Scout, scout, scout, and scout some more. These birds don't stray far from daily routines, but they aren't dumb either. Bring lots of bug spray. Be smart as you are likely being watched the by GW and/or Federalis.

 

Don't forget one of you must go to the Refuge Office and pay the 12.50 for each permit before they will mail it out

 

The Early Goose Hunt down there is pretty miserable...the lake is very dry now, and the feed crops aren't good either. Most of the birds are feeding near the causeway so they can eat grass - and you can't hunt there...yep on the bug spray. But there are lots of birds, and they are pattern-able...

 

1. Eat dinner at Martelle's. Get the grilled pork chops...

2. Get tips on the current location and movement patterns from the ranger when you pay your $12. 50. It is super dry this year but I still gotta believe that geese will leave the Refuge and fly towards the lake not too long after full daylight.

3.I got picked last year and I scouted in the mid-to-late afternoon and spotted a hundred or so on a sort of impoundment island within the Refuge itself about 500 yards from the shore of the lake. I decided to come back well before dawn, position myself between the geese and the lake, put out a few dekes, hide nearby, and call a bit. That's just what I did and got my geese somewhere around 7:15 A.M. Once they get up and fly for the lake, they're gone for a good long while, so you may as well,

Go eat breakfast at the hotel. Get the omlette.