Back to the basics

Tips for hunting Arkansas’ late-season Canada geese

A goose flag is just one of many types of decoys hunters can use to draw wary Canada geese within shooting range.
A goose flag is just one of many types of decoys hunters can use to draw wary Canada geese within shooting range.

We waited in the harvested corn field, scanning the morning sky. All was quiet for many minutes; then in the distance, we heard the first melodic strains of flying geese.

I could soon make out the birds floating in the tangerine sunrise. Adrenaline stirred my senses. They were coming our way.

The calls of the Canada geese grew in volume. We could tell there were 20 or more coming toward us in a V-shaped wedge, but the flock broke up. Some began swinging north, away from our spread, but some held a steady course that would bring them near us.

Two hunters began calling. Would it be enough to attract their attention? I gripped my shotgun tightly and wondered.

The last five minutes seemed like an hour. More of the flock broke off, turning back toward another field. Fewer than a dozen geese remained, but these were convinced our spread was real. At 100 yards, they cupped their wings and began swinging back and forth in the air as they flexed their rudders and dropped their landing gear.

Too late the birds realized our ruse. One hunter shot, then another. I swung on one giant bird and fired. The goose hit the ground with a hard thump as I tried unsuccessfully to get another bird in my sights.

When it was over, I realized I was shaking. Excitement does that to me. And this type of hunting, my friends, is exciting.

Arkansas’ September season for Canada geese has already passed, but the statewide season is running again, through Friday, and Dec. 6-Jan. 31, with a daily limit of two. If you want to experience the pleasures of this memorable pastime and are just learning the ropes of Canada goose hunting, here’s some basic information that should help you get started.

Guns and loads

Most experts say the best loads for geese are sizes 1, BB, BBB or T steel shot. For most hunting situations, BB and BBB shot are the most effective sizes. Both have plenty of pellets, but still enough energy to bring down a goose. Guns are usually 10- or 12-gauge. Because steel shot has a tighter pattern than lead does, the best chokes for geese are modified and improved modified. However, each shotgun choke is unique, which is why hunters should pattern their particular guns.

To test loads, place a 40-by-40-inch square sheet of paper at the same distance as flying geese that will be shot at. (For most hunters and situations, that’s about 30 yards). Fire at an aiming point you mark on the paper. Do this on five sheets. Then, on each sheet, draw a 30-inch diameter circle around the densest pattern area on each sheet, and count the pellets that hit inside the circle. This is the “pattern density.” Try different loads and chokes until one is found that puts enough pellets (from 35 for heavier loads up to 55 for lighter loads) into the circle, which ensures that enough will hit the goose’s vital zone for a clean kill.

Calling Canadas

If you want to become a good goose hunter, you must become a good caller. And this isn’t something you can learn the weekend prior to goose season. Start early and practice.

Dozens of good calls are available, all of which are effective in the hands of a good caller, but be sure you buy one made specifically for calling Canada geese. A snow goose or whitefront call probably won’t properly imitate the distinctive calls of Canada geese.

It’s helpful to listen to wild birds and try to imitate them with your calls. There are no better teachers. But unless you have a friend who is a skilled caller who can teach you, you also should purchase an instructional CD that will allow you to hear the actual sounds of geese and good calling by practiced goose hunters. Study this and try to duplicate the sounds used for various situations: the greeting or hail call used to get the attention of distant geese; the cluck or feeding call used when geese are approaching the decoys; the comeback call, meant to entice geese to take another look at your decoys; and others. After some practice, record yourself and decide if you’re good enough to start calling in the field. Listen for weaknesses in your repertoire, then practice to improve them.

Decoys

Canada goose decoys are available in several styles: full-body decoys, shell decoys, floating decoys, rag decoys, silhouettes, magnums and specialty items such as goose flags and motion decoys. Ideally, the hunter should use some variety in the decoy spread and use decoys most suitable for the area being hunted. When hunting a river, for example, some floating decoys will be wanted, along with some standing decoys to place along the banks. Hunting a big farm field may work best with lots of rag decoys and/or silhouettes, with some full-bodied dekes mixed in and a flag to draw the birds’ attention.

A spread with four or five family groups of five to seven birds apiece works very well in most situations, but adapt your spread as necessary.

Hunting tips

Elaborate blinds are nice, but not necessary, because the typical goose field will probably produce only one or two good shoots before the birds move elsewhere. Many hunters simply lie on their backs in the decoys and wear camouflage clothing that blends well with their surroundings. Pit blinds, portable blinds and makeshift blinds made from natural materials on-site also can be used, depending on where you hunt.

The most important thing hunters should remember is to remain well hidden and absolutely motionless until birds are within shooting range. Canada geese are wary, and if they sense anything out of place, they’ll avoid it. If approaching birds seem reluctant to land, flare off at the last minute or land consistently outside the decoys, chances are they are spotting the blind, hunter movement or something else that makes them nervous. Don’t hesitate to move a blind or decoys, if necessary, to lure birds well within shotgun range.

Where to hunt

Canada geese thrive throughout Arkansas in a wide variety of habitats, everything from small ponds, big rivers and reservoirs to open agricultural fields and city parks. If you own property where geese come to feed or rest, you can study the birds’ habits, determine what areas they are using when and be hunting in just days. Otherwise, you should check with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to learn about public grounds that

offer good shooting, or visit with landowners to ask for hunting permission on private lands where you find geese during prehunt scouting.

All these things require knowledge, time and hard work, of course. You need to scout, set up realistic decoy spreads in key locations, be well camouflaged, know how to call and be creative. If you’re not up to these tasks, consider hiring a guide. These guys can show you the ins and outs of goose hunting, and after you’ve experienced a hunt firsthand, you’ll know whether you want to make the required investment in time and equipment to hunt on your own.

Canada geese provide unexpected thrills at every turn. Hunting them is a great way to enjoy the outdoors this winter. These incredible birds will leave your heart pounding and provide memories long treasured.

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