the Hunter's Lane
summer hunter's guide:
canada goose

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Canada Goose, sometimes called Canadian Goose, is a large wild goose with a black head and neck, white cheeks, white under its chin, and a brown body. It is native to the arctic and temperate regions of North America, and it is occasionally found during migration across the Atlantic in northern Europe. 

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Where:

In Georgia, early Canada goose season begins in early September with a daily limit of 5 geese, and early teal season opens in early September as well, roughly a week behind early Canada goose season, with a daily limit of 6 teal. Nearly 40 states have established early Canada goose hunting seasons. These specially timed hunts typically occur well in advance of the arrival of migratory geese and focus solely on resident birds.

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When:

The first week of September marks the most common opening date. Some states like North Dakota offer an early Canada goose season that begins in mid-August.

 

Preferred Habitat: 

Canada Geese can be found in many habitats closely associated with water, including marshes, lakes and ponds. Canada geese typically feed in open grassy areas. 

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Active Times:

Geese usually fly to feeding areas in the early morning and late afternoons but undertake increased flight activity throughout the day when it is stormy.

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Tracking:

To find out exactly where they’re feeding, first establish where the geese are roosting. Get there before dawn in your vehicle, watch their flight pattern, and follow them as best as you can. It might take a few mornings to discover where they’re going. Alternatively, drive back roads early in morning and look for geese descending on fields. Use binoculars to watch geese and know in which area of a field they feel safe. With permission secured, walk the field and precisely identify the “X” by droppings and feathers left behind. This is where you’ll set up.

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Position:

Like most other birds, Canada Geese are very unlikely to approach if they spot humans (or any other predators) nearby. Since you are trying to get these geese to fly within an optimal shooting range, wearing the right camo to help you blend in will be crucial. You may want to also consider a portable blind to mask your movement and position. And don’t be scared to rotate locations. 

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Recommended Caliber for Canada Goose Hunting: 

12 or 20 gauge Shotgun​

• 12 gauge is the classic go-to for those hunting Canada Geese, ducks and other waterfowl.

• 20 gauge shotgun options offer less recoil and work just as well for dove hunting, especially when using modern TSS shellshot

 

Taking Aim:

You want to aim over six feet in front of the bird. As a general rule, one inch of barrel movement equals one foot of lead for the bird. If you shoot like you are going to miss in front of the bird, you will likely put the dove right in the center of your shot pattern. The red target in the center of the photo below roughly represents where you want to aim before pulling the trigger.​

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Recovery:

Be sure to keep your eyes on the bird as it falls, allowing you to recover your game without too much searching involved. If you are fortunate enough to hunting with trained bird dogs, well...they know what to do.