bad snow goose hunt

Hi Anthony-when I first hunted with David Roy, which was around 2000, there was no snow goose hunting in the area. There was an occasional flock here and there, but not anything you would go there to hunt for. I know in the last several years they were in that area(Thousand Islands) big time, and he hunted them in the fall. Snow goose migration patterns seem to constantly change. I think I've mentioned it here before, but along Delaware Bay they would stage for the northward migration starting in late December from Maurice River cove west to Salem NJ. I would hunt them a couple of times in late January or February(in the marsh, not fields). The last few years the numbers have steadily dwindled, and I haven't been for 4-5 years now, mostly for other reasons. I would have tried once this year but again, the numbers just weren't here. They seem to stay further south on the eastern shore of Maryland and Virginia now, and then head up through PA and NY late winter. I don't think anybody knows why.
My hunting for snows consisted of using about a dozen floaters just off of the bay front. I would hunt the small flocks trading between the rafts on the bay. You could call them and get a few to decoy to my small rig. I just would hunt for a few hours, and was partial to low tide when mud flats were exposed. I usually got a few, which was enough for me. I liked the experience of seeing lots of birds, and I also prefer to eat snow geese over canada geese-which I know is counter to most people. I like breast filets on the grill with a good cajun seasoning, like Paul Prudhommes meat magic. Seared on the outside and reddish pink inside, or sliced into medallions with some seasoned flour in a pan cooked in olive oil.
I also collected the cdc feathers for my fly tying, which I still do with the ducks that I shoot. I like the brilliant white ones that snow geese have, as I prefer collecting as many materials as I can from game I take , and the occasional road kill that is in good shape or a furbearer that I get from a friend who traps.
Anyway, I know that last part got a little off topic, but good luck on your search for snow geese. If you find them let us all know!
 
Greg

Been hunting snows for a while in Western NY outside the Water Town area. Back about five or six years ago it was as good as it gets. The last few years it hasn't been good at all. This year and last Mother Nature was the reason for sure. One day the birds were moving the next they were flying back south. Snow and very windy and cold temps the last few years, Not good for snow geese .And to be truthful not good for any other migrating birds. I sat out in a pit blind last year and it was so cold the guide called the hunt off. It was like twenty below with the wind chill . And sitting in a six foot hole in the ground made it even colder. The heaters didn't even make it and warmer. I'm sure there are many other reason but weather is everything. Hunting them on the water is a great idea. I had luck a few times right here on the Hudson years ago. But I think that it was being in the right place at the right time. They don't sit down here unless they have to. I was going to try to find a guide that does hunts them on the water. But after getting sick! I didn't really want to. I also love snow goose on the grill its a yummy meat. Thanks as always.
View attachment December 2018 photos from Galaxy 463.jpg
 
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Anthony, I think the style of water hunting for snow geese is unique to the area I'm in, being salt marsh and rafting on the bayshore. I've never heard of others doing it in other parts of the country, although someone may. The rafting flocks are usually 1500-3000 birds and are 1-3 miles apart, and that allows them to trade between in small groups. The big flocks coming in to the raft from outside the immediate area almost never come in to decoys, just the flocks that get up from the raft, which are sometimes just a few birds. Maybe it'll be back next year, who knows?
 
Greg

We might not be the people we once were.But we are not dead yet. So dust off your boots and grab your gun and get ready for next years hunt. Looking forward to your story on how you got into a big flock of snows. Always great hearing from you Thanks
 
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