What is goose spread?
Goose spread refers to the pattern and spacing between a group of goose decoys that are set out when goose hunting. Setting a proper goose spread is an important part of goose hunting, as it can greatly increase your chances of attracting and decoying geese into range. There are a few key factors to consider when setting a goose spread:
Decoy type and numbers
The specific types and number of decoys used will depend on the area and type of geese you are hunting. Some common decoy types include:
– Full body goose decoys – Most realistic option, allowing different head positions and motion. 12-24+ are common per spread.
– Shell decoys – Cheaper lightweight option. Often used in large numbers of 100+.
– Silhouette decoys – Flat side-profile decoys. Used in fields for visibility.
– Motion decoys – Decoys with moving wings or heads to add realism. 1-2 per spread.
– Floaters – Decoys that float for water hunting. 8-12+ often used.
For Canadian geese, a couple dozen full bodies combined with some shells or silhouettes is a good starting point. For specklebellies, 80-100+ shells/silhouettes are common.
Spread pattern and spacing
Geese prefer landing in spread out family groups, so mimicking that pattern is key. Some common spread tactics include:
– J-hook: Decoys in a loose “J” shape. Allows geese to land in pockets.
– Landing zone: Open area in middle of spread for geese to land.
– Holes: Create holes and pockets in spread for geese to land in.
– Lines: Arrange decoys in uneven, extended lines coming into the landing zone.
Each decoy should be spaced 2-4 feet apart to emulate a scattered flock. The spread can range from 20-100+ yards across depending on location.
Positioning
The spread should be positioned based on expected goose flight patterns:
– Downwind of expected approach paths
-parallel to travel routes like rivers or tree lines.
-Leading edges facing the wind direction.
Observe geese and scout the area to pattern their preferred routes. Position blinds/pit so geese will pass over the decoys when approaching.
Adding realism
Several other details can add realism:
– Place full body decoys in different poses – feeding, resting, looking around.
– Use motion decoys carefully on edges and landing pockets.
– Layout decoys in family groupings with different sizes.
– Use decoys appropriate for species – dark specklebellies vs. grey Canadans.
– Add feathered decoys for spread visibility at a distance.
– Set up spinning wing decoys for motion.
Concealment
Adequate blind or pit concealment is also critical so geese do not flare off:
– Use proper camouflage clothes, facemasks, gloves. Avoid exposed skin.
– Hide in blinds with brush added for cover. Pits or layout blinds work well in fields.
– Conceal as best as possible – avoid moving around the spread.
Scouting
Scouting the hunting area before setting up is key to observing goose numbers, flight patterns, and feeding/roosting areas. This allows an optimal spread placement. Look for:
– Flyways between fields and roosts
– Feeding and loafing field areas
– Time of day geese are most active
– Where geese prefer to land in fields
– Cover and terrain features geese follow
Calling
Effective calling is used along with proper decoy spreads. Calling strategies include:
– Greeting and flock calls as geese first approach
– Low aggressive calls to draw attention
– High pitched comeback calls when geese turn away
– Clucks, moans, and murmurs as geese near the landing zone
– Soft realistic calls rather than constant loud calling
What are some tips for setting a goose spread?
Here are some additional tips for setting an effective goose spread:
– Be mobile and adjustable – Have sleds, bags, or carts to move decoys as needed after scouting or as conditions change.
– Use decoys properly – Clip any loose tie strings, check for damage, don’t overstack.
– Set up in darkness – Get the spread out and blinds set well before shooting light. Be quiet and stealthy.
– Be patient – Geese are weary, hold off calling and shooting until they fully commit. Don’t overcall.
– Natural concealment – Use available vegetation, terrain, fences, etc to supplement blinds.
– Leave a landing zone – Geese need room to set their wings before touchdown. Don’t overcrowd the kill hole.
– Downsize spread as season progresses – Early season spread may be larger, as geese get pressured minimize exposed decoys.
– Stay alert – Scan for geese from all directions periodically. Be ready to call or adjust spread as needed.
What are some common mistakes to avoid?
Some common mistakes beginners make when setting goose spreads include:
– Decoying downwind of geese – The birds will smell you and flare off. Always set up upwind.
– Not scouting adequately – Take the time to scout and observe local goose patterns and tendencies.
– Overcalling and overflagging – Less is often more with calling, don’t panic geese with constant noise.
– Ignoring terrain – Make use of any terrain features or cover that geese want to follow.
– Decoys too close together – Geese want sufficient room to land comfortably. Avoid tight clumps.
– Not concealing blinds adequately – Take extra effort to hide blinds with natural vegetation.
– Waiting too long to shoot – Be patient but don’t let geese land and then re-flare because they spot you.
– Not adjusting the spread – As geese respond, you may need to tweak decoy placement or change calling tactics. Pay attention and adapt.
How do you finish a goose hunt?
Properly cleaning up and finishing a goose hunt is also an important part of the process:
– Quickly retrieve downed geese – Get them picked up and out of sight of other circling geese.
– Efficiently pick up decoys – Have a system for bagging decoys to avoid leaving any behind. Work as a team.
– Exit the area quietly – Leave the field/marsh carefully without excessive noise or activity.
– Field dress harvested geese – Removing entrails helps preserve meat and makes transport cleaner.
– Clean decoys – Remove any mud or debris. Check for damage and repair as needed.
– Prepare geese for transport or storage – Take proper care of harvested geese. Have bags/cooler ready.
– Review hunt results – Discuss what went right and wrong to improve for next time.
– Scout for next hunt – Look for indications of ideal locations based on day’s activity.
– Proper game care – Follow regulations. Handle geese ethically and with respect from field to table.
Conclusion
Successfully hunting geese over decoys requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. Understanding optimal spread setup regarding decoy types, patterns, spacing, positioning, and concealment based on scouting will greatly increase your chance of success. Proper calling technique and adapting the spread as conditions dictate is also important. Avoid common mistakes like improper wind orientation, lack of concealment, and overcalling. With practice, attention to detail, and persistence, you can set decoy spreads that will consistently draw geese into range for an exciting hunt.
Decoy Type | Characteristics | Number Used |
---|---|---|
Full Body | Realistic; allows head/motion; expensive | 12-24+ |
Shells | Lightweight; inexpensive; for large spreads | 80-100+ |
Silhouettes | Flat profile; for field visibility | Couple dozen |
Motion | Moving wings/heads; adds realism | 1-2 |
Floaters | Float for water; durable | 8-12+ |
Spread Pattern | Characteristics |
---|---|
J-Hook | Decoys in loose J shape; allows landing pockets |
Landing Zone | Open area for geese to land |
Pockets | Gaps and holes for geese to land in |
Lines | Extended, uneven lines into landing zone |
Common Mistakes |
---|
Decoying downwind of geese |
Not scouting local geese adequately |
Overcalling/overflagging |
Ignoring terrain features |
Decoys too close together |
Blinds not concealed adequately |
Waiting too long to shoot |
Not adjusting spread as needed |