- $175 per hunter / per day
- Daily Pit Blind Leases
- October 29 - December 27
- heated pit blinds
- fully guided duck hunts
- full day hunts
- lodging available ($30 per hunter / per night)
- Near Squaw Creek Refuge
- Mound City, Missouri
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Fully Guided Duck Hunts Available - $175 per hunter / per day - Squaw Creek Hunt Club - Canada Geese, Mallards, Gadwall, Widgeon, Teal, Wood Ducks
Fully Guided Duck Hunts - Mound City, Missouri
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Snow Goose Guides – Fully Guided – $175 per hunter / per day – Call NOW Before We Are Booked! – Pit Blind Hunts $200 – Missouri Spring Snow Goose Conservation Season
Snow Goose Guides - Mound City, Missouri - Specials
-
Weekday Specials
-
Fully Guided Hunts – $175 per hunter / per day
-
Pit Blind Hunts Available $200 per hunter / per day
Call NOW before we are booked!
855-473-2875
- Guided Spring Snow Goose Hunts in Missouri from Grand Pass to Mound City.
- Book Your Hunt Today $175 per hunter/ per day (week day specials)
- Fully guided hunt in stalked cornfields with over 1000 decoys in each spread including Avery full body decoys, silo socks, flyers, E-callers
- NO LIMITS, NO PLUGS
- Visit Snow Goose Guides
- Purchase Your Permit!
Friday, October 05, 2012
Dark Goose Season - Canada Goose Season
Dark geese include Canada, brant and all other goose species, except white-fronted and light geese.
Season Dates: East Unit: Oct. 6-14 and Oct. 27 – Jan. 30, 2013 Niobrara Unit: Oct. 27 – Feb. 8, 2013 North Central Unit: Oct. 6 – Jan. 18, 2013 Panhandle Unit: Nov. 10 – Feb. 8, 2013 Platte River Unit: Oct. 27 – Feb. 8, 2013
Daily Bag Limit: 3 Possession Limit: 6
Shooting Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset
Open Area: Dark Goose Units
Legal Methods of Take:
Requirements: Resident (16 years or older): Hunt permit Habitat Stamp Nebraska Waterfowl Stamp Federal Migratory Bird Stamp Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration Hunter Education
Nonresident: Hunt permit Habitat Stamp Nebraska Waterfowl Stamp Federal Migratory Bird Stamp Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration Hunter Education
Visit www.nebraskahunting.net or www.topgunhuntclub.com
Season Dates: East Unit: Oct. 6-14 and Oct. 27 – Jan. 30, 2013 Niobrara Unit: Oct. 27 – Feb. 8, 2013 North Central Unit: Oct. 6 – Jan. 18, 2013 Panhandle Unit: Nov. 10 – Feb. 8, 2013 Platte River Unit: Oct. 27 – Feb. 8, 2013
Daily Bag Limit: 3 Possession Limit: 6
Shooting Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset
Open Area: Dark Goose Units
Legal Methods of Take:
- Shotgun (10 gauge or smaller. All shotguns must be plugged. The combined capacity of the chamber and magazine is no more than three shells)
- Bow and Arrow
- Electronic calls are prohibited.
Requirements: Resident (16 years or older): Hunt permit Habitat Stamp Nebraska Waterfowl Stamp Federal Migratory Bird Stamp Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration Hunter Education
Nonresident: Hunt permit Habitat Stamp Nebraska Waterfowl Stamp Federal Migratory Bird Stamp Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration Hunter Education
Visit www.nebraskahunting.net or www.topgunhuntclub.com
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
Venison Pastrami - Whitetail Deer, Elk, Moose, Caribou
The Cure:
• 5 tablespoons Tender Quick
• 4 tablespoons Dark Brown Sugar (packed)
• 3 Large Hole Dry Bay Leaves
• 1 teaspoon All Spice
• ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
• ½ teaspoon Anis Seeds
• 1 table spoon Montreal Steak season
• 2 tablespoons coarse ground pepper
• ½ teaspoon of Ground Clove
This is the “dry cure” step of the process.
Mix all of the ingredients of the cure in a blender or spice grinder making sure all of the ingredients are as close to the same size as possible. Coat all of the meat evenly, and rub it in. Place the meat in zip lock freezer bag and lay flat in a glass baking dish. Put it in the fridge. Rotate the meat twice a day, for a week. If you want stronger flavor go up to two weeks.
After the meat gets done with its “time out”, remove it from the bag and rinse it in a water bath for two hours at room temp. Pat it dry and put on the second rub. Again Blend spices to break up Mustard and Coriander but pulse to keep them coarse.
Final Crust Rub:
• 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
• 2 tablespoons Coarse ground Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 tablespoon Mustard Seed (Whole)
• 1 tablespoon Coriander (Whole)
• 1 teaspoon Dark Brown Sugar
Into the smoker it goes for 3-4 hours at 200deg. You are looking for about 150 to 155 degree internal temp of the meat. I like to use a combination of Hickory and Apple or Hickory and Maple as my wood.
Remove the roasts from the smoker and let rest until they cool to room temp. Place in zip lock baggy or an air tight container and place it in the fridge overnight, 24hours if possible. This will let it firm up. Slice as thin as possible and enjoy.
• 5 tablespoons Tender Quick
• 4 tablespoons Dark Brown Sugar (packed)
• 3 Large Hole Dry Bay Leaves
• 1 teaspoon All Spice
• ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
• ½ teaspoon Anis Seeds
• 1 table spoon Montreal Steak season
• 2 tablespoons coarse ground pepper
• ½ teaspoon of Ground Clove
This is the “dry cure” step of the process.
Mix all of the ingredients of the cure in a blender or spice grinder making sure all of the ingredients are as close to the same size as possible. Coat all of the meat evenly, and rub it in. Place the meat in zip lock freezer bag and lay flat in a glass baking dish. Put it in the fridge. Rotate the meat twice a day, for a week. If you want stronger flavor go up to two weeks.
After the meat gets done with its “time out”, remove it from the bag and rinse it in a water bath for two hours at room temp. Pat it dry and put on the second rub. Again Blend spices to break up Mustard and Coriander but pulse to keep them coarse.
Final Crust Rub:
• 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
• 2 tablespoons Coarse ground Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 tablespoon Mustard Seed (Whole)
• 1 tablespoon Coriander (Whole)
• 1 teaspoon Dark Brown Sugar
Into the smoker it goes for 3-4 hours at 200deg. You are looking for about 150 to 155 degree internal temp of the meat. I like to use a combination of Hickory and Apple or Hickory and Maple as my wood.
Remove the roasts from the smoker and let rest until they cool to room temp. Place in zip lock baggy or an air tight container and place it in the fridge overnight, 24hours if possible. This will let it firm up. Slice as thin as possible and enjoy.
Tuesday, October 02, 2012
Spring Turkey Hunting Tips - Merriam's Turkey Hunting
Tips From A Turkey Guide
1) Don’t get too close. Set up a couple hundred yards from a gobbling turkey so you don’t risk spooking him.
2) Don’t call much. Use soft yelps and clucks to let the bird know where you are and then quit calling. If the bird gobbles then answer him with some soft yelps, purrs and clucks and go silent again.
3) Be ready. Have your shotgun shouldered and pointed in the direction of the last gobble. Once the bird is in sight you need to have your head down on the gun, safety off and be pointed in the right direction. Any movement at this point on your part is suspect to getting you busted by the bird’s amazing eyesight.
4) Let the turkey find you. If the tom is heading in your direction don’t call. Let him come find you.
5) Be Patient. Don’t be in a hurry to get up if your bird doesn’t gobble. Wait him out. If he ends up gobbling away from you and doesn’t come back after 40 minutes to an hour, pickup and move.
6) Listen. When you move to a new spot in the morning, listen for 5 to 10 minutes before calling. Many times if a hot bird is in the area he’ll gobble and you can pinpoint his location without announcing your presence.
If you’d like to gain an education in turkey hunting, then I highly recommend you spend three days with Terry Knight or any of the guides at Lifetime Hunts. For more information or to book your next hunt, visit www.merriamsturkey.com or call (402) 304-1192
1) Don’t get too close. Set up a couple hundred yards from a gobbling turkey so you don’t risk spooking him.
2) Don’t call much. Use soft yelps and clucks to let the bird know where you are and then quit calling. If the bird gobbles then answer him with some soft yelps, purrs and clucks and go silent again.
3) Be ready. Have your shotgun shouldered and pointed in the direction of the last gobble. Once the bird is in sight you need to have your head down on the gun, safety off and be pointed in the right direction. Any movement at this point on your part is suspect to getting you busted by the bird’s amazing eyesight.
4) Let the turkey find you. If the tom is heading in your direction don’t call. Let him come find you.
5) Be Patient. Don’t be in a hurry to get up if your bird doesn’t gobble. Wait him out. If he ends up gobbling away from you and doesn’t come back after 40 minutes to an hour, pickup and move.
6) Listen. When you move to a new spot in the morning, listen for 5 to 10 minutes before calling. Many times if a hot bird is in the area he’ll gobble and you can pinpoint his location without announcing your presence.
If you’d like to gain an education in turkey hunting, then I highly recommend you spend three days with Terry Knight or any of the guides at Lifetime Hunts. For more information or to book your next hunt, visit www.merriamsturkey.com or call (402) 304-1192
Friday, September 28, 2012
Nebraska Waterfowl - Duck Seasons
Squaw Creek Hunt Club & Guide Service - Mound City, Missouri
www.squawcreekhuntclub.com
Phone: 855-473-2875
www.squawcreekhuntclub.com
Phone: 855-473-2875
Legal Methods of Take:
- Shotgun (10 gauge or smaller. All shotguns must be plugged. The combined capacity of the chamber and magazine is no more than three shells)
- Bow and Arrow
- Electronic calls are prohibited.
Shooting Hours:
30 minutes before sunrise to sunset
30 minutes before sunrise to sunset
Requirements:
| Resident: | Nonresident: |
| Hunt Permit | Hunt Permit |
| Habitat Stamp | Habitat Stamp |
| Hunter Education | Hunter Education |
| Nebraska Waterfowl Stamp | Nebraska Waterfowl Stamp |
| Federal Migratory Bird Stamp | Federal Migratory Bird Stamp |
| HIP Registration | HIP Registration |
Great Venison Dry Rub Recipe For The Grill
Your Marinate Recipe
We want to prepare a great marinate recipe first.
In a gallon plastic zip-seal bag combine:
1/2 teaspoon powdered meat tenderizer
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
2 tablespoons concentrated lemon juice
1 cup water (a variation: use a can of coke instead of
water)
Place your deer meat in the bag, close, and place in the
refrigerator overnight to marinate.
Venison Dry Rub Seasoning Recipe
In a bowl combine these dry seasoning ingredients.
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons course ground pepper
2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons granulated garlic
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon crushed parsley flakes
1 teaspoon five spice powder
1 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon hickory smoke salt
Mix these ingredients well.
Grilled Whitetail Venison
Drain the marinate off your venison meat. Blot off excess
marinate with paper towels. Now, tenderize your meat with a multiple blade
tenderizer (36 blade style works best, can be purchased at kitchen supply
stores, Cabela’s, Kohl’s, etc.) or by piercing meat repeatedly with a fork to
break down the venison muscle fibers. Sprinkle your dry rub recipe on both sides
of venison and rub or massage into meat.
Grill over hot coals to medium rare to medium (be very
careful not over cook and dry out your venison).
How to Serve
Brush with melted butter. Serve with your favorite steak
sauce, grilled corn on the cob, baked potatoes & sour cream, fresh hot
corn bread & butter, and a salad of greens.
Venison Stir Fry Ever!
If you take your deer to a professional butcher, chances
are, along with those steaks, backstraps, roasts and hamburger he gives you
back some chops. Most people broil or grill their chops, and that’s a great way
to do them up. But for a tasty oriental twist, try stir frying them.
How much meat you need is dependent upon how many people you’ll be feeding. I figure about a half pound of meat per person, with my chops about a 1/2- to 3/4-inch thick; the amount of vegetables you use is dependent upon how much your crew likes them. Then I get a whole bunch of fresh carrots, fresh bean sprouts, celery, broccoli, a red bell pepper, a handful of mushrooms, some unsalted peanuts, 1 medium yellow onion and 2 cloves of garlic. You’ll also need 1 tbsp. of crushed red pepper, 1 tsp. of ground cumin, a cup of soy sauce and a bit of canola oil.
The first step is to marinate the chops in soy sauce overnight in the refrigerator. Then comes the work—prepping the vegetables. That means peeling, then chunking, carrots, slicing celery, cutting broccoli and dicing the garlic and onion. I like to keep everything in separate small cups so it is all handy and easy to grab.
It is best to do the cooking in a large wok, but since I like to keep the bone in my chops I find a very large skillet works best for me. Get the skillet very, very hot, then coat it with just enough canola oil to keep everything from sticking. Cook the meat about 30 seconds per side, then add everything else, including the seasoning. Stir constantly, making sure everything hits the hot skillet and is coated with all the spices and oil. Do not overcook!
Serve with a side of fried rice and, if I am feeling like it, I’ll top the stir fry with some of those crunchy cooked noodles you can find in the oriental food section at the store. Wash it down with some icy Tsing Tao beer. This is a low-calorie, low-fat meal that doesn’t taste like it.
How much meat you need is dependent upon how many people you’ll be feeding. I figure about a half pound of meat per person, with my chops about a 1/2- to 3/4-inch thick; the amount of vegetables you use is dependent upon how much your crew likes them. Then I get a whole bunch of fresh carrots, fresh bean sprouts, celery, broccoli, a red bell pepper, a handful of mushrooms, some unsalted peanuts, 1 medium yellow onion and 2 cloves of garlic. You’ll also need 1 tbsp. of crushed red pepper, 1 tsp. of ground cumin, a cup of soy sauce and a bit of canola oil.
The first step is to marinate the chops in soy sauce overnight in the refrigerator. Then comes the work—prepping the vegetables. That means peeling, then chunking, carrots, slicing celery, cutting broccoli and dicing the garlic and onion. I like to keep everything in separate small cups so it is all handy and easy to grab.
It is best to do the cooking in a large wok, but since I like to keep the bone in my chops I find a very large skillet works best for me. Get the skillet very, very hot, then coat it with just enough canola oil to keep everything from sticking. Cook the meat about 30 seconds per side, then add everything else, including the seasoning. Stir constantly, making sure everything hits the hot skillet and is coated with all the spices and oil. Do not overcook!
Serve with a side of fried rice and, if I am feeling like it, I’ll top the stir fry with some of those crunchy cooked noodles you can find in the oriental food section at the store. Wash it down with some icy Tsing Tao beer. This is a low-calorie, low-fat meal that doesn’t taste like it.
Grilled Venison Backstrap Supreme
I covet venison backstrap as much as Ebenezer Scrooge
coveted money. There is so much meat from a big deer and so little of those
tender, tasty backstraps that one hates to cook them poorly.
In summer, we barbecue a lot, and backstraps on the grill are the centerpiece of one of our favorite meals. Here’s how we do it.
First, I soak the backstraps in salt water to get every iota of blood out of the meat. Once that’s done, I rinse them in cold fresh water and pat them dry. Then I trim all the viscera and fat away, leaving nothing but pure meat.
For this simple recipe you’ll need about 2 pounds of backstraps cut into thick little 2-inch chunks. You’ll also need a quart of sweet apple cider, 2 pounds of bacon, one large red onion and 24 ounces of your favorite barbecue sauce.
To start, place the venison chunks in a shallow baking dish wide enough to keep from having to pile them on top of each other. Pour the apple cider over them, cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove the chunks from the cider, pat them dry, and set them aside while you wash and dry the dish. Return the chunks to the dish and cover them with the barbecue sauce, then refrigerate until its time to cook them—at least 3 hours.
Before cooking, take the meat out of the refrigerator and let it warm up to room temperature. While you preheat the grill to high heat, wrap each meat chunk with a slice of bacon and a thin slice of onion, holding it all together with a wooden toothpick. Coat the grill with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil to keep the meat from sticking. Now place the meat onto the grill, making sure there is some air between each chunk. I keep a small squirt bottle of water handy and when the bacon drippings start kicking up flames, squirt them down without putting out my fire. Turn them occasionally until the bacon becomes a little burnt—usually about 20 minutes.
Remove and serve with a fresh salad, garlic toast, fresh asparagus and a chilled Merlot. Bon appetit!
In summer, we barbecue a lot, and backstraps on the grill are the centerpiece of one of our favorite meals. Here’s how we do it.
First, I soak the backstraps in salt water to get every iota of blood out of the meat. Once that’s done, I rinse them in cold fresh water and pat them dry. Then I trim all the viscera and fat away, leaving nothing but pure meat.
For this simple recipe you’ll need about 2 pounds of backstraps cut into thick little 2-inch chunks. You’ll also need a quart of sweet apple cider, 2 pounds of bacon, one large red onion and 24 ounces of your favorite barbecue sauce.
To start, place the venison chunks in a shallow baking dish wide enough to keep from having to pile them on top of each other. Pour the apple cider over them, cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove the chunks from the cider, pat them dry, and set them aside while you wash and dry the dish. Return the chunks to the dish and cover them with the barbecue sauce, then refrigerate until its time to cook them—at least 3 hours.
Before cooking, take the meat out of the refrigerator and let it warm up to room temperature. While you preheat the grill to high heat, wrap each meat chunk with a slice of bacon and a thin slice of onion, holding it all together with a wooden toothpick. Coat the grill with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil to keep the meat from sticking. Now place the meat onto the grill, making sure there is some air between each chunk. I keep a small squirt bottle of water handy and when the bacon drippings start kicking up flames, squirt them down without putting out my fire. Turn them occasionally until the bacon becomes a little burnt—usually about 20 minutes.
Remove and serve with a fresh salad, garlic toast, fresh asparagus and a chilled Merlot. Bon appetit!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Waterfowl Lease Memberships - Mound City, Missouri - Mallards, Gadwall, Widgeon, Teal, Canada Geese
Waterfowl Hunting Lease Memberships
Fully Guided Duck Hunts - Mound City, Missouri
Fully Guided Duck Hunts - Mound City, Missouri
- $175 per hunter / per day
- Daily Pit Blind Leases
- October 29 - December 27
- heated pit blinds
- fully guided duck hunts
- full day hunts
- lodging available ($30 per hunter / per night)
- Near Squaw Creek Refuge
- Mound City, Missouri
 |
| Fully Guided Duck Hunts - Mound City, Missouri |
|
| Fully Guided Duck Hunts - Mound City, Missouri |
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Trophy Whitetail Deer Hunts - Archery, Rifle, Muzzleloader
Archery Season - September 15, 2012
Rifle Season - November 10, 2012
Muzzleloader Season - December 1, 2012
Book your Nebraska Trophy Whitetail deer hunt.
Monday, June 04, 2012
Merriam's SpringTurkey Hunting - Nebraska Hunting Company - Scott Croner
April - May
All Inclusive Guided
Call or Email Now To Book You Hunt
855-473-2875
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Gary Walker Returns To Nebraska In 2012
Hi every one. If you have read the blogs from Scott Croner's site you have read about my hunt last year. It was great. As you recall. I hunted last year in some of the worst weather you could imagine. 30 mile winds. rain and occasional snow flurries.Scott still got me my birds .Well, this year was about as 180 degrees the other way as you could imagine. We had sun, little wind and very dry. This was the problem all winter and spring. Hot weather started the birds early and they were about 3 to 4 weeks advanced. We were working birds that thought it was the third week in May not April. ( the last day I hunted It was 92 deg.). merriams turkey hunting, guided merriams turkey hunts, guided hunts, nebraska guided turkey hunts, scott croner, nebraska hunting, grand slam merriams turkey hunting,
All the Toms were bread out and didn't want to fight any more. (I guess getting beat up all spring takes a toll on you).. Every thing was advanced about three to four weeks because of the weather, Scott still took me out in these conditions and fond two birds that wanted to commit suicide. Between the two, total time was about 8 min. Now there was some scouting time, but the point is that Scott Croner and the Nebraska Hunting Company is the premier Turkey hunting organization I have found.,
I hope this blog helps every one understand that this year the weather has made things far more advanced then before. Scott will do everything that he can to get you your birds, he runs, watches and ;listens to what the turkeys are doing, Scott will get the birds for you, I have never been let down.
Scott Croner and the Nebraska Hunting Company, Is the only Outfitter I will ever hunt with in Nebraska.
The one thing I will say is that no matter how great Scott is, he still can not control the weather, i promise you, from a previous client, that Scott Will do all that is required to get the best birds possible
This is the best turkey hunting experience I will ever have. See you next year Scott (fan man). I have already re booked.
Uncle Bucks lodge is great. Marilyn and Walt are fantastic proprietors. It is a working ranch so you will meet a verity of people and conditions. The food is second to none and you can't ever get enough of the family atmosphere. If you need anything all you need to do is ask.
In summery, This is the most professional and personable outfit I have ever associated with. Scott will do all he can to make sure you have a great time/
See you there..
Gary Walker
Please call Scott and book the best turkey hunt you could ever imagine and I may see you there
http://www.merriamsturkey.com/
merriams turkey hunting, guided merriams turkey hunts, guided hunts, nebraska guided turkey hunts, scott croner, nebraska hunting, grand slam merriams turkey hunting,
All the Toms were bread out and didn't want to fight any more. (I guess getting beat up all spring takes a toll on you).. Every thing was advanced about three to four weeks because of the weather, Scott still took me out in these conditions and fond two birds that wanted to commit suicide. Between the two, total time was about 8 min. Now there was some scouting time, but the point is that Scott Croner and the Nebraska Hunting Company is the premier Turkey hunting organization I have found., I hope this blog helps every one understand that this year the weather has made things far more advanced then before. Scott will do everything that he can to get you your birds, he runs, watches and ;listens to what the turkeys are doing, Scott will get the birds for you, I have never been let down.
Scott Croner and the Nebraska Hunting Company, Is the only Outfitter I will ever hunt with in Nebraska.
The one thing I will say is that no matter how great Scott is, he still can not control the weather, i promise you, from a previous client, that Scott Will do all that is required to get the best birds possible
This is the best turkey hunting experience I will ever have. See you next year Scott (fan man). I have already re booked.
Uncle Bucks lodge is great. Marilyn and Walt are fantastic proprietors. It is a working ranch so you will meet a verity of people and conditions. The food is second to none and you can't ever get enough of the family atmosphere. If you need anything all you need to do is ask.
In summery, This is the most professional and personable outfit I have ever associated with. Scott will do all he can to make sure you have a great time/
See you there..
Gary Walker
Please call Scott and book the best turkey hunt you could ever imagine and I may see you there
http://www.merriamsturkey.com/
merriams turkey hunting, guided merriams turkey hunts, guided hunts, nebraska guided turkey hunts, scott croner, nebraska hunting, grand slam merriams turkey hunting,
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
Snow Goose Hunting Adventure - Part 2
Snow Goose Calling
Dozens of good goose calls are available, all of which are
effective in the hands of a good caller. It’s helpful to listen to wild birds
and try to imitate them with your calls. There are no better teachers. But
unless you have a friend who is a skilled caller who can teach you, you also
should purchase an instructional CD, DVD or audiotape that will allow you to
hear the actual sounds of geese and good calling by practiced goose hunters.
Study this and try to duplicate the sounds used for various situations. After
some practice, record yourself on a tape recorder and decide for yourself if
you’re good enough to start calling in the field. Listen for weaknesses in your
repertoire, then practice to improve them.
Snow Goose Hunting Tips
There’s no such thing as a casual snow goose hunt, one reason many
waterfowlers don’t participate. This sport requires large goose decoy spreads
and constant scouting.
First, you must study movement patterns of geese where you want to
goose hunt, then secure permission to hunt where concentrations are located.
(Most hunting is on private hunting lands.) When geese start using a field,
they stay until the food supply is exhausted. Being there after they’ve started
using the field and before they’ve eaten it out is the trick.
Elaborate ground blinds are nice but not necessary because a goose
field usually produces only one or two good shoots before geese move elsewhere.
Many goose hunters simply lie on their backs in the goose decoys and wear white
or camouflage-pattern clothing. Pit ground blinds, portable ground blinds and
makeshift ground blinds made from natural materials on-site also can be used,
depending on where you hunt.
When it comes to snow goose decoy spreads, bigger usually is
better. The decoys should be in place before sunrise to take advantage of the
snow goose’s propensity for flying early.
The most important thing goose hunters should remember is to
remain well hidden and motionless until birds are well within shooting range.
Snow geese are wary, and if they see or hear anything out of place, they’ll
avoid it. If approaching birds seem reluctant to land, flare off at the last
minute or land consistently outside the decoys, chances are they are spotting
the blind, hunter movement or something else that makes them nervous. Adjust as
necessary.
Avoid the temptation to shoot when the first geese start dropping
into your set-up. Veteran waterfowlers hold off until the lead geese are
touching down and geese in the rear of the flock are well within gun range
before making their move.
Remember this rule of thumb as well: If, when aiming, the end of
your gun barrel covers more than half the bird, the goose is beyond 45 yards
and is too far away for a clean kill.
If you’re not up to the tasks just outlined, consider hiring a
hunting guide. These guys can show you the ins and outs of snow goose hunting,
and after you’ve experienced a hunt first-hand, you’ll know whether you really
want to make the required investment in time and hunting equipment to hunt on
your own. Best of all, hunting guides do all the work. The hunter need not
spend hours scouting, gaining hunting permission, and setting and retrieving
goose decoys. For a reasonable fee, reputable hunting guides do all this and
clean and pack your birds, too.
Snow Goose Hunting
Conclusion
Snow goose hunting is challenging, for sure. Nevertheless, it’s a
sport many of us find irresistibly attractive. Goose hunting allows us to
perfect our skills with a shotgun and to go afield with men we enjoy and
admire. Most of all, it gives us another excuse to be outdoors. Until you have
sat in a goose spread and watched a fall or winter day unfold, develop and
decline, you have missed one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Snow Goose Hunting Adventure - Part 1
Several goose hunters waited in a winter wheat field, scanning the
morning skies above a huge spread of goose decoys. All was quiet for many
minutes, then in the distance, they heard the first melodic strains of flying
geese.
It was hard to pinpoint them at first, but soon they could make
out the first long skeins of birds, little snowflakes floating in an orange
sunrise. They were coming their way.
Minutes passed like hours. The calls of the snow geese grew in
volume. Their forms grew in size. The goose hunters could tell now there were a
thousand or more—a hundred here, a hundred there, in long lines and V-shaped
wedges. Some flocks flew north, away from their goose decoy spread. But one
held a steady course that would soon take it over their heads.
Two goose hunters began goose calling. One waved a white flag
fixed atop a long pole. Would it be enough to attract their attention? One
goose hunter gripped his shotgun tightly and wondered.
The last five minutes seemed like an hour. Most of the flock broke
off, turning toward a large flock of geese feeding in another field. Only two
dozen remained, but these were convinced their goose decoy spread was real. At
100 yards out, they cupped their wings and began swinging back and forth in the
air as they flexed their rudders and dropped their landing gear.
Too late the birds realized their ruse. As one goose hunter shot,
then another, the geese tried to turn and gain altitude. One goose hunter swung
on a white bird and fired, then swung again and shot a blue. They hit the
ground with hard thumps as he tried unsuccessfully to get another bird in his
sights.
When it was over, this goose hunter was shaking. Excitement does
that to some hunters. And snow goose hunting is exciting!
Snow Goose Facts
The snow goose, Chen caerulescens, is one of the world’s most
abundant waterfowl species. Each year, snow geese nest on the Arctic tundra and
then travel to southern wintering grounds in very large, high-flying, noisy
flocks. The swirling white of a descending flock suggests snowfall, but among
the white birds are darker individuals. Until recently, these “blue geese,” as
the dark birds are called, were considered a separate species. They are now
recognized as merely a dark “morph,” or form, of the snow goose.
Adult snows are medium-sized (weighing 5 to 8 pounds) and have a
pinkish bill with a black “grinning patch.” White morphs are white all over
except for the black primaries on each wing. Blue morphs have a mostly white
head and neck, a dark gray-brown body and black primary and secondary feathers
on the wings.
Juvenile white morphs are gray above, white below and darker on
the head and neck. The legs, feet and bill are gray, turning pink as the young
birds age. Juvenile blues are mostly dark gray-brown with a lighter-colored
belly and white under the tail. The wing linings are pale gray, contrasting
with the dark body and black primaries in flight.
Biologists recognize three separate snow goose populations. The
western population breeds in Alaska and Canada’s Yukon, Northwest and Nunavut
territories and winters from Oregon south to Mexico, with concentrations in the
central valleys of California. The midcontinent population breeds from Nunavut
Territory east to Hudson Bay and winters in the U.S. Midwest south to Louisiana
and Texas. The eastern population breeds on islands in the High Arctic,
including Ellesmere and Baffin, then winters along the Atlantic Coast from
Massachusetts to South Carolina, with concentrations in southeastern Pennsylvania,
New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina.
In winter, snow geese are highly gregarious and often feed in
flocks numbering thousands of individuals. Migrants follow all four major North
American flyways. Migration north from wintering areas takes place from
February to May. Snow geese depart from the northern breeding areas in
September and arrive in wintering habitats in November and December.
Snow Goose Population
Around 1900, the snow goose population had ebbed to only 2,000 to
3,000 birds. But during the 20th century and into the 21st, the population
burgeoned as snow geese took advantage of increased food supplies along migration
routes and in wintering areas. In some areas, populations have increased as
much as nine percent annually. Biologists estimate there are now 5 million to 6
million snow geese in North America, a population that may be too large to be
environmentally sustainable.
Since 1998, goose hunters have harvested 1 to 1.5 million snow
geese annually. Recent conservation hunts implemented in the U.S. and Canada
have been successful in doubling harvest rates and reducing the population.
When snow goose numbers are too large, the birds’ feeding can destroy their own
habitat, which is also used by other species. Hunting provides the best means
for keeping goose numbers in check.
Guns And Loads
Although they are big birds, snow geese have a relatively small
kill zone. The total area in which pellets will kill a goose is just one-tenth
the bird’s total size. To ensure your shots hit the vital zone with enough
power, you need to pattern your guns and determine the correct loads.
Most goose hunters opt to use a 10-gauge or magnum 12-gauge with
size BB, BBB or T shot. Nontoxic shot is mandatory everywhere. Because steel
shot has a tighter pattern than lead does, the best chokes when using steel are
modified and improved modified. However, each choke is unique, which is why goose
hunters should pattern their guns before the season
Snow Goose Decoys
Snow goose decoys come in several styles: full-body, shell,
floating, rags, silhouettes, magnums and specialty items such as goose flags
and motion decoys. Ideally, the goose hunter should use some variety in the
goose decoy spread and use goose decoys most suitable for the area being
hunted. When goose hunting a big farm field, for example, you’ll probably want
lots of inexpensive rag decoys with some full-bodied dekes mixed in and a flag
to draw the birds’ attention. When goose hunting a river where geese go to rest
at night, floating decoys will be wanted, along with a few standing decoys to
place along the banks.
The number of goose decoys used depends largely on the goose
hunter’s budget and the type area being hunted. But when goose hunting snows,
one must never forget that bigger goose decoy spreads almost always are better.
If possible, set out a few hundred at least, or better yet, a thousand or more
Remember these things regardless of the type or number of goose
decoys used:
·
Keep goose decoys well away from fence lines, overgrown ditches
and other cover where geese may perceive a predator, or hunter, to be hiding.
·
Set the goose decoys to take advantage of the goose’s tendency to
land with the wind in their faces. Walking and swimming geese also prefer to be
facing into the wind, so decoys should be positioned in this manner for
realism.
·
Don’t place goose decoys so close together it is difficult for
geese to land among them. Leave an opening in the spread that invites birds to
land there, and have that opening within range of your gun.
·
Have all your goose decoys in place before sunrise so you’ll be
ready when the birds arrive.
Except during late conservation seasons when electronic goose
callers often are allowed, if you want to become a good goose hunter, you must
become a good caller. This isn’t something you can learn the weekend prior to
goose season. Start early and practice.
Snow Goose Calling
Dozens of good goose calls are available, all of which are
effective in the hands of a good caller. It’s helpful to listen to wild birds
and try to imitate them with your calls. There are no better teachers. But
unless you have a friend who is a skilled caller who can teach you, you also
should purchase an instructional CD, DVD or audiotape that will allow you to
hear the actual sounds of geese and good calling by practiced goose hunters.
Study this and try to duplicate the sounds used for various situations. After
some practice, record yourself on a tape recorder and decide for yourself if
you’re good enough to start calling in the field. Listen for weaknesses in your
repertoire, then practice to improve them.
Snow Goose Hunting Tips
There’s no such thing as a casual snow goose hunt, one reason many
waterfowlers don’t participate. This sport requires large goose decoy spreads
and constant scouting.
First, you must study movement patterns of geese where you want to
goose hunt, then secure
permission to hunt where concentrations are located. (Most hunting is on
private hunting lands.) When geese start using a field, they stay until the
food supply is exhausted. Being there after they’ve started using the field and
before they’ve eaten it out is the trick.
Elaborate ground blinds are nice but not necessary because a goose
field usually produces only one or two good shoots before geese move elsewhere.
Many goose hunters simply lie on their backs in the goose decoys and wear white
or camouflage-pattern clothing. Pit ground blinds, portable ground blinds and
makeshift ground blinds made from natural materials on-site also can be used,
depending on where you hunt.
When it comes to snow goose decoy spreads, bigger usually is
better. The decoys should be in place before sunrise to take advantage of the
snow goose’s propensity for flying early.
The most important thing goose hunters should remember is to
remain well hidden and motionless until birds are well within shooting range.
Snow geese are wary, and if they see or hear anything out of place, they’ll
avoid it. If approaching birds seem reluctant to land, flare off at the last
minute or land consistently outside the decoys, chances are they are spotting
the blind, hunter movement or something else that makes them nervous. Adjust as
necessary.
Avoid the temptation to shoot when the first geese start dropping
into your set-up. Veteran waterfowlers hold off until the lead geese are touching
down and geese in the rear of the flock are well within gun range before making
their move.
Remember this rule of thumb as well: If, when aiming, the end of
your gun barrel covers more than half the bird, the goose is beyond 45 yards
and is too far away for a clean kill.
If you’re not up to the tasks just outlined, consider hiring a
hunting guide. These guys can show you the ins and outs of snow goose hunting,
and after you’ve experienced a hunt first-hand, you’ll know whether you really
want to make the required investment in time and hunting equipment to hunt on
your own. Best of all, hunting guides do all the work. The hunter need not
spend hours scouting, gaining hunting permission, and setting and retrieving
goose decoys. For a reasonable fee, reputable hunting guides do all this and
clean and pack your birds, too.
Snow Goose Hunting
Conclusion
Snow goose hunting is challenging, for sure. Nevertheless, it’s a
sport many of us find irresistibly attractive. Goose hunting allows us to
perfect our skills with a shotgun and to go afield with men we enjoy and
admire. Most of all, it gives us another excuse to be outdoors. Until you have
sat in a goose spread and watched a fall or winter day unfold, develop and
decline, you have missed one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Monday, January 09, 2012
Spring Snow Goose Season Will Begin February 1 in Missouri
Well I would use alot of words to describe the picuture but i think that everyone can see it. Some of our days have been slow now doubt even a couple of one birds days. However, I can gurantee that the biggest days are still to come.www.snowgooseguides.com
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