Goose season on America’s flyways is just around the corner and waterfowl sportsmen are gearing up for a terrific season. You probably have your favorite local spots for snows and honkers, yet why not take a road trip and savor adventure elsewhere? Golfers know the enjoyment of playing courses beyond their normal boundaries and hunters can enjoy the same pleasures of new experiences.
Plan the Season
Goose hunting is often weather-dependant and the onset of winter can vary from state to state. I once hunted in Southern Louisiana in a year where the midwest was a frozen wasteland and the hunting was tremendous. With most lakes and reservoirs encased in ice, ducks and geese had few options other than to head south.
Research and Apply Early
Most Game & Fish departments offer extensive websites which make applying for permits and blinds fairly easy. Also, you can buy state licenses on-line for added convenience while making sure you have the correct stamps and paperwork. Don’t overlook your civic organizations and networking opportunities as you look for happier honker hunting grounds. Hunting with a friend of a friend is a good way to meet new people and gain a wider variety of hunting options.
Late Season Snows
Dark geese are often the favorite among goose hunters, yet snow goose season runs well into late winter and early spring. Snows are not as popular and thus there is more opportunity with guides and landowners. As a farmer’s fields become covered in white feeding birds, few will deny permission to hunt.
Sleeper States
This post from the Outdoor Life website lists three goose spots that are often overlooked. Check them out and similar spots for a great winter season:
There’s an upside to the changing migration patterns: Overlooked spots all around the country are seeing more birds than ever. Here are my top three picks for the traveling goose hunter.
https://www.outdoorlife.com/3-sleeper-states-for-traveling-goose-hunter
