Geese are wary birds that require careful setup and placement of decoys to attract them and bring them into shooting range. With so many options and strategies for setting up goose decoys, it can be difficult for hunters, especially beginners, to know what the most effective spread is. This article will examine the key considerations for setting up a goose decoy spread and provide recommendations on the best practices for decoying geese.
Decoy Numbers and Types
When setting up decoys for geese, more is often better. Geese are extremely social birds that travel and feed in flocks, so setting out large numbers of decoys triggers their natural instinct to join others of their kind. Most experts recommend using at least 4-6 dozen decoys for geese, though successful spreads may use well over 100 decoys or more. The most common types of goose decoys include:
- Full body decoys – Most realistic option with fully detailed body and colors, allows use of motion stakes.
- Shell decoys – Hollow plastic shell decoy that is lighter weight and more compact for transport.
- Silhouette decoys – Flat profile outline of a goose, lightweight and packable but less realistic look.
- Windsock decoys – Lightweight fabric SOCK decoys that move in wind, easy to set up in numbers.
Most hunters use a combination of full body and shell decoys combined with windsocks or silhouettes to allow for large numbers and a realistic look. Shells and full bodies are placed closest to the hunting spot, while windsocks and silhouettes are set further out.
Decoy Placement and Spread Patterns
How you set up and arrange your goose decoys can make all the difference on whether geese commit and come in for a shot. There are a few basic spread patterns that can be used:
J Hook
The J Hook has decoys arranged in a J shape opening towards the hunting spot, with the long part of the J upwind of the hunters and the curve towards the hunters. This leaves an open landing zone in front of the hunters for geese to land in.
U Shape
Similar to the J Hook, decoys are arranged in a U shape opening towards the hunters, leaving an inviting landing area. The opening of the U should face upwind.
Landing Zone
This is a simple spread with decoys on either side of an open zone in front of the hunters, creating an alleyway for geese to land in.
X Spread
Decoys are set up in an X shape coming from each corner towards the hunters. Space is left in the middle as the landing area.
No matter what pattern you use, always leave a 20-30 yard open area as a landing zone in front of the hunters. Face the open side of the spread upwind so birds can land into the wind. Make sure to leave adequate spacing between decoy groups, as geese prefer to land with lots of room to spare between flocks.
Decoy Placement Tips
Here are some key tips to follow for placing goose decoys:
- Put full body and shell decoys closest, within 30 yards of hunters.
- Have decoys face in multiple directions rather than all facing the same way.
- Angle some decoys away from hunters to create realism that birds are feeding.
- Include a mix of standing and feeding decoys.
- Leave openings and landing areas free of decoys.
- Make spread large enough for spacing between groups.
- Use windsocks and silhouettes on outer perimeter of spread.
Using Decoy Movement
Adding movement to your spread can make it much more realistic and eye-catching to passing geese. There are a few ways to add effective motion:
- Use full body decoys with stakes that allow them to move and spin in wind.
- Add windsock decoys that flutter and move in wind.
- Use decoy motion machines that create ripples in water.
- Attach decoys to lines and pull them around to mimic feeding or swimming.
The motion attracts attention and makes it look like live birds. Be sure not to overdo it though, as unnatural or excessive movement could spook incoming geese.
Use Decoy Sounds
In addition to decoy visuals, using sound can be highly effective for luring geese. Consider using:
- Decoy callers – Battery, mouth or wind powered calling units that mimic goose calls.
- E-callers – Electronic callers that play high quality goose call recordings.
- Goose flagging – Using a hand-held flag to mimic wing flashes of live geese.
Calling allows you to interact with geese already flocking and flying by and helps convince them the spread below is live geese. Vary calls between greetings, feeding murmurs and occasional aggressive calls.
Using Ground Blinds
Hunting geese over decoys is most successful when concealed in ground blinds or layout blinds that allow you to remain hidden. Layout blinds placed in the landing zone are ideal, but ground blinds work well for concealment. Avoid open sitting as geese can spot unnatural shapes and movement.
Scouting for Feeding Areas
When hunting over fields, the most effective place to set your spread is where birds are already feeding. Scout and watch fields ahead of time to note where geese prefer landing and feeding. Focus on open areas with good visibility and access to roosting waters.
Consider Proximity to Roost
Geese seek safety in numbers while roosting on water overnight. Setting up too close to the roost site they depart from in morning or return to at night can make them hesitant to approach. Try to set up 100-400 yards from the roost pond or lake if possible.
Time of Day
Early morning and an hour or two before dusk tend to be prime times to decoy geese, especially on feeding fields. The birds are anxious to get to food sources at dawn and return to roosts in evening. Mid-day hunts can still be successful during certain seasons too.
Scout and Adapt
Continuously scouting the movements of local geese will allow you to adapt and improve your spread. Note the times they move, sizes of flocks, and areas they prefer. Then mimic what they are doing with your decoy numbers, placement, sounds and blinds.
Decoying Other Species
The goose hunting tips and spreads above work well for most species of Canada geese, snow geese, specklebellies and other common goose species. Minor adaptations may be needed for less abundant species. Always check your local regulations too.
Conclusion
When decoying geese, using large numbers of mixed decoys, creating space and landing zones, and adding motion and sound are all key factors that can improve success. Mimicking live geese by observing patterns of local birds and adapting your spread based on scouting is perhaps the best way to decoy more geese within shooting range. With patience and practice of proper decoy strategies, you will be rewarded with exciting goose action. Just be sure to follow hunting regulations for your area.