Goose Blinds

[Justfishin73]

Good morning all.

I know goose season is still a little ways off, but getting anxious and just going through my gear getting ready. Used haybale/sitting blinds last year, not much for layout though. Seemed to work pretty good, much more comfy than layout. I know some guys will only use layouts. Just curious on what you use and why. (is it September yet? )

[gloszz]

Originally Posted by Justfishin73

Good morning all.

I know goose season is still a little ways off, but getting anxious and just going through my gear getting ready. Used haybale/sitting blinds last year, not much for layout though. Seemed to work pretty good, much more comfy than layout. I know some guys will only use layouts. Just curious on what you use and why. (is it September yet? )

I tend to use layout blinds when snow goose hunting and in a field that has possible cover like corn, wheat, and barley. Willow blinds work great in any of those and better in pea fields since it's quite hard to cover in a layout in a pea field without digging yourself in. It's somewhat personal preference but both will work great with the right application. And to be honest, if you don't try it out, you won't know.

[MyAlberta]

We are going to try something a bit different. Our plan is to set up Snow flyers and lay underneath them. The flyer decs attach to the lay down backrest and obscure the head and shoulders. The challenge will be a set that draws the darks within range. Missed too many shoots in the pea field to not give it a try. The Mallards don’t have any problems joining the snows, so a sprinkle of duck decs should add action. Tried coffin blinds last year. By the time you camouflage them, you could do without.

[bobalong]

I tried the layouts for a few years but have been using willow blinds again for the past 5 years or so. Lots of pocket bush in our area so willows are very natural here. Much more comfortable (gimp knee), visibility much better and shooting behind the blind when necessary is also very easy.

Once geese are coming in on many occasions you can get a shot or two away before even standing up so a lot less flaring when your about to shoot. Lots of flaring when shooting layouts.

My willow blind holds three adults comfortably and have an "L" extension that fits on each end if we are hunting 4-5 which is a lot of times.

[nube]

Originally Posted by MyAlberta

We are going to try something a bit different. Our plan is to set up Snow flyers and lay underneath them. The flyer decs attach to the lay down backrest and obscure the head and shoulders. The challenge will be a set that draws the darks within range. Missed too many shoots in the pea field to not give it a try. The Mallards don’t have any problems joining the snows, so a sprinkle of duck decs should add action. Tried coffin blinds last year. By the time you camouflage them, you could do without.

So snow flyers are motion decoys which means they attract the attention of every bird coming in to your decoys.... don't you think drawing attention to the spot your sitting isn't the best idea perhaps?

[catnthehat]

I didn't use layouts until about 10 years ago , always used willow blinds or permanent blinds on water spreads .
Going back to portable willow blinds .
Easier to move around in once a guy gets older and far easier in my neck because of my limited mobility.
Cat

[Justfishin73]

Originally Posted by catnthehat

I didn't use layouts until about 10 years ago , always used willow blinds or permanent blinds on water spreads .
Going back to portable willow blinds .
Easier to move around in once a guy gets older and far easier in my neck because of my limited mobility.
Cat

Agreed on the portability, my haybale blind is a backpack, and 30 seconds to pop up. Just for two bodies, but quick and light. A little native vegetation tucked in and done.

[MyAlberta]

Originally Posted by nube

So snow flyers are motion decoys which means they attract the attention of every bird coming in to your decoys.... don't you think drawing attention to the spot your sitting isn't the best idea perhaps?

Hoping that the motion will break up our outlines. We may be running for cover.

[nube]

Originally Posted by MyAlberta

Hoping that the motion will break up our outlines. We may be running for cover.

We used to hide under white bed sheets with great success for snows in the past and you can sit off to the side of your flyers. The landing zone should be where your flyers are at and where you want the birds to be. Side shoot them and lay under a white bed sheet works or get some painters outfits