys. Some snow goose hunting spreads number in the thousands. But you shouldn\u2019t let this discourage you from getting started. Focus on buying budget decoys, like windsocks, and teaming up with some friends. Year after year, buy a few more decoys. Before you know it, you\u2019ll have quite a flock.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1678116105205\">\n<h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Q: Where is the best snow goose hunting?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">According to harvest numbers, California the best state to hunt snow geese. Runners-up include Texas, Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, South Dakota, North Dakota, Kansas, and Washington.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1678116137438\">\n<h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Q: Why are snow geese hard to hunt?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Snow geese learn quickly and can get wise to hunters. Flocks are also full of older, experienced birds who\u2019ve seen a lot of hunting seasons. They also travel in huge flocks. The more eyes in a flock, the more chance a hunter has of getting busted.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fieldandstream.com\/story\/hunting\/beginners-guide-spring-snow-goose-hunting-season\/\">Snow Goose Hunting: A Beginner\u2019s Guide<\/a> appeared first on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fieldandstream.com\">Field &amp; Stream<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"color: #444444;font-style: italic\"><em data-renderer-mark=\"true\">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>LemieuxImages\/Adobe Stock We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":413,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/411"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=411"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/411\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":428,"href":"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/411\/revisions\/428"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/413"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=411"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=411"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.gelman.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=411"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}