North Dakota Spring Goose Hunting

[Remington]

We are planning on a spring light goose hunt in North Dakota Northwest of Devil's Lake. From my research it looks like late March to early April is the time to go, although it all depends on snow cover. Any tips or tactics suggested? We have texas rags mainly but would appreciate any tips.

[mamohr686]

Spring hunting is a challenge but can be very fun. The USFWS posts weekly migratory bird reports on the internet from federal waterfoul rest areas, I would focus on the areas with the highest concentration of birds and be mobile. Get an electronic call because it will increase your sucess greatly. I would check out the waterfoul reports to see what others are doing. Set your decoys in small family groups, and remember realism and staying covered is even more important than the fall. These birds have been shot all the way down to texas and are now on the way back. I think the season in texas runs until feb. the birds left are smart and highly educated by other hunters (very call and decoy shy). If you plan on mounting a bird this is the time because they are in full plumage and very white. You may also want to shoot a round of sporting clays to warm up your shooting skills. The fast high shots are a challenge for anybody, especially if your rusty.

[koutdoors]

I can help out here on the snows...

[jda53]

Enjoy- Our crew has been doing it since 1999, can't wait for 2006. First advice be flexible-we all need to have our vacation requests in long in advance so we generally hunt roughly within a 10 day window the 3rd week of March. This has lead us all the way from Southern SD to Northern ND- so unless you have a trusting "in" and can leave all responsibilities/work/wife short notice-pick the dates and travel to the geese. Get a decent e-caller and while you are hunting hope like heck it is a windy day. Just good to be out in the spring in the decoys again. Good Luck

[brittman]

Snow line dictates when snow geese arrive and length of stay in ND.

[gaddy getter]

Honest opinion.....

Ditch the rags......they ain't gonna get ya geese

I say sell em and use the money to buy a bunch of shells and a pair of knee pads........Find a good n' deep ditch and shoot some geese!!!

[koutdoors]

Another option is the economy silosock. $40/dz. I would take these over a spread of mostly shells. I use some shells and fb's for realism but movement is huge.

[jblabsnduck]

A lot of guys will talk down the rags because they will rip in high winds.

On the other hand they can be very deadly.

I wouldn't call them out right junk by any means just ask the 87 birds we killed two years ago(in two days)with nothing but rags.

They will work but they will also rip in high winds like I said. Good thing is that they can be replaced fairly cheaply.

i was told that the new rags are improved. I dont have any new ones so I can't tell you for sure.

I do like the wind socks which I have a 100 of but I also use the rags as fillers and it is easy to add blues to the spread with them.

[jda53]

Heads-up---Cabela's has their economy North Winds on sale for 100$ for 50 ---the bargain cave on the internet. You will be hard pressed to find any sock cheaper

[TeamStraightMeat]

Quote:

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I wouldn't call them out right junk by any means just ask the 87 birds we killed two years ago(in two days)with nothing but rags.

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Are some kind of guide or something?

[jblabsnduck]

Nope, just love hunting them birds.

It was just friends out hunting in MO.

[Flick]

I got buddies that shot 335 in one day last year, over dekes too.