Snow Goose Hunting: Blinds, Camo, and Blending In

You’ve put in the time—spotting and finding snow geese, getting permission from landowners, and rounding up enough white decoys to set up for a hunt. Now it’s time to think about how you will hide.

Remember, snow geese arriving in Alberta in spring are wary. They have been hunted for the past eight or nine months and know what to avoid—namely people. Here are ideas for blending in.

Join the decoys

You need a lot of decoys for a spring goose hunt: 500 to 2500+ is ideal. This large number means it’s easier for you to hide in the sea of decoys. Wearing white coveralls, or camo pants and a white hoodie or facemask can be the ticket to looking like one of the geese on the ground. Settle in among the decoys in a ground-level or stadium chair.

Use a layout blind

A layout blind is low to the ground and lets you lean back while patiently waiting for the birds. Ideally, you want to use a blind that matches the colors of the field you are in. Even then, you need to cover your blind with mud, grass or brush to break up its shape. If you are in a barley field, weave yellow straw into the straps to help it disappear. Don’t be surprised if it takes longer to conceal your blind than it does to set up the decoys!

Try a stand-up blind

If you are a novice hunter or have mobility issues, you can try a stand-up blind. Sitting and seeing the birds coming at eye level is a bonus, although this type of blind is more challenging to conceal. Again, use natural materials that match the colors around you to help it blend in.

Get creative

Spring conditions can change quickly…one day you are hunting in snow and the next in a bare field. Unless you plan to buy camo for every color scenario, you need to get creative. Bottom line? Conceal yourself and break up the shape of your blind. Old bed sheets, pillow cases, painting drop cloths, and even paper towels stuffed into the loops of your blind are all creative options.

Looking for more tips to put this delicious bird on your table? Find more articles on snow goose hunting here. Don’t forget to let us know where you’re seeing snows in Alberta. Post your sightings on Instagram using #Albertasnowgoosetracker.