Is hunting goldeneyes in late season worth the effort?

Goldeneye Behavior in Late Season

Goldeneyes typically congregate on frozen lakes and rivers during the late season, often in smaller groups than during the breeding season. To effectively hunt them, you need to understand their movement patterns and habitat preferences. In areas with reliable wintering populations, goldeneyes tend to focus on specific areas with abundant baitfish and suitable ice conditions, such as areas with a mix of sand and gravel or near weed beds.

Ice Conditions and Hunting Techniques

When hunting goldeneyes in late season, it’s essential to focus on areas with at least 4-6 inches of good-quality ice, as this species can be more finicky about ice conditions than other waterfowl. To hunt effectively, use a blind or a layout blind that allows you to conceal yourself from the birds without disrupting the ice. When shooting, aim for the area just behind the head, as goldeneyes can be more difficult to kill than other species due to their dense feathers and heavy skulls.

Scouting and Calling

Successful late-season hunting of goldeneyes also requires thorough scouting to locate areas with high concentrations of birds. In addition to visual observations, use calling techniques to attract goldeneyes to your location. The most effective calls for goldeneyes involve a series of short, high-pitched whistles and some softer, more muted notes. By using a combination of scouting, knowledge of local ice conditions, and effective calling techniques, you can increase your chances of success when hunting goldeneyes in late season.