Quick Answer
Goldeneyes exhibit territory behavior in late season, particularly during the breeding period, but also during the late fall and winter months when food sources congregate in specific areas.
Habitat and Food Sources
In late season, goldeneyes tend to congregate in areas with abundant food sources such as fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. They prefer habitats with shallow water and submerged structures like submerged logs, sunken trees, or weed beds. When hunting goldeneyes, focus on areas with high concentrations of these structures, as they tend to hold large numbers of birds.
Hunting Techniques
To hunt goldeneyes in late season, use a decoy setup consisting of 2-3 decoys placed in a triangle formation, with the largest decoy in the center. Use a call to imitate the sound of a female goldeneye, which will attract males to the area. Shoot from a blind or a tree stand 10-15 yards away from the decoy setup, using a shotgun with a modified choke to reduce pellet spread.
Hunting Timing and Weather
Late-season goldeneye hunting often requires patience and flexibility. Birds are more active during early morning and late afternoon when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter. Avoid hunting during strong winds or icy conditions, as these can make it difficult to approach birds undetected. Use a thermos to keep warm while waiting for birds to move into range.
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