Early-Season Canada Goose Hunting Tips

Tip #1 Keep Your Decoy Spread Small

One of the biggest mistakes hunters make is overcomplicating their decoy setup. Even if you have hundreds of decoys in your trailer, early-season geese don’t require a large spread.

• Use just two to three dozen decoys for best results.

• Focus on small, natural-looking groups instead of trying to fill the entire field.

• A smaller spread is easier to manage and more realistic for the geese, especially family groups teaching their young to fly and feed.

Tip #2 Use Loose Family Groups

Early-season geese often behave almost “anti-socially,” sticking in tight family units and avoiding crowded areas. Mimicking this behavior with your decoys can improve your success.

• Spread decoys apart to give each group plenty of space.

• Use multiple small family groups instead of a single large cluster.

This approach helps replicate natural goose behavior and makes your spread more inviting.

Tip #3 Lighten Up on Calling

Calling is important, but overdoing it can work against you during early-season hunts. These geese are already feeding and often respond best to subtle signals.

• Use a few clucks or moans rather than continuous calling. In many cases, minimal or no calling works best.

• Focus on replicating the sound of small family groups already in the field.

The goal is to enhance your spread naturally, not overwhelm the birds with noise.

Tip #4 Focus on Concealment

When using small decoy spreads, staying hidden is crucial. Geese can be wary, and layout options may be limited. Use layout blinds where possible, especially in fields with windrows.

Tip #5 Cherish the Opportunity

Early-season goose hunting is a special chance to enjoy the hunt without investing in a ton of gear. It’s a great time for beginners to learn decoy setups, calling techniques, and field navigation.

Following these early-season Canada goose hunting tips will help you enjoy the hunt even more. If you have additional questions about preparing for the hunting season, stop into your local SCHEELS and speak with a Hunting Expert.