Spring Snow Geese

[DonBo]

So, I watched the video posted here the other day, wow! I had just booked a trip to MO for early March and was very excited to see what might be awaiting me.

My question is, what's the chances of actually seeing birds in these numbers while hunting? I've never really hunted geese at all, much less snow geese. The guide says to bring a case of shells and a couple big coolers to bring them home in. Holy carp. Do you need hearing protection? (from the noise of the geese as much as the shooting?) What about shells? 2's? BB's? And what if a guy actually shot a pile of birds? What do you do with 'em all?

Just looking for some input from you guys that have done it.

[chub]

You'll hear geese.....or atleast E-callers in your sleep afterwards....LOL Ear plugs wouldn't be a bad idea.

If you hit it right, you'll be dumbfounded by the numbers of birds you'll see. As for shells, BB's, 1's, 2's or even 3's-4's will work(depending on how close your getting them).

Guess I've come to the conclusion that they are best ground up and made into pepper sticks. Some claim they're just as good as any other "duck", but my experience(and taste buds) tell me otherwise

If you enjoy duck hunting, and things work out just right, you'll enjoy hunting SOB's.

[Gordie]

jerky,and more jerky Don also the peppersticks are great but they are a bit more work.

For shells I would personally shoot #2 blackcloud or BB blackcloud. fed priemium 2's and BB will work out great too.but as chub stated I would bring some smaller stuff incase they are really close but all around I would shoot BB myself.

hearing protection would be good for the gun blasts and the noise of the snows

[carpshooterdeluxe]

find a good cheap load of 2's and BB's that pattern well at 40 yards and buy a case of em.

snow goose is highly underrated table fare. its just like any other fowl, you need to put the effort into cleaning out the shot, feathers, and blood out of the wounds, as well as cook them no more done than medium rare. i usually toss 12 breasts in a crock pot with some seasoning then shred it up after 6 hours with some bbq sauce. they are great on the grill with a little marinade (gametamer works great) or just cube em up and hit em with shore lunch and fry them.

[Andy Loos1432404924]

Don where are you going? I usually go to the squaw creek area in Mounds City, MO. Usually say around March 1st there will be 1 million birds in town. Make sure to be a case of shells. I have went threw 16 boxes of shells in 2 and half days of hunting. I personally shoot bb's.

[DonBo]

We'll be somewhere near Squaw Creek, not sure exactly where yet. Our guide told me there were 2.1 million birds through there last year. We'll be there March 11-12. You don't think that's too late do ya?

Case of shells in two days? My shoulder hurts just thinking about that. Can't wait!

[cutter08]

you shouldn't be to late. It all depends on what the weather does in the next few weeks but historically that should be a good time to go. I use 3 1/2 BB's and they seam to do the trick for me. FYI bring some Advil for the shoulder and headache. If your in the right spot at the right time the hunting will be lights out

[ironman]

I'm suprised nobody has issued the real warning yet....snow goose hunting..especially spring hunting is highly addicting! Enter at your own risk.

[DonBo]

I'm suprised nobody has issued the real warning yet....snow goose hunting..especially spring hunting is highly addicting! Enter at your own risk.

Not too concerned about that. I'm not a waterfowler to start with (shot one duck and two geese in my life) and I'm an avid turkey hunter, so my springs are already pretty full. Hope you're right though, anything addictive has got to be more fun than most of us have a right enjoy.

[Jmnhunter]

when i moved out to ND last year, i went out snow hunting for the 1st time; its unbelievable seeing the numbers, and its really cool. It gets really discouraging though seeing the numbers fly over your head just out of range constantly circling you. I was with a guy with a starters decoy spread and ecaller. scouting is key; 1 day we set up on a feed and shot 7 total out of the thousands we saw. the other time we set up on another feed, shot 2 between 2 of us, and that was pass shooting. I'll be going again this year; alot of work setting up dekes, but its fun seeing the numbers.

[ironman]

Well, the spring season just might ruin anyother hunting for you. Just the numbers alone. In the fall the migrations is a steady trickle..in the spring its one massive push..following that snow line north. Even though it's only the snows and blues you can hunt..you will see every kind of waterfowl in it's most beautiful plumage...by the hundres...by the thousands. It's amazing...watching the ducks might be my favorite part of the trip. Scouting is very important...prepare to put on alot of miles. If you bring decoys...dont restrict yourself to them, sometimes pass shooting will be much more productive. Some guys do real well puttin on the sneak..although it hasn't really paid off for me....yet. Blind conceilment is also another very, very important factor...these birds are hunted almosth the entire year...so they are very wary. Alot of guys will say how smart they are...they are not any smarter than any other bird..they're just afraid of their own shadow! Dont get too discouraged trying to decoy these birds..I've seen multiple times a flock of snows circle 5,000 live birds on the ground and not committ only to set down in the next field with a fifty birds in it, or no birds at all. Go out there with an open mind, and dont forget the camera!!!!

[wooduck26]

I will be guiding in Mound City during the time period you will be there. Snowgoose hunting has a reputation of being big kills...it not always like that. Dont be suprised this year if 10 birds/day is the avg. The weather is the biggest factor in hunting these birds, you want a sunny day, 15mph wind. That weekend should be good (weather depending) it should be good as far as bird numbers.....do yourself the favor and take a break midday and drive through the refuge....its welll worth it.

I would bring a case of shells with you....ive shot 17 boxes in one day, and had to stop shooting because I ran out of shells, and trust me that is NOT a fun feeling. remember to take out your plug! I recommend 3in BB for shells.

Mound City....The italian place next to the gas station is really good! Quackers Bar, is another story....food kinda sucks. The truck stop is AWESOME!! GO there for a good meal and a great price.....the Ice cream at the gas station on the other side of the Hi-Way is dynomite! I hpoe you have a good time!

I see your from Oakdale....Me too!

-Dave

[DonBo]

Thanks for all the advice/stories guys. I'm really looking forward to this. Mound City is where we will be.

[DonBo]

Booked our rooms for this hunt yesterday. Had a hard time finding anything anywhere near Mound City. Hard to believe there's going to be so many people hunting in the area.

Three weeks, can't wait!

BTW, where's the best place to buy shells by the case? How much can I expect to pay for a case of 3" BB's?

[chub]

I've had good luck with Rogers via their HSOforum. I think they're out of Mo if memory serves me correct. Not sure on price, but I know in the past they've about the best prices I could find, and at times free shipping. Not sure where they're located down there, maybe in the area your going?

[carpshooterdeluxe]

Booked our rooms for this hunt yesterday. Had a hard time finding anything anywhere near Mound City. Hard to believe there's going to be so many people hunting in the area.

Three weeks, can't wait!

BTW, where's the best place to buy shells by the case? How much can I expect to pay for a case of 3" BB's?

rogers sporting goods. 3" federal speed shok BB for $99 a case with free shipping. also some other great ammo deals on there as well.

[Jmnhunter]

snow goose opener in ND this saturday; but it will be a few weeks away yet until the snow line reaches us

[DonBo]

Thaks for the tips, I'll check 'em out.

[DonBo]

Just ordered some shells from Roger's today. Great tip on that one! After looking around locally, $99 a case is an awesome price. Free shipping, no tax.

Now we just need some of the snow to melt and hopefully the timing will be good. Guess there's LOTS of snow in So Dak, so maybe the birds will be stuck in MO for a while??? Can only hope.

[DonBo]

So we're leaving one week from tonight for the Mound City area. Anyone have a handle on the timing for that?

[Jmnhunter]

hey Don, here is the latest on the snow line

[Andy Loos1432404924]

Hey Wooduck26, which outfitter do you work for? I will be down there March 14-16th. Good times, cant wait!

[TylerS]

Good luck! I've conceded to the fact that snow goose hunting is the No. 1 most frustrating hunting on the planet. I'd take a 7-day ground-blind hunt in 100 degree weather for pronghorns over three days of muddy, messy, hyper-wary snow goose hunting.

But if you're set up with an outfitter, at least your work should be cut down a TON. I've put out enought 1,000+ decoy spreads with nary a goose in sight to realize I'd just as much prefer to pass shoot those sky carp.

[chub]

Good luck! I've conceded to the fact that snow goose hunting is the No. 1 most frustrating hunting on the planet. I'd take a 7-day ground-blind hunt in 100 degree weather for pronghorns over three days of muddy, messy, hyper-wary snow goose hunting.

LOL.......there is some truth to be said for that!

Nothing wrong with pass shooting

[Jmnhunter]

instead of dumping thousands on decoys; anyone try the cow silohettes and walking up to a flock?