How to Set Up Goose Decoy Spreads

Hunters use goose decoys to lure wild geese into shooting range.

Goose decoy spreads help hunters lure geese into a range close enough to shoot the birds effectively. Spreads can be set up on land or in the water, and can consist of anywhere from a few to hundreds of decoys. Some of the most popular spreads are shaped like a "J," a "V" or a circle.

Things You'll Need

• Decoys

Instructions

1. Choose a land or water-based goose hunting site. If you set up a decoy spread on land, you will need more decoys than if you are hunting over water.

2. Pay attention to the size of the goose flocks you see flying. This will give you an indication of how many birds should be in your decoy spread. A decoy spread is designed to make geese believe that other geese are using an area, so keep it as natural as possible. Geese tend to fly in smaller flocks during the late summer and early fall. As the temperatures turn cooler, and geese begin migrating, they form flocks that may include hundreds or thousands of birds.

3. Experiment with your decoy spread. If you're hunting over land, try a spread that's shaped like a "J" or a "V." Another good spread is one that's shaped like a circle. Keep the middle area open as a spot in which geese might land. Remember to keep your spread as natural looking as possible. Place decoys so they face in different directions. Make it appear that some are feeding, and that some are resting.

4. Acquire floating goose decoys if you plan to hunt over water. Again, J and V-shaped spreads work well, as do circular spreads. In most water-hunting situations, you can get by with 24 to 48 decoys. Since geese often climb from the water onto the shore, it's a good idea to place three or four decoys on the shore near the edge of the water.

References

• Gundogsonline.com: Decoy Placement for Field Hunting Canada Geese