Using a snow goose call effectively takes practice and an understanding of snow goose vocalizations. Snow geese make a variety of noises, from soft murmurs to loud, noisy calls. Knowing when and how to use different calls can improve your odds of attracting snow geese during hunting season.
What is a snow goose call?
A snow goose call is a mouth-blown device that mimics the sounds of live snow geese. Snow goose calls are usually made of polycarbonate or acrylic and utilize a reed to produce sound when air is blown into them. There are different types of snow goose calls that mimic different snow goose vocalizations:
- Clucks – Short, staccato chatter sounds
- Moans – Medium-pitched mournful sounds
- Hails – Loud, noisy heckling sounds
- Murmurs – Soft, low-pitched sounds
Using a call that produces an authentic snow goose sound is key to getting their attention and luring them in. The most versatile and popular snow goose calls can mimic all the sounds a snow goose makes.
When to use snow goose calls
Timing is important when using snow goose calls. In general:
- Use clucks and moans when snow geese are still distant to get their attention.
- Use soft murmurs when snow geese are within shooting distance to reassure them.
- Use loud hails and clucks when attempting to call snow geese back after shooting at the flock.
However, you must also read the birds and adjust your calling strategy accordingly. If nearby snow geese seem spooked or hesitant, stick with soft murmurs and moans. If distant birds aren’t responding, switch to louder aggressive calling.
How to use a snow goose call
Follow these tips when using a snow goose call:
- Use appropriate reeds – Snow goose calls come with interchangeable reeds suitable for different sounds. Make sure you have the right reed in your call for the snow goose vocalization you want to imitate.
- Master your breathing – Blowing consistently into the call creates better sounds. Inhale through your nose and exhale forcefully into the call using diaphragmatic breathing.
- Use proper lip pressure – Press your lips lightly around the mouthpiece of the call. Avoid squeezing too tightly, as it will restrict air flow.
- Control air speed – Blowing harder creates louder calls, while gentle blowing makes softer, murmuring sounds.
- Use hand manipulation – Cupping your hands around the end of the call or opening up the end alters the sound. Experiment to get the effect you want.
- Mimic realistic pacing – Snow geese take breaths between calls. Mimic natural pacing by allowing breaths between series of calls.
- Vary sounds – Mix up murmurs, moans, clucks and hails realistically. Using one sound repetitively is unnatural.
- Avoid overcalling – Calling too frequently or loudly can scare off geese. Call just loud enough for geese to hear and limit calling to every 10-15 seconds.
Best practices for snow goose calling
Keep these best practices in mind when using snow goose calls:
- Scout areas and set up where snow geese are likely to feed or roost.
- Conceal yourself in a natural blind and use decoys to help lure in geese.
- Begin calling when snow geese are distant to get their attention.
- Call less aggressively as geese get closer.
- Use a degree of unpredictability in your calling. Vary the pace, volume, and sounds.
- Call more aggressively after shooting to attempt to call back circling geese.
- Avoid overcalling and give geese a chance to respond.
- Be patient. It can take time for calling to work in attracting geese.
Beginner snow goose calling tips
For beginners learning to use a snow goose call, keep these tips in mind:
- Buy an easy-to-use snow goose call designed for beginners. Look for calls with a single reed rather than double reed.
- Start off practicing basic clucks and moans. Work on mastering these two common sounds.
- Don’t try to learn everything at once. Start with basic sounds and work your way up to advanced calling techniques.
- Record yourself and listen back critically to identify areas for improvement.
- Watch snow goose calling instructional videos to pick up tips and perfect your technique.
- Practice calling every day, even for just 10-15 minutes. Consistency is key.
- Bring your call everywhere and practice whenever you get the chance.
- Go slow. Speed will develop over time as you get more comfortable.
Snow goose calling tips and techniques
Here are some more advanced snow goose calling tips and techniques to master:
- The feed call – Use a mid-pitched staccato moan when geese are actively feeding. Mimic contented geese murmuring while foraging.
- The comeback call – After shooting, immediately emit loud excited hails and clucks to mimic geese calling flock mates back.
- The greeting call – Use low mellow moans and murmurs when new geese join your decoy setup, acting as if you’re welcoming them.
- The finisher call – End with some excited loud hailing after moaning or clucking to mimic geese about to set their wings and land.
- The pleading call – Mix in some higher-pitched keening notes to create the sound of young geese begging for food.
- The natural call – Insert pauses, volume changes, hoarse sounds, etc. to sound like live geese vs a monotonous repetitive call.
With practice, you’ll learn when to correctly apply these advanced snow goose calling techniques during different hunting scenarios.
Snow goose calling practice tips
Here are some useful practice tips to improve your snow goose calling abilities:
- Record yourself calling then listen back critically to identify what to improve.
- Practice calling alongside snow goose calling videos or recordings to compare sounds.
- Join a snow goose calling clinic or workshop to learn tips from experts.
- Practice calling while watching videos of snow geese so you learn real bird behaviors.
- Try calling with a partner and take turns listening to each other. Provide constructive feedback.
- Use a mirror while calling to watch your mouth, hand and body mechanics to perfect technique.
- Don’t overpractice to the point of developing bad habits through fatigue. Take regular breaks.
With regular targeted practice using proven training techniques, you can become highly proficient at using snow goose calls.
Common snow goose calling mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes beginners make when snow goose calling:
- Overcalling – Less is often more. Don’t call constantly.
- Too loud or aggressive – Use excited loud calls sparingly when geese are close.
- Monotone calling – Add realism by varying volume, speed, pitch.
- Unnatural pacing – Insert realistic pauses between call sequences.
- Wrong call for situation – Know which calls to use when.
- Poor technique – Rushed breathing, lip pressure, hand use, etc. impairs sound.
- Not selling the call – Lack of confidence and not calling enthusiastically.
- Ignoring bird reactions – Adjust your calling based on real goose behaviors.
- Getting discouraged – Stick with it! Calling well takes a lot of practice.
Be mindful of these common mistakes hunters make when first learning snow goose calling. Frequent practice and drilling proper technique will help overcome them.
How to choose the best snow goose call
Look at these factors when choosing the best snow goose call for you:
- Design – Choose a proven call design from a reputable brand that’s easy to use.
- Realism – Ensure it can mimic the full range of snow goose sounds realistically.
- Reeds – Interchangeable reeds allow producing different sounds.
- Durability – Pick a sturdy call that can withstand field use in all conditions.
- Ease of use – Go for a call with easy, forgiving playability if new to calling.
- Sound quality – Crisp, clear sound at all volumes is key.
- Cost – Set a budget and expect to pay more for premium calls.
Try out different quality snow goose calls to see what design and configuration suits you best. Having options to switch between can be beneficial when hunting.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of snow goose calling requires understanding the different sounds geese make, when to use each call, and proper calling technique. With frequent focused practice using the right goose call for your skill level, you can become proficient at calling in wary snow geese. Pay close attention to the geese’s reactions and don’t be afraid to experiment to find what works best. With the right calling skills and strategy, you’ll be ready to successfully hunt snow geese.