Snow geese are a challenging waterfowl species to hunt. They are wary birds that flock together in large numbers and can be difficult to decoy. However, with the right decoy spread and calling tactics, hunters can bring snow geese into range. Here are some tips on how to effectively decoy snow geese.
Choosing the Right Decoys
It’s important to use decoys that accurately represent live snow geese. The two main things to focus on are coloration and posture:
- Coloration – Snow goose decoys should be bright white, with black wingtips. Avoid decoys that are yellowish or dirty-looking.
- Posture – Decoys should have active, feeding poses. Avoid decoys that are static and upright.
Full-body decoys work best for snows. They offer a more realistic silhouette and motion in the wind. For large spreads, full-body decoys can be combined with windsock-style silhouettes to increase numbers.
Recommended Decoy Types
- Full-body snow goose shells
- Full-body snow goose floaters
- White windsock decoys
- Motion decoys like flappers or shakers
A mix of full-body and windsock-style decoys allows you to create a large spread at a reasonable cost. Just be sure they are bright white and have realistic postures.
Spread Size and Formation
When hunting snow geese, more decoys are definitely better. Huge spreads in the 1,000 to 2,000 range are not uncommon for snow goose hunting over fields. Here are some guidelines for spread size:
- Smaller Spreads – Use at least 100-200 decoys for small hunts
- Mid-Size Spreads – 500-1,000 for average field hunts
- Large Spreads – 1,000-2,000+ decoys for major snow goose migration areas
The decoys should be arranged randomly in small, loose family groups. Each group should have a mix of full-body feeders and windsock silhouettes. This mimics how live geese will congregate in flocks rather than a rigid formation.
Leave landing zones 30-50 yards in front of the blinds where the decoys are more sparse. Snow geese prefer to land in open areas near the main flock.
Decoy Movement
Adding movement to your spread helps make the decoys look alive. There are a few ways to add realistic motion:
- Full-Body Motion Decoys – Decoys with moveable parts like flappers and shakers that move in the wind.
- Flagging – Placing flags strategically in the spread that wave in the breeze.
- Windsocks – These silhouette-style decoys move fluidly in wind.
Put the moving decoys near the landing zones and around the edges of family groups. The motion catching the eyes of passing geese looking for a place to join the flock.
Using Decoy Sleds
Sleds allow you to set out spreads of a few hundred full-body decoys with ease. ATVs or snowmobiles can pull sleds to quickly transport decoys in and out of fields. Some tips:
- Use flexible plastic sleds that glide over uneven terrain
- Separate decoys into sections using bungee cords for organized deployment
- Bring spare cords to make field repairs if sleds or decoys break
Set up a main base camp and make spoke runs to deploy lines of decoys out in different directions. This helps create the illusion of geese grouped up in all corners of the field.
E-caller Setup
E-callers broadcast digitally recorded snow goose sounds to help lure birds within range. Follow these tips for setting them up:
- Place rear-facing on edge of decoys, so sound projects towards incoming geese
- Use a mix of loud greeting calls and soft background murmurs/feeding calls
- Conceal with natural cover or camo netting to prevent scaring geese
- Rotate between multiple callers around the spread for realism
Start with louder, more aggressive calling to get their attention. As geese approach, lower the volume and use softer calls so it sounds like a content flock feeding and murmuring.
Blind Placement
There are two main options for placing blinds in a snow goose spread:
- On the upwind edge – Blinds hidden on the side geese will land into the wind lets you shoot them feet-down.
- In landing zones – Hides the hunters among the sparse decoys were geese want to land.
If hunting with a smaller spread, blinds in the landing zones in front of the decoys is best. For larger spreads, upwind edges allow for safer shooting with birds gliding into range.
Use natural cover like corn stubble or brush when possible. If needed, bring camo mats, fencing or artificial snow bank blinds to conceal blinds.
Scouting Tips
Scouting and choosing the right field to hunt is key for snow goose success. Look for fields with these features:
- Short, sparse vegetation snow geese can feed in like wheat, rye or barley stubble
- Muddy open areas with low cover for landing zones
- Close proximity to roost waters where geese sleep at night
- Unpressured areas away from roads and human activity
Snow geese often follow predictable daily patterns flying the same paths to feed and water. Setting up right where they want to feed in their comfort zone is the best bet for decoying them.
Additional Tips
Here are some other miscellaneous tips for effectively decoying snow geese:
- Set up well before shooting time to get decoys out without scaring geese
- Hide blinds and layouts in shallow dips and depressions
- Use white camo, coveralls and masks to blend into the spread
- Stay hidden when geese are swarming the decoys
- Don’t overcall or use e-callers too loudly when geese are close
- Be patient – allow geese to fully commit before breaking cover to shoot
Conclusion
Decoying snow geese is a fun challenge for waterfowl hunters. It requires large, realistic spreads, careful concealment, and smart use of e-callers. Matching the right decoys and calling tactics to the area’s snow goose behavior each day is key. With persistence through weather and hunting pressure, decoying snows into range is an extremely rewarding experience.