Is Early Morning or Late Afternoon Better for Geese?

Understanding Geese Behavior

Geese are crepuscular birds, meaning they are most active during twilight hours, which typically occur in the late afternoon and early morning. Research suggests that geese tend to be more mobile and vocal during these periods, making them more vulnerable to hunting. For example, studies have shown that geese are more likely to be on the move during the 30 minutes before sunset, with a 20% increase in activity compared to the rest of the day.

Hunting Late Afternoon

To capitalize on this knowledge, hunters often plan their geese hunting excursions for late afternoon, aiming to be in position by the time the birds begin to move. This can be as early as 2-3 hours before sunset, depending on the location and time of year. When hunting late afternoon, it’s essential to use tactics that play to the geese’s natural behavior, such as using decoys that mimic the birds’ evening feeding patterns and employing calling techniques that imitate the sounds of geese communicating during this time. By doing so, hunters can increase their chances of success.