Using Canada decoys for spring snows??

[quacksmackMN]

Hey everyone I am heading out snow goose hunting as soon as the migration pushes into ND and I was thinking about bringing along some canada goose decoys. We have a pretty small number of snow-goose dekes and so the thought was that adding some canadas around the snows would add visibility and realism. I know that the two species don't typically feed together but we thought that putting the canadas 50yds off to the side might work... The main question though: are you allowed to use canada goose decoys during the spring snow goose season??? Any input would be appreciated!

[Kettle]

I understand the visual aspects of having more decoys, when I have hunted snows in Canada we have just left the Canada geese decoys in the truck since I have had lots of lesser Canada geese decoy snow decoys. The big question is the legality of it, I would check the regulations and if you cannot find the information in there you will need to contact a conservation officer. My guess would be that it is not an okay thing to do, but like I said you need to get in touch with someone who can give you a definitive answer. I'm jealous of the trip! Happy Hunting

Kettle

[CANOPY SAM]

Good question. I can't see why this would be illegal, as long as you're not discharging a weapon in the direction of Canadian Geese.

We're allowed to use "confidence decoys" of various species while duck hunting, with no intention of shooting those "other" birds if they do happen to glide in, so I can't see why using Honker decoys would be illegal if you're specifically hunting Snow Geese.

I suppose it could be a little suspicious with the specific spring season only open for Snow Geese, but again, if they are only a confidence decoy I can't see what it would hurt.

I often use both Canadian Goose decoys, and snow goose decoys while hunting ducks and honkers in North Dakota. Of course, under those circumstances, I can shoot anything that comes into decoy.

I honestly don't know the answer to your question. I'd think it would be best to call the local game officials in the area you intend to hunt and see what they have to say. If they say it's okay, then I think it would be a pretty good idea to include them in your spread.

However, keep in mind when setting up, honkers and snow geese don't intermingle much when in the same fields. They'll occupy the same field together, but they typically stay apart from one another in their respective family groups.

[fishuhalik]

I've never seen snows & honkers in the same field in a natural setting. I have seen snows & mallards intermingled on several occasions though

[brittman]

Good question. I can't see why this would be illegal, as long as you're not discharging a weapon in the direction of Canadian Geese.

At one time in Canada you could only use white decoys when using an e-caller. Most of these laws are now obsolete.

[brittman]

I've never seen snows & honkers in the same field in a natural setting. I have seen snows & mallards intermingled on several occasions though

Kidding ?

Canada geese and snow geese mix regularly in almost every ND grain field. Especially when there are not huge numbers of either in the area. Often in the fall the lesser Canada geese make up the lion's share of the bag on those days when the snows decide not to play.

Even greater Canada Geese (Honkers) will use the same field, although the bigger geese also like to feed in the afternoon in flocks all by themselves.

[carpshooterdeluxe]

Had a snow goose flock feed within 25-30 yards of where I was sitting last night but I couldn't shoot due to the amount of specks and hutchies interspersed throughout the flock. They will and do feed together and roost together in smaller flock situations at least...

No regulation I'm aware of precluding you from using dark goose decoys during the spring in SD. No clue on ND's regs though.

[Todd Caswell]

It's not worth it, leave them at home, they have little to no effect on the white devils in the spring, trust me it will same you some time cleaning them up when you get home..

[fishuhalik]

Nope, not kidding. I've only been out here for 2 years but I can't think of a single time I've seen it. I have definitely seen em roost in the same water, but not feed together