When hunting snow geese, using decoys is a key strategy for attracting the birds and increasing your chances of success. But how many decoys do you really need? There are a few factors to consider when determining the ideal number of decoys for snow goose hunting.
Consider the Location
One of the biggest factors in determining how many decoys you need is the location where you are hunting. In large open fields, you will generally want to set out hundreds or even thousands of decoys to create a massive spread that is highly visible and draws in flocks from a distance. The white decoys contrast sharply with the brown fields and stand out like a beacon to snow geese.
In tighter areas like marshes or smaller fields, you may not have room for huge spreads. In these locations, a couple dozen or up to 100 decoys may be sufficient to bring birds in close.
Account for the Size of Your Party
The number of hunters in your group is another consideration when figuring out decoy numbers. Generally, you want to allow for 20-30 decoys per hunter as a good rule of thumb. So for a party of 4 hunters, you would want between 80-120 decoys. This allows each hunter to have enough decoys around them to attract geese within shooting range.
For larger parties hunting big spreads in open fields, you may end up with 50 or less decoys per hunter since you are covering a wider area. The key is to make sure the entire spread looks dense and realistic from the air.
Consider Realistic Numbers
When snow geese are feeding in an agricultural field, it’s common to see flocks numbering in the thousands or even tens of thousands. To mimic these huge flocks, many expert snow goose hunters recommend setting out decoy numbers that realistically represent a large flock.
For example, setting out 500-1,000 decoys can simulate the size of actual snow goose flocks in some locations. This adds to the realism and drawing power of your spread. Of course, you still need to account for your location and hunter numbers as well when aiming for realistic flock sizes.
Use a Mixture of Decoys
Rather than just setting out hundreds or thousands of full-body snow goose decoys, many hunters use a mixture of full bodies combined with windsocks and shells. This allows you to increase the apparent size and visibility of your spread in a cost effective manner.
A common approach is to use full-body or high-quality shells for the first 20-30 yards of the spread, then fill out the rest with windsocks. Or you can add windsocks along the edges and through the middle of the spread to add more motion and visibility.
Sample Decoy Number Combinations
Based on these factors, here are some example decoy numbers to consider:
Location/Party Size | Decoy Numbers | Decoy Types |
---|---|---|
Small marsh with 2 hunters | 50-60 decoys | Full-body and shells |
Large open field with 6 hunters | 400-500 decoys | Mix of full-bodies, shells, and windsocks |
Tight grain field with 3 hunters | 75-100 decoys | Mostly shells with some full-bodies |
Use Movement and Sound
Beyond the number and types of decoys, using movement and sound can increase the effectiveness and realism of your spread. Spinning wing decoys that mimic flashing wings as geese land are highly effective at catching a flock’s attention from a distance.
Electric or wind-powered snow goose decoys that provide motion help make your spread look more alive. Strategically placed decoys with movement can draw geese into range. Adding snow goose calls and electronic callers provides key sounds that appeal to the birds’ instincts.
Scout the Birds
When possible, scouting the geese and their feeding patterns in the days before your hunt will help determine appropriate decoy numbers. Watch the flock sizes, habitats, and feeding behaviors in your particular hunting area. This will provide intel to mimic their patterns as closely as possible.
Ask fellow hunters or guides in the area for advice as well. Their experience decoying geese in specific spots can dial you in on effective decoy numbers and spreads.
Be Flexible and Adjust
While the recommendations above can serve as rough guidelines, remaining flexible and adjusting your spread based on conditions is key. Decoying geese takes some trial and error, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works. Intensify your calling, add more motion, or adjust the decoy numbers until you find the right formula.
Conclusion
When hunting snow geese, using large spreads of hundreds or even thousands of decoys is often ideal, especially in open fields. But smaller numbers in the range of 50-100 can be effective in tighter areas. Account for your hunting party size, scout for local conditions, and use mix of decoy types. Remain flexible and adjust your spread as needed until you dial in patterns that consistently decoy geese within range. With patience and practice, you’ll determine how many decoys you need to set up a killer spread for snow geese in your specific spots.