How to Hunt Geese
Our best practices for a successful goose hunting season
Whether you are a seasoned goose hunter or new to the sport, unsuccessful days in the field can be frustrating. Our skilled guides at Lost Quarter Farms are well equipped to help you bag your limit during your Missouri Geese hunting trips. Before you begin your stay at our lodge, read up on the top tips to having the most successful goose hunting season!
Spread your decoys out when goose hunting
Every hunter will tell you to spread your decoys out for the best results. Building your decoy spread can be one of the most enjoyable aspects of waterfowl hunting. It combines creativity and experimentation for a challenging yet rewarding activity. Including variety and a healthy amount of space between your decoys is a sure-fire way to bag your limit during your time at Lost Quarter Farms. Setting up a large spread will capture passing birds’ attention and deter them from their original destination.
Remain as still as possible when geese approach
A vital factor for hunters in the blind is to keep perfectly still. No movement should occur until the first shot is called. Not only should you be controlling your movement, but you should also concentrate on keeping your head down. Looking up at the geese will make you more visible to them as they are flying by. The golden rule of geese hunting is this: if you can see them, they can see you better. Practice discipline and you will love the results!
Practice your shooting prior to shooting geese
Making that perfect shot is one of the great joys of hunting geese. Good shooting practices are at the core of every successful hunting season. So how do you become a good shot? How do you turn your misses into clean kills? You practice! Build your shooting instincts and hone your skill by following these tips:
- Make sure your shotgun fits naturally and smoothly to the shoulder
- Practice smart shooting instead of fast shooting
- Aim for one bird at a time to develop precision
- Learn to trust your shooting instincts
- Follow through with your shot by practicing swinging your shotgun
- Consider taking a course at a shooting school
Choose the right geese calls
Selecting the right goose call can make or break your day in the field. There is a wide range of goose calls to choose from that make very different noises and require different skill sets to use. Choosing the right calls depends on the species of goose you are hunting as well. Before you embark on your hunting vacation at Lost Quarter Farms, research the season and the type of geese that commonly populate our area, or give us a call and we will point you in the right direction!
Don’t overdo your geese calls
A common mistake amongst geese hunters in overcalling. Volume and speed in your calls do not necessarily equate to emotion. Contrary to popular belief, goose calling is more of an abstract skill than a calculated one. Spending time in the field will help you to read how the birds will react and adjust your calls as you go. Make sure you are conveying a message to the geese instead of simply making noises that will drive them away.
Follow the geese hunting leader
Every successful hunting trip has a leader. Our skilled guides at Lost Quarter Farms are knowledgeable in every aspect of geese hunting and ready to take you on the goose hunting trip of your life. Your leader will study the behavioral patterns of the geese and determine not only when to call and flag, but also when to take your shot. Our guides will ensure your team of hunters stays concealed at all times and that your day in the field goes smoothly and successfully.
Angle blinds for better shots
Bagging your limit is impossible without the use of blinds. However, something hunters often don’t consider is the practice of angling blinds to your advantage. For example, if your hunters are mostly right-handed, position your layout blind slightly to the right of the landing hole. If there are left-handed hunters in your group, they will have the most successful hunting experience on the right end of the line to intercept any geese that happen to slide off on that side.
Don’t forget to flag for geese
Flagging is just as important as calling when it comes to geese hunting. Hunters will wave flags intermittently to pull waterfowl in by mimicking a flock of geese landing among the decoys. When the geese do head towards your spread, drop your flags and let our guides flag in the final stretch. If the geese happen to veer away, resume flagging and calling to regain their attention.
Use earplugs while shooting live geese
Goose hunting at Lost Quarter Farms is meant to be an enjoyable and successful experience! Follow our best practices for the best hunting experience of your life. Contact us today to book your trip.