Flagging
for snow geese is one of the most effective yet under utilized tool
in a snow goose hunters bag of tricks. To flag properly a snow
goose hunter needs to have the right equipment, needs to be
concealed, and most importantly know when to flag. I will
discuss each one of these key ingredients to successfully flag snow
geese into your decoys.
Choosing
a flag:
There
are two types of flags on the market. One is a hand held flag
and the other is a flapping wing decoy style flag. Each has
its own advantages and disadvantages. The hand held flags
common to Canada goose hunting are effective at flagging snows from
a distance and up close. When the geese are 150-300 yards out
I flap the flag like a goose has just landed in my decoy spread.
Do this in an inconsistent way to provide the illusion of different
geese jumping or stretching their wings. Once they get inside
100 yards, only flag when the geese are on the corners, and do so
sparingly in an attempt to provide the illusion of motion and NOT
draw attention to yourself. This is the #1 way of getting
busted by the snow geese if you are not concealed 100%.
Flagging will bring a snow gooses eyes directly to you.
Inside
100 yards is when a flapping wing goose decoy really shines.
It allows you to flag the geese away from your blind location.
This focuses the attention away from your blind and into an area
with no hunters hiding. Note: Flapping wing style decoys let
novice hunters or guests flag and be part of the hunt because they
are almost a fool proof way to provide realistic motion in your
spread and not focus attention on your blind location.
Concealment:
Since
flagging is such an important part of successfully hunting snow
geese over decoys, you must be hiding in your decoy spread for maximum
effectiveness. Flagging outside the decoys will focus the
attention on the hunter without any decoys around. It is
a dead give away something is wrong. Therefore conceal your
blind as effectively as possible, and then conceal it some more.
Knowing
when to flag:
Flagging
snow geese is very similar to calling ducks. If the geese are
locked up and heading your way, their is now need to flag. If
the geese do not decoy into range, let them go over your head or off
to the side 75-100 yards and then flag. Flag until a single
bird turns your way and then stop and watch. If that bird
continues your way, let the flock work. if the bird is sucked
back into the group, continue to flag. Continue this game
until the geese are in range. Note: Flagging before the
geese get out 75-100 yards will make the flock turn around to
quickly and not lose any altitude. This is a bad thing because
the more geese pass over your decoys without coming into range, the
more educated they become to your set up.
By following the tips above your snow goose decoy spread will be
more effective.
