If you want to watch a fight, mention jump-shooting to a group of die-hard snow goose hunters , and then grab a cold drink, sit back and listen to the fireworks. Depending on whom you ask, jump-shooting spring light geese is an efficient, ethical way to kill a bunch of...
Unless they have excess vacation time, several trailers packed with decoys and an unlimited fuel budget, most spring snow goose hunters book with a guide to (hopefully) assure a quality experience. But laying down your cash is the easy part. Before that occurs, you should thoroughly investigate outfitter options and...
Many waterfowlers have been on a few spring snow goose hunts and know the basics: lots of scouting, decoys and calling. But hardcore guys who chase white birds for months instead of days typically acquire Ph.D.-level chops and a knowledge base built on thousands of experiences. Their advice can help...
Spring conservation-order light-goose seasons hold few surprises for modern hunters, as folks can easily anticipate when birds might arrive at traditional hunting hotspots. However, that can lead to crowded and competitive situations in many areas (think Arkansas, northwestern Missouri and South Dakota). This spring, consider avoiding the crowds and trying...
Think binoculars are only for big-game hunting? Think again. Good optics allow waterfowlers to watch ducks from afar and use landmarks to locate "the X" without disturbing birds for the following morning's hunt. ( Check Out: How to Practice with Your Bow in Low Light )
As spring light-goose seasons rev up across the flyways, anxious hunters want to know what to expect. And although answers are difficult to find this year, reports point to a somewhat down season with a few possible bright spots. Hunting success during the spring conservation-order season (for snow, blue and...
Success in duck hunting typically involves a simple recipe, mixing experience, observation, hard work and finely honed skills. But sometimes, it also requires quick in-the-field decisions that can make or break a hunt, and those often entail patience versus abrupt changes in strategy. Decide correctly and you’re a hero. Goof...
Duck season has dwindled down to the final days, and birds have seen every spread and heard every call in your arsenal. That doesn’t mean you can’t fill straps. You’ll just have to tweak your approach and hunt a bit smarter. Try these tips for last-chance ducks . Intercept the...
Veteran duck hunters know the drill after whiffing on a bird: Stand as if stunned, mouth agape, and shake your head, as if it’s never happened before. It’s a good way to save face. However, with honest introspection, we typically know that our form or swing was off. Now and...
Dark forms whirled overhead as I glanced nervously at my phone, wishing legal shooting light would arrive just a little sooner over the North Platte River. Soon, the familiar rituals of another duck hunt would consume me. Yet this day was different. I was carrying a Benelli Super Black Eagle,...
Late-season duck hunting brings many challenges, including calling. Some days, it seems like birds have heard — and ignore — every sound you can utter. Don’t despair. Even the pros have days when ducks shun their best routines. But they adapt their approach to find notes that bring birds sure-kill...
Disappearing into the environment greatly increases your chances of waterfowling success, whether you’re crouched in tall cattails or snug against a broad tupelo gum tree. But when you add several other hunters to the equation — perhaps folks who can’t sit still or want to stare at passing birds —...
