Early season goose hunting tips - the basics

When it comes to waterfowl hunting, few experiences are as cherished as that first early season goose hunt. A crisp September morning in a freshly cut silage field, a truck bed load of old goose decoys arranged in an awkward U shape, and some poorly hid blinds with a few faces poking out. The sight of that first group of geese swinging into frame is a memory many waterfowlers hold close. But after that thrilling moment, the real question arises: how do you make it happen again? If you're aiming to bring down more early-season geese, here's a few basic tips that could make this season your best yet.

Finding the Perfect Hunting Spot

The foundation of a successful early season goose hunt starts with securing a prime hunting location. Early season geese are creatures of habit, favoring an easy meal close to their roosting spots. The milder temperatures of early fall mean that they don’t need the high-protein diets of late-season geese. Instead of flocking to corn and beans, early season geese are content with wheat, hay, or even lawn grass. Your first step should be to identify these easy food sources near a roost. Observing where the geese go after leaving their roost will give you a strong indication of their feeding habits. Once you’ve nailed down their destination, it’s time to secure permission to hunt on that land.

Navigating Landowner Relations

Gaining access to private land can be challenging, but it's a crucial part of the process. Tools like OnX Hunt can help you identify landowners and property boundaries. However, the timing and approach of your request are just as important as identifying the right spot. There’s never an ideal time to approach a farmer—everyone has their own busy schedule. When you do reach out, be respectful and mindful that landowners have likely heard numerous requests to hunt on their property. Approach them with honesty and specificity. If you’re planning to hunt the next morning or bring a group of friends, make sure they’re aware of your intentions. If the answer is no, be courteous, thank them for their time, and move on. Persistence and politeness often pay off in the long run.

Setting Up Your Decoy Spread

With land secured, it’s time to focus on your setup. Early season geese are often found in smaller family groups, so your decoy spread doesn’t need to be overly complex. A modest setup of 5 to 50 decoys is typically sufficient. The key is visibility. If you’re looking to attract geese from a distance, consider spreading your decoys out in scattered groups to create a larger visual footprint. Remember, early season geese are less wary than their late-season counterparts, so simplicity often works in your favor.

When setting up your decoys, think about the natural behavior of geese. In the early season, they aren’t as cautious and tend to gather in smaller, less structured family groups. This means you can afford to be a bit more relaxed with your decoy placement. A loose, scattered arrangement that mimics a feeding group can be highly effective. The idea is to replicate a scene that geese will find inviting and safe, encouraging them to land within shooting range.

The Importance of a Good Hide

While decoy placement is important, your hide is absolutely critical. No matter how perfectly you set your decoys, if the geese can spot you, your chances of success plummet. Many hunters love their A-frame blinds for comfort and convenience, but it’s crucial to understand that these blinds don’t have any special powers when it comes to concealment. The goal is to blend in seamlessly with the natural environment. In most cases, layout blinds provide superior concealment, especially in open fields. They allow you to disappear into the landscape, minimizing the risk of spooking incoming geese.

If you’re forced to create a hide in a less-than-ideal field, the key is to keep any artificial cover as low-profile as possible. Even when using an A-frame blind, it’s often more effective when positioned against a hard edge like a tree line or tall brush. When placed out in the open, especially along a low-cut fence line, A-frame blinds can stick out and make geese wary. If you’re experiencing issues with geese not finishing, nine times out of ten, the problem lies with your hide. The solution? Blend in better, and consider pulling your hide back farther from the decoys. The farther you can set yourself back without losing visibility, the better your chances of remaining undetected.

Mastering the Art of Calling

Calling is another area where less is often more, especially with early season geese. These birds aren’t as pressured or wary as they will be later in the season, so minimal calling is usually more effective. A few well-timed clucks and moans can be all you need to draw geese into your spread. Overcalling can make your setup seem unnatural and draw unnecessary attention to your hide. Remember, waterfowl have an incredible ability to pinpoint the exact location of a sound. The more subtle your calling, the less likely you are to give away your position.

Understanding when to call and when to stay silent can make a significant difference in your success. Pay attention to the behavior of the geese. If they’re already showing interest in your spread, there’s no need to call aggressively. Sometimes, it’s better to let the decoys do the work. On the other hand, if the geese seem hesitant or are flying high, a few well-timed calls can encourage them to take a closer look.

Selecting the Right Shell Load

When it comes to choosing your shell load for early season geese, we recommend 3” #2 shot as a reliable option. While BB shot is often a go-to for many hunters, early season geese are still relatively soft and haven’t developed the thick layer of fat typical of late-season birds. The smaller #2 shot provides a denser pattern, ensuring more pellets hit the target. It’s also important to pattern your shotgun before the season starts. Every gun and load combination performs differently, and knowing how your setup patterns at various distances can help you make better decisions in the field.

Join Us for an Early Season Goose Hunt

If you’re eager to put these tips into practice and experience the thrill of early season goose hunting firsthand, consider joining us at our Michigan camp. Early season honkers are a unique challenge and a true joy to hunt, offering an excellent opportunity to hone your skills and learn from seasoned hunters. We welcome both new and experienced hunters alike, and we’re more than happy to share our knowledge to help you become a more effective goose hunter.

At our Michigan camp, you’ll not only have the chance to hunt fresh feeds and loafs every day, but you’ll also gain insights into advanced tactics that can elevate your hunting game. Whether you’re looking to perfect your calling, pick up a few tricks to hide better, or simply enjoy the camaraderie of a great hunt, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

By following these tips and refining your approach, you’ll be well on your way to a successful early season goose hunt. These experiences can lead to some of the most memorable moments in a waterfowler’s life, from the thrill of the hunt to the satisfaction of a job well done. So get out there, enjoy the season, and make the most of every opportunity to improve your skills and deepen your love for the sport.