Early Fall

HONKERS

With temperatures starting to drop and the days getting shorter, greater Canada geese are starting to make their initial move south. While birds are starting to congregate, loose, small-to-mid-size spreads are the name of the game. Typically, 10–20 dozen is plenty to do the trick, with small family groups and one or two larger masses of decoys where you’re trying to finish them. Light to moderate calling along with timely flagging should tie it all up nicely for you on these early fall honkers.

Freshly-cut grain has the ducks in a feeding frenzy, trying to pack on calories before their annual trek south! With 5-10 dozen silos and socks set in organic shapes and a good hide, you can be in the money. As always, silhouette spacing is key! Keep your duck decoys 2-3 steps apart. Be sure to be hidden well and set your spread where it’s easily visible, either under a flight line or on an X. Know when the birds are coming, and when you get those weather days, buckle up and get ready for a good time! 

As one of the most notorious birds to migrate on the calendar, the speckle bellies are pouring into their wintering grounds in the southern Mississippi and Central Flyways. Big, long spreads like those used for lessers can be extremely effective in breaking these birds from the heavens and setting them right in your lap. Have a larger mass of decoys where you want the birds to finish and string a long leg downwind to draw them up to you. Specks are notorious for picking out even above-average hides, though, so being well-hidden should be your first priority! If you’re looking to show them something different, try using a Canada flag to get their attention and to center them at the end!