Goose spreads

[Buckskin]

Was out this week end and did pretty good on Canadians (geese that is), we got our limit. But was suprised at how many groups gave us the fly by or a few high cirlces the left.  We had a good # of shells and full bodies out in 2 groups w/ a landing area in the center.  My question is, since we had a couple different sized shells ( mags and standards) should we mixed them up or segregate the sizes somewhat, as well as the full bodies.  Also wondering if our pattern should be different.

[Zachary]

Interesting question, the answer of which seems to vary from year to year.

Down in SE Texas (where I used to hunt for many years), some years the darks would roost separately from the snows, while in other years they would all sit together (which we called "salt & pepper).

If you really want an accurate answer to your question, drive around some fields and take a look at the roosting birds.  If you see some Greater Canadas mixed up with Lesser Canadas, then you do the same.  If you see them separate, then follow their lead.  This strategy has worked very well for me and most hunters in the past.

Zachary

[dakotashooter2]

I wouldn't be afraid to mix them . Had a flock go ove the other day and many of the young birds wee only about 1/2 the size of the adults.

[dukkillr]

I mix, but i generally put the bigger ones out front, and the full bodies around edges... I like to make the spread look the best for approaching geese. 

[Specklebelly]

One suggestion I have is try putting the decoys in family groups.  We use ten dozen shells and put them in small groups of two to six with some space between the "families".

Also don't put too many sentinal heads together or have the decs facing the same direction.  It makes the decoys have the nervous look to them.

This really improved our decoying success and made a difference in our results.

Good luck and hope you drop a bunch.

[Buckskin]

We also do the family spreads earlier in the season.  But as the season progresses it seems to be less effective.

[lewdogg21]

We use family spreads typically with a pocket  in the middle for the landing zone.  Try that if your not.  Remember honkers can live a long time and see a lot of spreads.