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Snow Goose Hunt
#6673539
02/13/17 10:16 PM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 837
yakinthebox
OP
Tracker
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OP
Tracker
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 837 |
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.
If you stay ready, you don't have to get ready! -Anonymous
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Re: Snow Goose Hunt
[Re: yakinthebox]
#6673594
02/13/17 11:02 PM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 473
Tru2lifetaxidermy
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 473 |
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.
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Re: Snow Goose Hunt
[Re: yakinthebox]
#6673642
02/13/17 11:52 PM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 837
yakinthebox
OP
Tracker
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OP
Tracker
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 837 |
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.
If you stay ready, you don't have to get ready! -Anonymous
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Re: Snow Goose Hunt
[Re: yakinthebox]
#6673644
02/13/17 11:55 PM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 837
yakinthebox
OP
Tracker
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OP
Tracker
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 837 |
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.
If you stay ready, you don't have to get ready! -Anonymous
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Re: Snow Goose Hunt
[Re: yakinthebox]
#6673725
02/14/17 12:55 AM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 473
Tru2lifetaxidermy
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 473 |
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.
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Re: Snow Goose Hunt
[Re: yakinthebox]
#6673880
02/14/17 02:51 AM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 158
Team Porkchop
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 158 |
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.
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Re: Snow Goose Hunt
[Re: Tru2lifetaxidermy]
#6673930
02/14/17 03:25 AM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,932
Simple Searcher
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,932 |
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. 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.
"Man is still a hunter, still a simple searcher after meat..." Robert C. Ruark
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Re: Snow Goose Hunt
[Re: yakinthebox]
#6674314
02/14/17 02:48 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 413
bluewingwidowmaker
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 413 |
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.
Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
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Re: Snow Goose Hunt
[Re: yakinthebox]
#6675320
02/15/17 10:03 AM
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Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 471
JEmberson
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 471 |
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.
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Re: Snow Goose Hunt
[Re: yakinthebox]
#6675495
02/15/17 02:39 PM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,932
Simple Searcher
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,932 |
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.
"Man is still a hunter, still a simple searcher after meat..." Robert C. Ruark
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Re: Snow Goose Hunt
[Re: yakinthebox]
#6675544
02/15/17 03:11 PM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 542
snowbuster
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 542 |
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
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Re: Snow Goose Hunt
[Re: snowbuster]
#6675639
02/15/17 04:12 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,387
john paul
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,387 |
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.
I'm with GK because I like salty old dudes.
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Re: Snow Goose Hunt
[Re: yakinthebox]
#6676243
02/16/17 12:00 AM
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 50
G K Chambers
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 50 |
Last edited by G K Chambers; 02/16/17 12:01 AM.
Internet Blowhard Detection Pro Staff
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Re: Snow Goose Hunt
[Re: yakinthebox]
#6676355
02/16/17 01:35 AM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 28,031
skinnerback
THF Celebrity Chef
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THF Celebrity Chef
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 28,031 |
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Re: Snow Goose Hunt
[Re: skinnerback]
#6676880
02/16/17 03:36 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,387
john paul
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,387 |
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.
I'm with GK because I like salty old dudes.
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Re: Snow Goose Hunt
[Re: G K Chambers]
#6676889
02/16/17 03:40 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,387
john paul
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,387 |
Nice looking interphase 3rd from the left!
I'm with GK because I like salty old dudes.
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Re: Snow Goose Hunt
[Re: john paul]
#6677383
02/16/17 09:16 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,387
john paul
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,387 |
I'm with GK because I like salty old dudes.
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Re: Snow Goose Hunt
[Re: yakinthebox]
#6677688
02/17/17 01:02 AM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,932
Simple Searcher
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,932 |
Good haul GK We got 77 this morning. Thousands of them suckers to shoot at.
"Man is still a hunter, still a simple searcher after meat..." Robert C. Ruark
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Re: Snow Goose Hunt
[Re: yakinthebox]
#6677810
02/17/17 02:11 AM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 28,031
skinnerback
THF Celebrity Chef
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THF Celebrity Chef
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 28,031 |
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.
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Re: Snow Goose Hunt
[Re: yakinthebox]
#6680627
02/20/17 12:30 AM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 473
Tru2lifetaxidermy
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 473 |
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?
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Re: Snow Goose Hunt
[Re: Tru2lifetaxidermy]
#6680709
02/20/17 01:50 AM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,387
john paul
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,387 |
Still a handful of birds in the Beaumont/Winnie area.
I'm with GK because I like salty old dudes.
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Re: Snow Goose Hunt
[Re: yakinthebox]
#6680926
02/20/17 04:52 AM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,817
Wildphilhickup
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,817 |
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.
MILL CREEK HONEY BEE FARM, LLC millcreekhoneybeefarm @yahoo.com
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Re: Snow Goose Hunt
[Re: Simple Searcher]
#6685052
02/23/17 07:22 PM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,075
aerangis
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,075 |
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. 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. 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.
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Re: Snow Goose Hunt
[Re: aerangis]
#6685069
02/23/17 07:32 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 11,788
wal1809
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 11,788 |
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. 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. 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?
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Re: Snow Goose Hunt
[Re: wal1809]
#6685129
02/23/17 08:13 PM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,075
aerangis
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,075 |
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. 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. 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.
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