"During the 2013 Midwinter Survey, biologists counted 4,614,000 light geese, a 15% increase relative to the 2012 index of 4,021,200, and a record high for the third year in a row." - US Fish and Wildlife Service
It seems as though the 2014 season should be a good one. If
you're new to snow goose hunting or just looking for the latest and greatest gear,
here is a guide to assist you in having a successful season.
Getting Started:
When snow geese start to move into your area it is crucial that you DO NOT hunt the roost;
this is the cardinal sin of goose hunting. You can hunt all season around the
roost or once on the roost.
Weather plays a key role in the success of a hunt, so plan accordingly. It's very difficult to decoy
snow geese on calm, bluebird days. The best days are windy with low
cloud cover. A strong wind creates a lot of movement in the decoys and forces
the birds to fly low. Bad weather also seems to disorient the flocks and makes
them more willing to decoy. Snow and Blues are known to migrate year-round on a south wind. Don’t be afraid to hunt all day as they also tend to migrate in the middle of the day.
Decoys:
There are a lot of snow goose decoys on the market these days and every hunter as their preference on brand, type, and how to set up. This is simply a guide as to what products we have had success with in past years.
Dakota Full Body Decoys
Dakota's full body snow and blue goose decoys are pricier than some prefer, but they are a great looking, durable decoy that you'll have for a long time.
They come in 2 body styles, a relaxed upright or a feeding posture. What makes this decoy so appealing to hunters is its ease of use. The decoys are constructed as one-piece body, with no removable parts, and a one-piece motion system that can be attached or easily unattached with one step. That means there are no lose head connections or having your decoy blow over or off its base.
Avery Greenhead Gear Decoys
Avery's NEW Pro Grade line of snow and blue goose decoys has everybody talking. These decoys have tremendous detail and are reasonably priced.
The full bodies were created, tested & approved by the world’s most respected
snow goose hunters! Rock solid one-piece construction eliminates broken heads
and body splits while the New RealMotion® II System offers hassle-free set ups
and pick-ups. Snap back RealLegs™ along with anatomically perfect bodies with
highly detailed paint schemes provide unprecedented realism. Four unique bodies
ranging from 19” to 22-1/4” in total length.
Tip: If you only have a small spread, leave a lot of space
in between decoys. You can make 100 decoys look like 150 by spreading them out
or you can make them look like 50 by packing them tight.
Tanglefree Slammer Socks
Typically, having a large spread works to your advantage. Using Tanglefree's Slammer Socks is a great way to build that massive spread you've always dreamed of.
Developed in conjunction with professional guides, the
Slammer Socks are the next generation of wind socks. Built with durable, light
weight components, these decoys will allow you to fool one of the most
difficult birds to decoy. These socks are designed to last and are great for
use in any weather conditions.
CLICK HERE for the full line of Slammer Socks!
Sillosocks
Feeding flocks of snow geese are in constant motion. Decoy spreads set in feeding fields should mimic this motion. This is best accomplished with wind sock and motion decoys.
New improved printing and fiberglass mounting pole are now included.This decoy proved deadly on our hunts this spring. Used alone on a short fiberglass pole or on a rotary machine these are a must for any hunter. - Snow Goose Flapper: $24.99
A perfect solution for no wind days. Combined with the flapper decoy these have proved to be deadly on waterfowl in the field. The diameter is around 14 feet from tip to tip and comes with a speed control and remote to adapt to wind conditions.
- Tornado Rotary Machine 4-arm: $299.99
The Sidewinder machine will give your Sillosock flyers a new look. This 12 volt machine moves 2 Sillosock flyers horizontally. It looks like geese jostling for position right before they touch down. They also do this when the are feeding as they jump over the top of each other looking for food. - Sidewinder: $129.99
CLICK HERE for full line of Sillosock products
Also, check out our full line of Deadly Decoys HERE
Haydel Blue & Snow Goose Call: $11.99
Zink Storm Snow Goose Call: $103.99
Hamms Snow Goose Call: $114.99
RNT Quackhead Snow Goose Call: $19.99
A perfect solution for no wind days. Combined with the flapper decoy these have proved to be deadly on waterfowl in the field. The diameter is around 14 feet from tip to tip and comes with a speed control and remote to adapt to wind conditions.
- Tornado Rotary Machine 4-arm: $299.99
The Sidewinder machine will give your Sillosock flyers a new look. This 12 volt machine moves 2 Sillosock flyers horizontally. It looks like geese jostling for position right before they touch down. They also do this when the are feeding as they jump over the top of each other looking for food. - Sidewinder: $129.99
CLICK HERE for full line of Sillosock products
Also, check out our full line of Deadly Decoys HERE
Calls:
Haydel Blue & Snow Goose Call: $11.99
Zink Storm Snow Goose Call: $103.99
Hamms Snow Goose Call: $114.99
RNT Quackhead Snow Goose Call: $19.99
Bring those circling snow geese within gun range, with extreme volume capabilities in the all NEW SUPER SNOW CROW PRO from FOXPRO. This caller comes standard with 100 high quality FOXPRO sounds and can store and access up to 1000 sounds. This is the BEST electronic snow goose caller on the market!
FoxPro Systems Super Snow Crow Pro: $799.99
Suggested Snow Goose Sound CD's -
Snow Reaper: $24.99
Snowbait: $24.99
Blinds:
You must make your blind disappear, and we mean disappear,
like nothing’s there. This can be done by keeping blinds well mudded and setting
up in low spots or areas of a field with taller vegetation.
Tip: Hunt the weather. If possible, hunt on days with wind.
The harder the wind blows, the farther down wind you should position the blinds
in the spread.
After The Hunt:
Clean your birds quick and easy with the Wild Wing Slinger from Deadly Decoys!
Be patient and persistent. There is a reason these birds
live long lives – they are wary. However, there is nothing like having several
hundred to several thousand geese circling and descending upon your spread.
Have fun and good luck!
If you have any questions feel free to shoot us a message HERE. If you are planning on buying more than five dozen decoys, give us a call anytime to discuss discounted pricing.
