Southeast Missouri Snow Goose Hunting

If you are going to try snow goose hunting for the first time or are even an experienced hunter, you need to head to Missouri come February. With almost half of the migratory waterfowl passing over this area, it is one of the most target-rich hunting grounds in the United States. Furthermore, the Missouri hunting season starts on February 1, so you can hunt here far earlier than you can in many other areas.

First-Time Snow Goose Hunters Encouraged to Use Guided Trips

When you think about it, how many things do you truly do the first time on your own? You had someone teach you how to walk, talk, drive, and surely you were educated by a teacher. Therefore, it makes sense, if you are going hunting for the first time, to learn from someone with experience.

Guided snow goose hunting is a great way to experience the best of everything when heading to southeast Missouri. Those new to the sport more than likely do not have the resources and/or supplies needed to have a successful trip. Honestly, can you afford to buy hundreds of decoys, blinds, and dog training right out of the gate?

Even experienced hunters that have never hunted in this area can benefit simply by learning from the experience of the guides on the hunt. This is especially true for hunters that are used to hunting further north or in Canada. The birds react differently in SE Missouri and the hunting grounds are more than likely much different from what you are using to seeing.

What Happens during a Southeast Missouri Guided Snow Goose Hunt?

If you have never used a outfitter or a guided hunt before, you should know what to expect leading up to the trip as well as what will happen upon your arrival. Below you will find a checklist of sorts that should have your “prepped” for your first southeast Missouri snow goose hunting trip.

1. Check the site thoroughly for what is and what is not included in the trip. Some features and/or benefits of particular interest are:

• Most outfitters will provide dogs. Some may allow you to bring your own dogs, but you will more than likely have to provide proof of training and there may be a restriction on the amount of “personal” hunting dogs allowed per group. You will absolutely want to check with the outfitter on this point, so do not just bring your dog expecting him or her to be able to join the hunt.
• Blinds are often taken care of by the outfitter. In fact, companies like Show Me Snow Geese have camouflaged blinds in place in the fields for their clients. This is a huge advantage in not having to bring and/or dig out your blind. It will also give a novice hunter much better idea of how to properly brush a blind in the field.
• Decoys should be included in the package. This is a great opportunity to see a variety of spreads and how they work in different settings. It will also show you the importance of using quality decoys instead of low-cost and unrealistic looking decoys.

2. Once the trip is booked, you should touch base with your guided hunting outfitter a couple of weeks out to confirm all details. Do not be alarmed if the they do not pick up the phone or return your call right away. Most of the staff will be out prepping the fields and blinds for the upcoming season, so “business hours” for the staff are far from those of bankers. Leave a message with accessible times and they will surely return your call.

3. Always listen to your guide in the field. His or her number one concern is the safety of the group, and everything he or she does is centered around that safety. Following the rules will make the trip both more enjoyable and bountiful.

4. If you are there to hunt spring snow geese, that is all you should be shooting at during the hunt. You will see other species of birds, but they may not be in season, so do not shoot at them. If you cannot identify the birds on your own, your guide will be more than happy to help you.

5. As the season gets later, the days get longer. In most cases, the day will be broken up, so you are not expected to stay in the field from sunup to sundown. This is something to check with the guide so you are properly prepared.

6. While guided hunts do not guarantee a specific number, you should do fairly well. As stated above, this particular area sees a significant amount of birds during the season, so you should be able to crack double digits even on a bad day.