Goose

Geese hunters eagerly await the autumn flight of these splendid examples. Not only to make the most of their ballistics skills, but also to cherish one of nature's greatest spectacles. Indeed these wildfowl, cross the sky creating spectacular “V-shaped” formations, which leave the bystanders speechless. Anyway you're not there just to admire these imposing, elegant wildfowl! Your goal, after such a long wait and patience, is to capture one of them!

The best hunters observe their migration or grazing route since the very beginning, even studying the movements of flocks for hours in order to create the conditions for a worthwhile hunt journey. Given the period in which such type of hunting takes place (unfortunately only abroad), the optimal days are those characterized by not too thick fog: this leads the geese to fly lower and be tricked by acoustic bird callers, thus allowing for a closer and easier shooting.

Since the early hours of the day they can be found in fields or in lakeside areas. To get their attention it is useful to resort to moulds and birdcallers while waiting in ambush. Besides depending on the weather conditions, the outcome of the hunting expedition is linked to the shrewdness of this wildfowl. We tend to use the moniker “silly goose” normally referred to obtuse people. Actually such anatidae waterfowl is anything but "stupid". Thanks to its highly developed eyesight, they are able to discover a clumsy hunter or an improper movement in the blink of an eye, leading the rest of the flock out of range and out of danger swiftly with a quick flee.

Preparation is essential, however a good shotgun is also essential to ensure a well-spent day. With regard to goose hunting Ported choke tubes, if possible matched to customized extensions, prove effective, alike as for stalking hunting (ducks and wood pigeons walking up hunting) where shots close to the maximum effective firing range are often required. The Ported choke, through the elimination of the muzzle flash-smoke puff, provides a more uniform and thicker cone of fire and slightly increases the charge detonation velocity, thus reducing the muzzle climb and favoring a quick counterrecoil, which makes it possible to aim again in a jiffy for the second or third shot. According to the table below we suggest **/* chokes for self loading while ***/ * ones are suited for over and under and side-by-side shotguns.

In special protection areas (SPAs) we always suggest a 12-gauge size shotshell loads with low weight density and 0 – 2/0 – 4/0 steel shots.

Now you just have to wait for the next flock of geese. Enjoy the charm of their flight and then make the best of what you've learned and remember: geese are very resistant to gunshots (especially in the middle of winter) and their wing size makes you believe that they are much closer than their actual position. Their flight seems slow and uniform, but you are wrong; they can be extremely fast and only experience will lead you to the right shot, possibly directed towards the wildfowl's neck, the part which is most exposed and sensitive to the shot!

You have found our advice useful and are sure that you will put what you have learned into practice on your next hunting trip? Browse beyond this article! Learn how to properly use a choke and all the guides provided by Gemini , drawn up with the help of specialists, for hunting and shooting enthusiasts like you.

Our thanks go to Professor Simone Bertini and Diego Apostoli for their availability and the precious time they devoted to us for the drafting of these guides.