Trad Goose Hunt

[The Baron]

When I joined the TradGang group I was graciously invited to partake in a local fun event, and I met some great people.  I am the newbie to traditional archery, but I am no stranger to killing Canada geese.  So, when Frenchymanny said he wanted to shoot a goose with his bow, I knew I could help!

We set a date, and Saturday was the big day.  We were very lucky that the forecast changed at the last minute from heavy rain, to only clouds.  I also was able to locate two good fields to hunt - 1 for the morning and 1 for the afternoon.  Everything went very well.  Our setups worked well and the geese cooperated.  We got numerous chances to shoot in both the morning and evening.  It was a hunt that PETA dreams are made of, because no geese were injured. LOL.  We did give several a very close shave, and we learned a lot about how to set up and execute a trad bow hunt for geese.  I think we did a great job for a first attempt, and only luck protected the geese on some shots.  I was bad and took no pics in the morning, but I did snap a few in the afternoon to document the occasion.

Our hide for the afternoon flight.  

Manny, enjoying the adventure.  

Manny preparing to make a goose-kabob.  

Yours truly, ready to launch the lucky flu-flu.  

This was a momentous occasion, as it was the first time I ever went afield with traditional archery gear.  It was also a pleasure to hunt with a new friend, who shares my new-found interest.

It was great to have you as my guest Manny!  I look forward to the next time, and having another try at this challenge.    

[SouthMDShooter]

Looks like a blast! did anyone connect?

[wihill]

Looks like an AWESOME time!  Hope you guys had fun and made some feathers fly!

Waterfowl isn't on the list for this year for me - all the fun money went into Trad Archery.  Next year on the other hand....

[The Baron]

Originally posted by SouthMDShooter:
Looks like a blast! did anyone connect?

It was a ton of fun for sure!  But, we at "close soup" for dinner.  LOL!

We started in the morning by landing the geese and shooting at them on the ground.  It's hard to get geese to land near the edges of fields, but we were able to get them to land on the edge of the decoys.  We did get some 25-30 yard chances.  On several occasions, the geese narrowly escaped a blood letting.  But, we found shooting at them on the ground was causing too much lost time looking for arrows that buried into the low vegetation (field was a cut wheat field with some volunteer growth).  In the afternoon (different field) we shot mostly at flying birds at a high angle.  Finding the flu-flu's stuck straight up in the field was much easier and trying it on the wing proved the most enjoyable.  We came surprisingly close on several shots, but we just couldn't seem to make a connection.

I will remember one goose always, which landed about 40 yards away in the morning.  Manny had shot at the last one, so it was my turn.  I haven't even shot past 30 yards yet, but I took my best guess, added a bit more elevation and let fly.  The flu-flu looked like a yellow ball as it arced out toward the bird.  It looked perfect in flight and both Manny and I started to expect a score when the flu-flu lost speed and dropped just short at the goose's feet, but in perfect allignment.  I can still picture that shot - it was so close!   :D

[BUFF]

sounds like a blast

[Frenchymanny]

What can I say?
It was a magnificent hunt! Rob knows about geese hunting like nobody I ever met, making the birds come to us EXACTLY where he said they will!

Just experiencing his waterfowler skills was a treat in itself        

Like Rob said, quite a few times we looked at the arrow thinking that's it! Just to see the bird escape by an inch or two

Very fun shooting was had at various distance and situations.
I can't think of a better way to spend the day!
I look forward tonext year edition of the geese hunt!

Thank you Rob for your kindness

F-Manny

[Frenchymanny]

Flu flus were made by Mike from Maddog archery (a sponsor here)

Thanks Mike!

[Deadbolt]

awsome job guys I tried it this past goose season with no luck either...im determined to get em this year lol!

LOOKS LIKE A BLAST!

[Benny Nganabbarru]

Too deadly, that!

Deadly is bush-speak for really, really cool!

[Mitch-In-NJ]

It's great fun, isn't it?

I had a little luck one day last year.  Took 3 birds.  One coming in, one flying away and one on the ground.  All at less than 15 yards.

This year I plan on doing it again.  I went shotgunning with a friend Friday and we cleaned up.  The birds flew right in.  One group even flew back in after we shot 'em up once.

Next trip I bring my bow and flu-flus.

[Luke Vander Vennen]

Wish I could have made it this year!

[amar911]

Rob,

What bow is that you are shooting?

Allan

[Frenchymanny]

Luke, next year!    

F-Manny

[LONGHORN]

I might jump in the boat next year also. Glad to know you had a great time guys.
Serge

[The Baron]

Originally posted by amar911:
Rob,

What bow is that you are shooting?

Allan

I am shooting a 62" Howard Hill Badger.  55#@28"

Luke... definitely hope you can join us next time!