Decoys for snow geese

[kitchrat]

As I eagerly await my goose-hunting trip on the prairies in October, I read an article in the British Columbia Wildlife Federation magazine, about decoying snow geese.

The crux of the matter seems to be that full-bodied decoys are best (you can't use dead birds, because of bag and possession limits). It seems you only need about 25 DOZEN, full-bodied decoys, so you need several "trailers", like small furniture vans to transport them!! Note: they cost about £20+ each!!

On the other hand, "windsock" decoys, (Silosocks type) can be transported flat and are "inexpensive" and, I quote: " As a result they are often used in situations where 1200 to 1500 decoys are required....."

You think we have to carry some kit!!!!

You are not allowed to "bait" fields but, for snow geese only, you can use amplified electronic calls. There is some point in this as geese are very vocal in flight and, as they approach decoys (or feeding birds) their calls change and if they don't get the expected reply, will pull out at 75-100 yards range - not much use if you are using steel shot.

Magnets and motorised flappers are OK too.

The whole thing is a sight to see and hear, 1000's in a flock, you can hear them miles away. (literally!)

I'll try and take a few pictures and report on my adventure, if anyone is interested...

 

Kanada Kitchrat

[kiffy]

ive sat in amazment watching the dvds of decoying over there with the trailers they have. i remeber one destiantion x dvd where one of the guys spotted a few ducks landing in field of standing corn so he went for a look and found a natural pond and not that big a pond in the middle so they reversed a pick up in that was piled high with duck decoys, dropped the back and pushed them in to the water there was hardly any room left for real ducks

[marsh man]

We haven't got as far as the Americans yet but I think we are heading in that direction with Goose decoying , last year I watched two chaps with there Goose decoys out which numbered around 30 plus two magnets with the cloth decoys on so when they went round the wings were flapping like a Goose dropping in to land , give them credit they knew what they were doing and when three Pinks came off the mud flats the calling started and it got louder and louder and you could see these geese looking round to see where it was coming from, once they spotted all this movement there days were numbered they turned to come in with there feet dropped and there wings cupped with confidence and hovered over the magnet until three or four shots rang out and there time was up. So with no bag limits and very few restrictions on what decoys ect you can use where will it end ?

[landofficer]

Wish I was going to have a crack at the snows the whole experience of the amount of decoys and the way they have to do it over there because of how wary they are will be great.

From what I understand is that the snows are destroying there own breeding ground from a massive explosion in population and at certain times of year they don't have bag limits to thin them out.

Get back to us when you home

[strangford wildfowler]

Lucky man

 

I would love to go to the states or even Canada to shoot, my dad done it a couple of time he said the numbers of wildfowling is phenomenal

[Terry P]

Its something I looked at doing, but after watching many, many you tube clips where 10 or more guns pop out of their layout blinds blazing away with mutli shot semi autos I'm having second thoughts.

It would be a truly incredible experience to be in such close proximity to massive numbers of geese but think that would be tarnished by the ensuing salvo that would shatter the joy.

I have been looking at trying for whitefronts over there as the chances of getting a flight at them here is very slim indeed. Plus being a wildfowler I would struggle with my conscience with regards not eating what I shoot.

Enjoy you trip and I look forward to reading about your experiences.

[Reabrook]

Having experienced vortexing snows a few times in New Jersey I can say it truly is a magical experience. However I think Terry nails it. The two Wildfowling/Waterfowling cultures are miles apart. I'm not saying the Americans have it wrong just that it's not for me. It does worry me some that there are now people in UK raised on the US DVD and have that sort of expectation

[kiffy]

. It does worry me some that there are now people in UK raised on the US DVD and have that sort of expectation

 

would they be the ones that dont rejoin their wildfowling club after their first season

 

i really enjoy the american dvds but do much prefer the british ones, i love chris greens dvds

[Reabrook]

would they be the ones that dont rejoin their wildfowling club after their first season

 

i really enjoy the american dvds but do much prefer the british ones, i love chris greens dvds

I'm not against any of them in truth. It's just keeping things in perspective but some peoples expectations far out weigh what they will find in this country. Without gravely upsetting the rest of the Wildfowling world I might add.

[kitchrat]

Wish I was going to have a crack at the snows the whole experience of the amount of decoys and the way they have to do it over there because of how wary they are will be great.

From what I understand is that the snows are destroying there own breeding ground from a massive explosion in population and at certain times of year they don't have bag limits to thin them out.

Get back to us when you home

Yes, they are eating their summer home in the arctic bare.

There is still a closed season but the daily bag limit is up to 50. The environmentalists have ASKED us to have a spring shooting season as well as autumn, to thin them out on their way back north.

I'll keep you posted on what happens in October....

[kitchrat]

Its something I looked at doing, but after watching many, many you tube clips where 10 or more guns pop out of their layout blinds blazing away with mutli shot semi autos I'm having second thoughts.

It would be a truly incredible experience to be in such close proximity to massive numbers of geese but think that would be tarnished by the ensuing salvo that would shatter the joy.

I have been looking at trying for whitefronts over there as the chances of getting a flight at them here is very slim indeed. Plus being a wildfowler I would struggle with my conscience with regards not eating what I shoot.

Enjoy you trip and I look forward to reading about your experiences.

I agree about the "lack of field craft" but I've tried it the British way, without success! It will be a once-in-a -lifetime thing. The outfit I am going with insist that all birds shot are cleaned, those you can't take home go to the food bank.

[Terry P]

Please don't think I'm having a pop fella as I'm not. I am sure I will end up over there on day myself. can you explain to me what you mean when you say you've tried the british way.

How much is the trip costing you, if you'd rather not say no worries, October is not far away you must be so excited by now.

[kitchrat]

Please don't think I'm having a pop fella as I'm not. I am sure I will end up over there on day myself. can you explain to me what you mean when you say you've tried the british way.

How much is the trip costing you, if you'd rather not say no worries, October is not far away you must be so excited by now.

No worries, no offence taken. I quite agree that the DVDs you see look a bit like shooting fish in a barrel but I'm sure it's not that easy. Two years ago three of us went with 2 dozen Canada Goose decoys. We drove 1000miles to Saskatchewan then all around looking for where the geese were feeding, then got permission from the farmers. You can get a map which shows you who owns what and where they live. All very friendly, said Yes (but no digging trenches). Then we went out before dawn, set the decoys, took cover as best we could and waited and waited...... A few ducks had a look, one or two got shot, a few speckled geese had a look but with the wrong decoys and no calls they didn't commit. Snow geese kept on going at 100 yds up. In three days the three of us got about 8 birds, mostly single geese that (I'm told) had lost their mates and were searching for them - they would come too near! We had a call but didn't know what to do with it, the lone birds would respond to an "echo" of their call.

These things are hard to kill wth steel, you need them to decoy well.

That was my "British" attempt - I'm a pigeon shooter really!!

This year I'm going the other route. A big outfit has spotters to find the birds and huge areas of permission. We all go out before dawn to set up but with hundreds of decoys, electronic calls etc, I hope we will get to shoot a few dozen.

The cost is "huge"! We get 3 morning goose shoots and 2 evening duck flights, 3 nights full food and lodging, birds cleaned etc for about £1400.

By the way, semi autos are limited to 3 cartridges. Snow geese the daily bag limit is 50, all others 5 per day, so it isn't quite a massacre!!

I'll let you all know what happens...

Kanada Kitch aka Pigeon John!!

[Terry P]

That is an epic trip pal, I class myself as a travelling wildfowler but going blind to America takes things to another level, hell another planet even. I would really like to hear more about that trip, the planning, birds, locals etc etc its must of been immense. Hats off to you all. Were the birds there in numbers, was it lack of calls, local knowledge that resulted in number of birds shot, did you fly over with your own guns, what do you think of their ammo. Were the locals helpful, friendly.

[kiffy]

make sure you get us some photos when you go

[motty]

No worries, no offence taken. I quite agree that the DVDs you see look a bit like shooting fish in a barrel but I'm sure it's not that easy. Two years ago three of us went with 2 dozen Canada Goose decoys. We drove 1000miles to Saskatchewan then all around looking for where the geese were feeding, then got permission from the farmers. You can get a map which shows you who owns what and where they live. All very friendly, said Yes (but no digging trenches). Then we went out before dawn, set the decoys, took cover as best we could and waited and waited...... A few ducks had a look, one or two got shot, a few speckled geese had a look but with the wrong decoys and no calls they didn't commit. Snow geese kept on going at 100 yds up. In three days the three of us got about 8 birds, mostly single geese that (I'm told) had lost their mates and were searching for them - they would come too near! We had a call but didn't know what to do with it, the lone birds would respond to an "echo" of their call.

These things are hard to kill wth steel, you need them to decoy well.

That was my "British" attempt - I'm a pigeon shooter really!!

This year I'm going the other route. A big outfit has spotters to find the birds and huge areas of permission. We all go out before dawn to set up but with hundreds of decoys, electronic calls etc, I hope we will get to shoot a few dozen.

The cost is "huge"! We get 3 morning goose shoots and 2 evening duck flights, 3 nights full food and lodging, birds cleaned etc for about £1400.

By the way, semi autos are limited to 3 cartridges. Snow geese the daily bag limit is 50, all others 5 per day, so it isn't quite a massacre!!

I'll let you all know what happens...

Kanada Kitch aka Pigeon John!!

I disagree with this bit. Hit them in the front end and steel will kill at good range.

 

Don't some of the lads out there get special licences to shoot snows with unrestricted semi autos and no bag limit?

[kitchrat]

I disagree with this bit. Hit them in the front end and steel will kill at good range.

 

Don't some of the lads out there get special licences to shoot snows with unrestricted semi autos and no bag limit?

Wow Motty, you can even hunt me down and disagree with me on Wildfowling in Canada!! I'm impressed but perhaps we should both get a more varied life!! (Only joking!)

As far as I know, working from the hunting regulations of the provinces, the daily bag limits for snow geese are : Alberta, 50, Saskatchewan 20, British Columbia, 5. The possession limit is 3 times the daily limit.

They are all firm on the 3 shots limit on semi autos and you cannot have a 2nd gun with you.

[kitchrat]

That is an epic trip pal, I class myself as a travelling wildfowler but going blind to America takes things to another level, hell another planet even. I would really like to hear more about that trip, the planning, birds, locals etc etc its must of been immense. Hats off to you all. Were the birds there in numbers, was it lack of calls, local knowledge that resulted in number of birds shot, did you fly over with your own guns, what do you think of their ammo. Were the locals helpful, friendly.

Not quite as epic as you think Terry, I live for part of the year in British Columbia, Canada so it's not so hard. I have a truck here so don't need to fly. You can fly, $50 to have a gun in the hold, 50 rounds ammo limit ($50), no taking dead birds back etc etc.

However, I still had to:

Go on a course to get a PAL (possession and aquisition license to own a gun and buy ammo)

Go on a CORE course to get a Hunter Number.

Buy a hunting license each year

Buy a federal "Migratory Game Bird" licence each year

Buy an Albertan Win card (don't know what it is, $11 for 5 years)

Buy an Albertan Non-Resident Game bird license each tear $33)

And, finally, But an Albertan Resident Wildlife Certificate Resource Fevelopment Certificate, $29, each year

That's to go in Alberta.

For Saskatchewan, you would need a couple more....

 

As to the details, it's a bit like pigeon hunting in the UK but on a huge scale. The birds are bigger, the numbers are astronomical but so are the areas they can feed in. A small field is 1 mile x half a mile, with no cover. The fields stretch from horizon to horizon, hour after hour in the truck. You can lie on your back covered with a camo net, or as you see in the DVD's, dig a trench. The farmers don't let you do that! (except for $$$$'s I expect).

They call them snow geese because the fields they ARE in, look as though they are snow covered. I saw a lake, several acres, not a pond with so many ducks on you could hardly see the water. At dawn, they all woke up and stretched their wings, the noise was unreal!!

The locals are super friendly, (plus moose, which are NOT friendly) we never got refused permission to shoot, but NO trenches. Didn't have a digger with me but some teams do!!.

If you PM me your email, I'll send you a few piccies, a short video etc of my 2012 trip, with 2014 to follow.

Cheers,

Kanada Kitchrat

[Penelope]

Kitchrat - how about posting the pictures and video on this thread, I'm sure that there will be a lot of interest.

 

Not quite as epic as you think Terry, I live for part of the year in British Columbia, Canada so it's not so hard. I have a truck here so don't need to fly. You can fly, $50 to have a gun in the hold, 50 rounds ammo limit ($50), no taking dead birds back etc etc.

However, I still had to:

Go on a course to get a PAL (possession and aquisition license to own a gun and buy ammo)

Go on a CORE course to get a Hunter Number.

Buy a hunting license each year

Buy a federal "Migratory Game Bird" licence each year

Buy an Albertan Win card (don't know what it is, $11 for 5 years)

Buy an Albertan Non-Resident Game bird license each tear $33)

And, finally, But an Albertan Resident Wildlife Certificate Resource Fevelopment Certificate, $29, each year

That's to go in Alberta.

For Saskatchewan, you would need a couple more....

 

As to the details, it's a bit like pigeon hunting in the UK but on a huge scale. The birds are bigger, the numbers are astronomical but so are the areas they can feed in. A small field is 1 mile x half a mile, with no cover. The fields stretch from horizon to horizon, hour after hour in the truck. You can lie on your back covered with a camo net, or as you see in the DVD's, dig a trench. The farmers don't let you do that! (except for $$$$'s I expect).

They call them snow geese because the fields they ARE in, look as though they are snow covered. I saw a lake, several acres, not a pond with so many ducks on you could hardly see the water. At dawn, they all woke up and stretched their wings, the noise was unreal!!

The locals are super friendly, (plus moose, which are NOT friendly) we never got refused permission to shoot, but NO trenches. Didn't have a digger with me but some teams do!!.

If you PM me your email, I'll send you a few piccies, a short video etc of my 2012 trip, with 2014 to follow.

Cheers,

Kanada Kitchrat

[figgy]

I like the way Americans set up hunting blinds for duck and geese near the water. Proper wooden raised affairs with bench seats for a few to sit and talk call the birds and shoot together. A real sociable day out with your hunting mates.

 

They put a lot more into it than we do and reap the rewards due to the high populations they have.

 

Enjoy your fowling season.

 

Figgy

[motty]

Wow Motty, you can even hunt me down and disagree with me on Wildfowling in Canada!! I'm impressed but perhaps we should both get a more varied life!! (Only joking!)

As far as I know, working from the hunting regulations of the provinces, the daily bag limits for snow geese are : Alberta, 50, Saskatchewan 20, British Columbia, 5. The possession limit is 3 times the daily limit.

They are all firm on the 3 shots limit on semi autos and you cannot have a 2nd gun with you.

On one of my Zink dvds, a party of guns are shooting out of the normal season (spring extension) and are using unrestricted guns. They shoot somewhere in the region of 100 snows a day.

[marsh man]

I like the way Americans set up hunting blinds for duck and geese near the water. Proper wooden raised affairs with bench seats for a few to sit and talk call the birds and shoot together. A real sociable day out with your hunting mates.

 

They put a lot more into it than we do and reap the rewards due to the high populations they have.

 

Enjoy your fowling season.

 

Figgy

Like you say "figgy" they do put a lot of effort in there duck and goose shooting , seeing the raft of decoys they put out at sea and the amount on land is unbelievable at times and I think they lead the field in wildfowl decoying, I am not saying I agree with how they do things but that might be because I am to lazy and to tight to cart that amount of gear about , one other thought , if they had Wood Pigeon shooting the same as us , would we be copying the way they do it with decoys and the different gadgets they used as I am sure there equipment would be as good or better than what we use now. I think the decoys would be bigger than ours and the nets might be better , what do you think ?

[kitchrat]

On one of my Zink dvds, a party of guns are shooting out of the normal season (spring extension) and are using unrestricted guns. They shoot somewhere in the region of 100 snows a day.

Yes, there is a spring season for snow geese, at the request of the Environmentalists. As to the unrestricted guns, could be it's in a different province or even the USA. Is the bag of 100 for the group, or each shooter?

How many telling shots do you think you could get off??

[kitchrat]

Kitchrat - how about posting the pictures and video on this thread, I'm sure that there will be a lot of interest.

 

I would if I knew how!! All I know is that a photo has a 300KB limit, the video is 5+MB. I don't do facebook etc.

Any advice appreciated!!

JK

[Penelope]

Pictures I can help with; video? Not a clue.

 

Follow the steps in the link.

 

http://www.theanglersforum.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?137367-Step-By-Step-Guide-How-to-post-pictures-in-threads

 

I would if I knew how!! All I know is that a photo has a 300KB limit, the video is 5+MB. I don't do facebook etc.

Any advice appreciated!!

JK