The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service originally established September goose seasons, then delegated decision-making to individual states to address burgeoning resident Canada goose populations. These are the birds that never leave; the ones who have taken year-round residence on golf courses, at housing developments, and in municipal water supply ponds. These are the birds you see around town all year long.
States across the country were given the green light by the USFWS to establish early Canada goose-only hunting seasons in the hopes that such seasons would help in lowering the numbers of these stay-at-home honkers. Is it effective? In some cases, yes; in others, no. Why weren’t these seasons a slam dunk? Well, resident geese aren’t as dumb as people think. Local geese have learned how to survive in urban areas, and the older birds can be difficult to kill. However, there are things you can do to sway the odds in your favor. Here are six tips to kill more September honkers.
1. Hunt the Coolest Points of the Day
Except for a few states, such as Missouri, most early Canada goose seasons take place in September (be sure to check your local season regulations). As you know, September is still summer—and it can be very hot. What do Canada geese do when it’s hot? The simple answer is not much. That said, it makes sense to scout and hunt during the coolest hours of the day. This means hunting early mornings and the last hour or so of legal shooting time. However, I’ve had great September shoots, often mid-morning, as birds that have fed and lounged now trade to their favored, often water-based, loafing areas. Be flexible and let the birds dictate the logistics, but capitalize on first and last light when birds are more active.
2. Hunt Over Water
I love hunting Canada geese over water, including in September. Why? As mentioned above, temperatures are still typically hot, and geese like to cool off and loaf. Big geese, specifically, spend a lot of their time loafing on the water where, theoretically, they’re safer from any number of predators.
In my experience, hunting water during September is often a mid-morning proposition. Early in the morning, the birds leave the roost and head to a feed. Then, usually, around 9 o’clock, they head to water for a drink and a nap. Knowing this, set six to 12 floaters off the edge of a pond or whatever water source you’re hunting, and stick a dozen widely spaced silhouettes along the shore. Go light on the call. Blow a couple of honks as a greeting, with some rising murmurs as the birds get closer, then nothing until those big black feet drop.
3. Don’t Overlook Anything
While hunting over water in September can be very productive, don’t overlook other areas. I’ve found September Canadas in a long list of places: Cobblestone shorelines, sewage lagoons, silage fields, alfalfa, small river sandbars, and stock ponds. Once, I hunkered in an old fenceline 500 yards from a sculpted HOA pond and shot them passing on their way into the city limits, where no one could get to them. That’s right, I have no problem pass shooting when the stars align, and that’s the only game going.
My point here is that you shouldn’t overlook any possibility. It’s all about, and pardon the cliché, windshield time. Look at everything. Follow the geese from their reservoir roost to Field A or Hidden Pond B. Knock on a door or two and talk to local farmers. In 2024, a dairyman told me, “I haven’t seen any geese where you’re looking, but I’ve seen them every morning on the X Farm,” a place I hadn’t even considered. And don’t forget public waters, like management areas and refuges. But check the regulations, as not all public ground will be open during September.
4. Go Easy on the Call
Calling to local, standoffish birds can be very difficult and make or break a hunt. “Don’t go too wild on early Canadas,” said Mike Callian, a former competitive goose caller and the current communications manager for Dave Smith Decoys. “You want to paint the picture that you’re a live flock of geese, but you want to save the fancy stuff, the spit notes and double clucks, for when they’re going to land long. You’re working to get them to pick their feet up and cut those yards. Otherwise,” he finished, “you’re pretty subdued.”
5. Set Small Family Groups
In the early and late seasons, which here in southwest Washington means September and mid-February, I’m a firm believer in hunting over a small spread for big Canada geese. This means setting anywhere from two to 18 full-bodies, and placing widely spaced family groups of three to five individuals. While I’ll keep the groups themselves relatively tight (three to four steps apart), I’ll put a lot of space between the groups, say 10 or 12 steps.
The other nice thing about these small spreads is flexibility; if the first two bunches demonstrate a pattern by landing in one spit, I’ll move my layout blind to accommodate that rather than rearrange the entire spread. This improvisation matters, as early Canada geese are often tremendously territorial while still gregarious. It’s a tough combination to work with, but not impossible.
6. Check Your Gear
Early Canada goose season is a fantastic opportunity to warm up (no pun intended) for the upcoming regular season. Inspect your layout blind, panel, and A-frame. Is everything still working as it should and keeping you hidden? Do the decoys need a touch-up? Maybe they need a little flocking revitalization on the head, neck, and tail. Are your calls tuned and ready to go? What about your shotgun and ammunition stockpile? Clean your gun, organize your shells, and get to the skeet field. September geese can be as frustrating as the migrants later in the year, but with some work, they can be fooled and help get you ready for those cold North winds, the spreads numbering into the dozens, and the thunderous sound of giant flocks finishing over the decoys.
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