Goose hunting considerations/tips

[Realtree]

Some great tips from REEDS:

By far the most popular method of goose hunting today is field hunting over decoys. Never before have goose hunters had so many varieties of decoys to choose from. There are standard shell decoys, Super Magnums, wind socks, full bodied decoys, silhouette decoys, and even goose decoy blinds to choose from. A variety of decoys will work but keep in mind three important factors. They are size, numbers and realism. Super Magnum decoys are visible from longer distances than standard size shell decoys.
       
Like other wild animals, geese feel safety in numbers. This is especially true when decoying snow geese where large spreads of decoys are much more effective than smaller spreads. Obviously a large spread of super magnum decoys isn't realistic from a price or transportation perspective. Wind sock and silhouette decoys are less expensive and easier to transport than large shell decoys. Silhouettes such as Outlaws have very realistic detail because of the photographic detailed finish. These are an excellent choice for adding both realism and numbers to a decoy spread. Full bodied decoys also add realism, but again are more expensive and bulky than other models.

The best answer is to have a variety of styles to give your decoy spread size, numbers and realism. Blinds and camouflage are an important consideration for the goose hunter. Geese have eyesight equal to a human with seven power binoculars so not being seen is very important. Pit blinds are a good way to go if you have the landowners permission. If not other blinds like the Hay Bale Blind work very well. Some hunters will lie flat with camouflage covering over them. This works as long as the hunter remains motionless. Geese spot motion very easily so keep all movement to a minimum. Calling is another important aspect that can't be ignored. The best style of call is the flute variety. Purchase a goose calling tape to learn to sound realistic. Bad calling will flare geese, particularly when they have been hunted hard.
       
Hunters can have a great decoy spread, excellent calling and a great blind, but all will be for naught if they aren't hunting where the birds are. Scouting is a must for successful goose hunting. Normally the birds will feed in the mornings and evenings and rest on the water during the day. Scouting the night before the hunt to find the fields the birds are using is important. Then one only needs to be at the field the next day before the geese arrive to have a successful hunt.
 

[Outdoors Junkie]

Here are more tips from the MN DNR site.

Canada goose hunting is the fastest growing hunting sport in Minnesota. Our state harvests more geese than any state in the country.

Many hunters new to the sport are unaccustomed to firing at such a big bird. More familiar with shooting ducks, they often fire with too light a load at geese too far away. To improve hunters' effectiveness and reduce the crippling of geese caused by ill-placed shots, the DNR has begun teaching hunters how to shoot more effectively. Through a brochure, "Get Your Goose," and seminars held each fall at Thief Lake and Lac Qui Parle wildlife management areas, hunters are learning how to improve their odds of bagging a honker.

Although it's a big bird, a goose has a relatively small vital zone. The total area in which pellets will kill a goose is just one-tenth the bird's total size. To ensure they hit the vital zone with enough ?oomph,? waterfowl hunters need to pattern their guns and find the correct loads.

Most experts say the best loads for geese are sizes 1, BB, BBB, or T steel shot. For most hunting situations, BB or BBB shot is the most effective shot size. Both have plenty of pellets, but still enough energy to bring down a goose. Guns are usually 10- or 12-gauge. Because steel shoots tighter patterns 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 to 50 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. Another common mistake of beginning hunters is to shoot at geese flying out of range ("skybusting"). This can cripple birds, flare off approaching geese, and may cause approaching flocks to fly even higher. Some exceptional shooters have the skill to occasionally drop a bird "from the stratosphere," but for most hunters, a kill at over 50 yards is just dumb luck and poor sportsmanship. A good rule of thumb recommended by goose guides is this: If the end of your gun barrel covers more than half the bird, it is beyond 45 yards and is too far away for a clean kill.

It takes practice to find the correct lead for geese. The big birds have slow wing beats that make them appear to be lumbering along. But actually, geese move as fast as a mallard. Lead accordingly.

[DetSgt14]

Agreed.  I would go further to say that in my experience, when decoying geese commit to a landing, my favorite shot is when they are about ten feet off the ground, coming down and about fifteen yards out.  It may seem like I'm picky, however, if you can get geese to commit to a landing in that range, the shot(s) will be easy, and a healthy dose of #2, BB or BBB will knock them out.  Geese can fly fast, however, they are not as manueverable as a mallard or other duck and are large enough that should they flare while coming down, they will hover or level out above ground sufficiently that an almost stationary target presents itself.  More so, should you get geese to land in your spread, you deserve to take advantage of that type of "easy" shot.  It is hard enough to hit them at altitude when passing.

DetSgt14 :gunsmilie:
"If it flies, it dies"

[The General]

Wow this is the first time I have ever heard someone say the Flute is the best goose call.  Which I completely agree with.  So many people believe in the short reed call so I picked one up.  I'm getting better but still sound like a goose on crack. 

OJ:  I agree with everything you said.  I would also like to add (I'm not a petternmaster salesman either) that with a patternmaster choke you can easily extend that range from 40 yards to 50 or 60 yards.