Set in their way Geese

[Scott M]

Hunted around Hutchinson, south side about a mile out of town. Flocks getting off the water every 5 minutes, but all going the same way, always on the horizon. Tried flagging and calling but couldn't turn anything. Had about 30 decoys out. Some could definately see us, but just weren't interested.

Anyone have any good suggestions on how to be more successful? I'd move and ask permission to hunt somewhere along their usual flight path, but most of that land is state game refuge. I'm just sick of everyone else getting birds during early and late season but me.

[IceHawk]

I have ran into this situation different times and it is frustrateing. I am going to guess more than likely they are going to a feeding field and that makes it tough. I have found that early and late season geese usally have been in the area for a while and they know where the choice fields are. These are usally ones with little pressuure and ample food supplies. Once they find a field like this 90 out of 100 times most of the geese will go to the same field.

The best ways to get these birds is to try and gain permission to hunt the field (best option) or one close by. I would be willing to bet that others know where they are landing also and it usally a dump shoot if permission is gained. I strongly recomend asking permission early in the year to hunt some of the choice fields or ones that look good. This will gain you more options when the season roles around. I have noticed if you watch the geese in your area hard you will definately learn patterns that make it easier the next year.

I have tried hunting with huge spreads nearby and pulling geese is tough once they have there mind made up. A watersetup is a option especially down by you(River). I have had great success hunting rivers during the late season. I have hunted around Hutch, Cosmos and Glenco and I know what your going through!!

[Ryan Berger]

oh its fun isnt it,, might want to up the numbers in your spread this time of year might help,, we are normally using around 100-180 this time of year

[poutpro]

I think adding more decoys would be your best option if you cannot gain permission to hunt the field that they are going to feed in. Otherwise, water setup would be very good, but right now it's too cold for me to be in the water.

[island guy]

Around here, I stay away from the crowds. Close to town, there were tons of spreads. This time of year the geese have seen it all and are pretty wary. We found a open stretch of river 20 miles from town that was holding geese. We only use a dozen decoys. Probably not the numbers of geese that move from town but what we did see decoyed well. We were in a field close to the open river and were catching them as they left the river looking to feed. In my area, large spreads and flagging just don't work for me this time of year.

[poutpro]

Another option would be to use an ice set up. I know a lot of guys that do this and are very successful.

[koWALLEYEski]

we killed the geese last late season on the ice, set the blinds in the caittails

[waltinader]

I think more decoys would help alot but most important your calling, increase your calling skills and you will do better.

[joe_stack20]

I have been thinking of hunting a piece of WPA just south of Fergus for late season honkers. When you set up on the ice do you shovel any snow, or just set up like a normal field spread?

[poutpro]

No you don't shovel any snow. Just set up by cattails and have the hunters sit it there and have the spread out front like a field spread.