First question. Is it even worth going on a snow goose hunt here in TX this time of year. Coastal area near Anahuac.

Secondly, I am looking to buy like 2-3 dozen socks. They are unpainted just white. Is it critical to paint them or are they fine to just be solid white. I also have like 4 floaters I would throw out.

This time of year I would say no as the migration has started and there are birds in central South Dakota already, but there are still a few birds around and they should be juvies. As far as the socks, I would paint as they are very smart birds, 20 years ago you could hang Walmart bags in stalks and get them to come in but the sport is becoming more popular and they are getting smart. I know they can be spendy but not sure how well you'll do with just 2-3 dozen...we run 2200 socks and 500 full bodies not saying that's critical but the more you have the better you'll do running traffic if your not on the "X" and you hide much better. Not knowing if you've hunted these white Devils before but your hide can be the most crucial part of being successful. These birds live 25+ years and have seen almost every spread you can throw at them. Using large numbers of decoys help them feel more comfortable to commit to the spreads and not hang at 100-1500 above you picking everything out and then giving you the middle web as they flat off. I would find some buddies that want to hunt them as well and have them add to your spread.

Yeah, this is what I was afraid of... Lol.

I seriously doubt I'll ever get into Snow goose hunting. Way to expensive. Sticking with ducks.

Just did the math and the cheapest socks I saw were 39.99 and they were just the plain white ones. At the rate you recommended, that would cost well over 7 grand just for the socks. That is insane. I know you said you don't have to use that many but geez. Most of the good ones are like $60+/dzn. not to mention the full bodies.

Yeah you've really got to hate them things as bad as we do to go all out. Maybe just hit up a guide and have a fun weekend. If ya have a good tornado you'll never forget it.

We just did a snow goose hunt yesterday and it was pretty good. The guide had a few issues with his dog that cost us a few birds. It was our first time ever goose hunting and I really enjoyed the birds flying over us. For some reason they were flaring on our spread. All in all it was a good hunt. To me it would be better to find someone that is wanting to goose hunt, so you don't have to buy all the socks, decoys and other equipment needed for a spread yourself.

Yup, had about 3000 swirling above us (guide said 4000, he was wrong, I counted). It was one of the most spectacular things I have ever seen. It went on for what seemed like 15-20 minutes and continued to grow as other flocks kept joining in. And then at the right moment, BLAM, BLAM, BLAM, BLAM, BLAM, BLAM, BLAM.

I'm dying to get on a good conservation hunt. If you haven't watched Tony Vandemore's video on facebook, you should go check it out.

My spread is slowly growing. IDK if I'll hit 500 full bodies but 3 dozen avianx snows(mixed) and just got 6 dozen headed tanglefree socks for some motion.

Hit them this past weekend. It was slow. There was 52 killed all weekend between 10 guns. They did not want to finish in 1000 decoys. Most of our shooting was 50 yards plus. Watch for specks! They were finishing and there was plenty mixed in.
You got to remember Texas is pretty much the last stop for these birds. They've seen it all before and will let you know if there is something wrong with your pattern or concealment. Big spreads, scouting and hiding yourself is key to killing snows.

We are headed to Arkansas today for our Conservation hunt. It seems every year that the geese are getting smarter. We don't get as many as we did in the past.

I know drake plantation has been tearing them up in Winnie lately, as from what I see on social media.

We had a slow weekend as well shot 8 Saturday and 5 Sunday with only two of us, should of had a lot more down just some poor shots

But we did come out with some jewelry and nothing but adults no juvies

We killed 15 this morning in China, TX out of 2 groups. 5 shooters. Got a blue phase ross also (possibly blue X ross, but still cool either way). After the second group another big wad was behind them and they flared and lit about 3/4 mile away and pulled every other bird coming out there. They have been leaving mid day for water and coming back in the evenings so we left the spread out and will try again this afternoon.

Had a good old man Texas shoot last Saturday (5 shooters). Dog ended up with 70+ retrieves on the morning.

WOW

We got 10 more yesterday afternoon. Birds didn't come off the water until the wind completely died down

We got 2 out of the first group and then the second group set up good and we got 8.

Here is a picture of what I am calling a blue phase Ross, may be a bluexross but a cool bird regardless.

Nice looking interphase 3rd from the left!

Here are a few more pictures of the blue phase Ross. After looking at these pictures I am convinced that we have a blue x ross goose judging by his size and slight grin patch.

Good haul GK
We got 77 this morning. Thousands of them suckers to shoot at.

I've never been on a goose hunt, but have ALWAYS wanted to. Been invited a few times but always had to work. I will make it happen someday.

My buddy killed some of the leading edge birds this weekend in SD. Adult birds and tough to get to commit but they are there. We are waiting until the middle of the migration gets there before I head up and hit it hard for a couple weeks. Anyone know if anyone is still killing birds in TX or Arkansas?

Still a handful of birds in the Beaumont/Winnie area.

Good info here.

http://www.huntthenorth.com/springsnowreport.html




"It seems every year that the geese are getting smarter."

It's 'man'ipulated evolution. Those birds that don't hear or see well get shot. Eventually the birds will have exceptional eyesight and hearing. They will be able to see the hunters in the pit blinds and even hear the gun safeties being clicked off.

Wait until you get 3000 flying right overhead, making so much noise it's deafening, then dropping around and ON your layout blind. All day long.

It's as good as sex.

What was that fella's name?

When you and I went to KS? That would be Steve.