How to Use a Goose Call

Using a goose call to lure geese into a hunter's range is simple. Flying geese investigate calls from the ground, so your goose call is supposed to imitate the sound of geese feeding and squabbling. When a goose call imitates the natural sound of the geese, the hunter is more successful.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Select the type of goose calls that are the most comfortable to use. There are two basic styles of goose calls: the flute call and the short-reed call. Like its name suggests, the flute call resembles a small wooden flute and is played in a similar manner. The short-reed call resembles a squat barrel and is held in the palm of the hand. Goose calls are made from many materials, such as plastic, metal or hardwood.
2. Set out decoys. Goose decoys should be set out in a natural pattern designed to imitate a flock. Observe the flock of geese as they fly over. Call to the leader in a loud and distinct call. Try to get the attention of the lead goose in the flock. The idea of calling down geese is to get them within range over the decoys.
3. Make loud clear calls. Geese are more likely to come down to a field if they believe other geese have found a good feeding area. Begin calling to geese on the ground using a slow introductory type of call in order not to scare the flock. Once the hunter has the attention of the flock, the sound of the call should approximate the normal sounds of geese as they mill about the feeding grounds.
4. Use a versatile goose call if various species of geese are going to be hunted. Some goose calls are capable of imitating the sounds of several species. A good goose caller is also a good listener. Take the time to learn the actual natural sounds of geese before trying to imitate them. This simple lesson is often overlooked by hunters and causes a lot of unnecessary frustration.
5. Remember geese are loudest when they are landing, and hunters must also provide their loudest calls at that time. Do not blow all your energy on the calling down, save a little breath for the finale. Once the geese are in range take aim and practice good hunter safety.