how many goose decoys???

[tanman]

i want to start goose hunting on my own. i have been out a bunch of times with friends and guides but want to start on my own . how many decoys do you need to get a flocks attention? what type of decoys are cheap?

any help greatly appreciated

[snowgoose]

I started goose hunting with shell decoys. I think I had 2 dozen at the time. I have moved away from them over time and have 10 dozen Big Foots now. I have bought them over the years and add to the spread some way every year. My best suggestion would be to get a couple dozen goose shell and a decent blind off of Craigs list. Then invest in a quality goose call. Something like a Time Grounds or Fred Zink call. Practice until you think you have it down. Then get in the field and start figuring it out for yourself. You won't believe the things you will learn from birds if you pay attention.

Good Luck.

[hhguide]

Snow goose has go some great advice there! trial and error

[tearin' lips]

You can't beat the GHG oversized shells. Everyone has them priced for $139/dozen. I have abused these shells year after year and they still look great, just keep the flocked heads wrapped with a sock or something to reduce wear and tear. I agree with SNOWGOOSE, and I have done the same thing with my spread. Start with a dozen or so shells, a decent layout blind, and a good call and upgrade from there. I started out with 2 dozen of these shells, and I over the last six years have slowly accumulated 3 doz GHG Pro/FFD series fullbodies. For calls I like a Zink Paralyzer, or a Freestyle Call. Freestyle is a minnesota made call that i have come to really like the sound and appreciate the quality. I have Freestyles origional series and the Cocobolo harvester and like them both.

[icefishing21]

we used about 2 dozen for the early goose season and that was enough to fool them but i think as the season progresses, we will need to throw out alot more (5,6,7 dozen). my group better start saving because all we have is 3 dozen shells. after this season ends we are gonna get rid of the shells and switch to final approach full bodies.

[dan z]

FA decoys are really dark are ya sure you want those. If money is a problem thier fine. some times quality is better than quantity when your field hunting the geese are usaully used to going to that particular so make your decoy choice a good one I think that dakota decoys look really nice and the hardcores are hard to beat. GHG makes really nice nice looking decoys also. I just dont like thier prostaffers.

[Quackaddict9]

FA may be dark but they will kill birds.

(new) Hardcores are light on the side, still kill birds.

GHG are good looking decoy, some may have problem with paint chipping...I have not.

Dakota Decoys- Feeders funny looking but they will kill. Actives look good. Their paint scheme looks dark but works in different angles as the sun is approaching up. Their floaters I think look funny but again they will kill.

[carpshooterdeluxe]

fa lessers are lighter in color than ghg pro grades....