Quick Answer
When geese are about to land, they typically exhibit behaviors such as dropping altitude and speed, changing their flight pattern, and displaying a more stable and level flight path.
Recognizing the Descent
When geese are preparing to land, they usually begin their descent at an altitude of 100-200 feet. From this point, they will typically lose about 10-20 feet per second in altitude. As they descend, their flight becomes more stable and level, indicating they are preparing to touch down.
Identifying the Glide Slope
Geese often fly with a shallow glide slope of around 45-60 degrees when approaching their landing site. This is in contrast to their normal cruising altitude, where they fly at a much steeper angle of around 70-80 degrees. As they approach their landing site, their glide slope will gradually decrease, indicating they are preparing to land. Experienced hunters can use this knowledge to anticipate the geese’s landing location and position themselves for a shot.
Reading the Geese’s Body Language
Observing the geese’s body language is also crucial in determining when they are about to land. As they descend, they will often begin to assume a more relaxed posture, with their wings tucked in and their heads lowered. This is an indication that they are no longer in a state of high alert and are preparing to land. Experienced hunters can use this knowledge to determine when the geese are most vulnerable to a shot.
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