Quick Answer
Set up decoys at dawn or late afternoon when Canada geese are most active, and arrange them in a loose, natural pattern to mimic a flock.
Timing for Maximum Impact
Canada geese are crepuscular birds, meaning they are most active during twilight hours when the sun is low, typically around 30-45 minutes before sunrise and 45-60 minutes after sunset. To maximize the effectiveness of your decoy spread, set up your decoys during these times. This is when the geese are most likely to be on the move, searching for food or traveling to and from roosting areas.
Decoy Arrangement
When setting up your decoys, aim for a loose, natural pattern that mimics a flock of geese in flight or on the ground. Use a combination of full-body decoys, spread around 10-15 feet apart, and a few silhouette or wind-blown decoys to create a sense of movement and depth. For open fields, consider a “V” or “U” shape with the decoys angled slightly towards the wind. For water, arrange the decoys in a loose line or semi-circle, with the wind-blown decoys positioned at the edges to create a sense of movement.
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