The Step by Step Canada Goose Hunting Strategies to Hunting Goose
This is what this site is all about. We will try to guide you in the preparation of your expedition and give you some hints so that you get the most out of your day and get your limit harvested. If you follow the simple advice given here, you will have success and will be satisfied with your day.
We will give you a few tips on how to prepare and hunt the Canada Goose, but first, let’s look at more general information regarding this graceful bird.
Canada Goose
Have you ever have the opportunity to see the Canada Goose perform?
This bird puts one of the greatest shows in the World. Imagine having “front row seats”. This is a large bird and because of its size, it can be seen from far away.
Their wingspan can vary in lengths from 3 to 6 feet, and they can weigh up to 18 pounds. According to the Canadian Wildlife Service, there may be as many as 40 subpopulations, so they tend to be quite different from one region to another.
Step #1: Know more about Canada Goose habits
Canada Goose is distributed over a vast area. This part will go into detail regarding their distinct habits.
You can find the Canada Goose during breeding season throughout the Canadian territory and all year long in southern parts of Canada. Canada geese will stay in an area where they can find clear water and food. Most of them will migrate to the USA in the winter. Some will even find their way to Mexico. In spring, they will head back north to breed.
The female goose lays 4 to 6 eggs and according to different sources, incubation will last between 24 and 33 days. The male and female stay together all their life, it is one of their most natural habits. If one should disappear the living Canada Goose generally finds another mate.
Another interesting characteristic is that the family stays together for one year after the goslings are born. However, upon return to the breeding territory, the goslings will leave the parents to fend for themselves. They will then fight for a mate and like the parents be with that mate for life.
The best time to see the “Canada Goose show” is either in Spring or Fall. In spring the Geese tend to keep their distance from you, however, if you take the precautions and preparation outlined here, they should come very close. Spring is also an ideal time for you to test your Blind and Decoys. Put your gun aside and pick up your camera for some breathtaking snapshots. Fall is a better season to see the Geese because the surroundings are more conducive to hunting.
You are not a hunter?
Well, get a friend who is an experienced hunter, to invite you to his Blind, again don’t forget your camera.
During fall migration, many Geese will stop en route to their winter migration territory, for food and clean water. That is when you will have an opportunity to observe their movements and flyways. It is of prime importance to follow the Geese in their movements. You will notice that they will go from place to place and return to a spot visited 3 to 4 days earlier.
Make friends with farmers that grow corn and other cereals, or better yet with Agronomists that visit the farmers regularly and surely know where the Geese go. Often times they can refer you to farmers willing to let you hunt on their land, then when you have a few spots, call the farmers regularly to see if the Geese are around.
Next, get permission to hunt their fields. Following these hints will ensure the most successful hunting outings.
Step #2: Where to scout and search to find and locate the Canada geese
1. The first place that you should scout and search to find and locate the geese is where the Canada geese will find a large enough body of water. That is where the Canada geese will tend to go and rest, mostly during the night away from predators. But the geese also search for food, so you also have to scout and search to find and locate the Canada geese when they look for food. The geese need to eat quite a bit to build up energy for the rest of their migration.
2. Look for nearby corn and cereal fields that have been harvested most of the time 4 or 5 miles away from the body of water, check where the geese go. That is where you should install your blind and decoys. But remember that they can go much farther.
3. Note that over their migration, the geese will move from one area to the other, sometimes quite far away from one another, they may also travel quite a distance during a day for food and come back to their water rest area at night. You will have to rely on a few farmers who are willing to scout for you and let you hunt on their land. Usually, when the geese adopt a field, they will come back to the same place for many days.
Let’s say you found their garde-manger (feeding area) where there is lots of food, that is the place to be early in the morning. The land needs to be large enough so that the geese feel safe when they land. they like to see predators coming from far away.
4. Keep a large area of the land as a sanctuary, where you will not hunt, the geese will know after a while and come back there. From day to day, change the location of your blind so that you can foul them easier to the decoys.
5. Don’t go hunting day after day on the same land, the geese will learn very quickly that even if there is good food the place is dangerous. Instead, let pass a few days before coming back to that field, you will have better success.
Step #3: The goose hunting blind
Your goose hunting blind is your most important piece of equipment, well I imagine that a gun will also be necessary! remember, you have to be very well concealed. The use of camouflage material may be necessary.
If there is enough bush in the field at the separation of let’s say a plowed field and a harvested cornfield, you may not have to build a blind. When we say enough bush, we mean like corn that stayed up at least 6 to 8 feet square. If not, build a blind you will have better results.
We suggest that you use a portable blind.
It will be much less trouble than building a few permanent blinds and it will also come much cheaper. You can also build your own blind easily. The blind can be built so it has to be very light and easy to carry, we will show you.
Remember, the most important thing to do when geese hunting is to be very very well concealed if you do not expect much success.
- A very simple blind can be made with a few bars of ½ inch (3/4 inch is even better )thin wall electrical conduit (EMT) that is cheap, stiff enough and light.
- It comes in a grey color and is too shiny, so paints it camo preferably or at least yellow or green.
- These bars usually come in 10-foot lengths. Cut them to the desired length but no less than 8 feet.
- If you do not mind carrying 10-foot bars, use those because you will be able to spread the base of your blind further and blend easier with the flat terrain.
- What you can also do is use 10-foot bars, cut them to 5 feet and use the connecting fittings to join the thin wall EMT bars and tie them together 5-foot length will be easier to carry if you have to walk a distance to install your hunting blind.
- Fasten the thin wall EMT bars together with rubber bands, you can use old tire tubes as a rubber band or even plastic electrical tape, then cover the frame with camo material that blends with nature, or use bush tied in the width of 3 or 4 feet to get the most natural look possible.
- If you are in a spot that is very flat, make your thin wall frame as flat as possible by spreading its base.
Step 3.1: Goose hunting blind frame drawing
The hunting blind frame below is made with thin wall EMT electrical conduits.
1. This material comes in 10-foot bars is light and stiff enough, 1/2 inch conduit will do the job, but the 3/4 inch is better. you will need 8 bars to build your frame, at a cost of 2 to 3 dollars a bar, this is very inexpensive.
2. You may also have a need for the fittings made to secure the bars between then if you decide to cut the bars in half as explained. Use rubber bands (old tire tubes) to secure the bars together. Or use electrical tape, that will also do the job. Get that from your local electrician.
3. Now, put some camouflage cover on this frame and see on another artist’s view of your portable goose blind.
4. Artist view of a goose hunting blind
Yes, that is what it is, a goose hunting blind viewed by an artist.
Note the position of hunters when ready to fire. The side of the blind is open, this is not very good. Do not forget to put some camouflage on the side, otherwise, the geese will see you and go away.
Remember, concealment is the keyword, make yourself as invisible as possible. The blending with the surrounding nature is very adequate. The feel here is that the hunters are in a harvested cornfield. Maybe the artist liked the yellow color a bit too much that day, but the point is that you have to blend in nature. If more green color is needed, then do that, use spay paint or put green bush over your camouflage material.
There are many different camouflage materials that can be used to cover your hunting blind frame. Make sure to buy enough material to cover both ends of your hunting blind.
Step #4: Where and how to install your goose blind
1. The best place to install your blind is at the limit of two different fields, let’s say a harvested cornfield and a plowed field. Usually, you will find there an irrigation canal with lots of brush not yet down, if that canal is deep enough and has enough brush to hide you completely you may not need to install your blind, but remember in order to have success, you must be very well hidden in doubt don’t be lazy and set up you blind.
2. Your blind should match with surrounding nature the more you can make it, so it blends with the area and is natural-looking. Your portable goose blind can be set up in a matter of minutes, do not forget to close each end with camouflage material, otherwise, the geese will see you and go away.
3. At the front of the picture, you can see that the field has been plowed, at the back of the picture, note the harvested cornfield. Note also that there is no irrigation canal where the goose blind is installed. That is why the goose blind is steeper,
- the top of it being about 4 ½ feet from the ground.
- This height is enough to completely conceal the hunters that can seat on little folding stools.
- The goose hunting blind is set up in the middle of a large cornfield, half of it has been plowed, but there is a small depression, that is why we can see a little bit of snow that has accumulated in that depression.
Note also the base of the goose blind, to simulate snow, we installed a white bed sheet so it blends more naturally with nature.
But why choose that spot?
Well, we knew that the geese were directly in that field the day before our hunt. It was our intention to hunt that area but did not know in what field until the night before. Our farmer friend scouted the geese for us and told us exactly where they had been eating, and sure enough, the geese were there the next morning. And the hunt was very good, 4 hunters, the limitless one bird.
Step #5: Where and how to install your goose decoys
Step 5 Rule #1:
If you feel that your goose blind is looking very natural, then do not hesitate, install your goose decoys close to your blind. You will find pretty fast that your blind does or does not frighten the geese.
Step 5 Rule #2:
If the geese fly over your blind and go away after a couple of passes, then maybe your blind is too apparent so move the decoys a little farther from your blind, you will see what appends on the next pass. Geese tend to look at the decoys and if the blind is farther it won’t get their attention as much.
Step 5 Rule #3:
Placing the decoys in u, j or x shape, well, try them. the closest decoys can be as close as 5 yards from your blind, the most important thing is to lets enough space between the decoys for the geese to land, they will land very close to you.
Step 5 Rule #4:
Use the more natural-looking decoys you can get, a few watchers and feeders. If you install too many watchers, this will mean danger for the geese. usually, 50 to 60 decoys will do the job and no more than 7 or 8 watchers.
Step 5 Rule #6:
Install the decoys facing the wind, that is how the geese will land. Try to place the decoys by a group of 5 to 7 decoys so it looks as if they are grouped in families. You can place a few behind your blind also, but not to many because you will have to turn 360 degrees to shoot, it will make your move much more and the geese will see you much easier.
Step 5 Rule #7:
You may have to remove all decoys that are behind your blind if your goose blind gets too much attention from the geese. Remember, the first rule to observe to have success at goose hunting is to make yourself INVISIBLE. If you find that the geese are nervous and go away, change your set up a bit, put the decoys a little farther from your blind remove a few or all those behind your blind, play with your decoy layout until you find the right set up.
Step 5 Rule #8:
Here is a picture of what your decoys setup should look like and the relative distance from it to your blind. Note also the size of the cornfield. The size of the field makes the geese feel safe because they can see possible predators coming from far away.
But what if a big flock of geese land in another part of the field and all gather there?
Then, you have two choices:
- the first walk toward that part of the field, you will flush the geese, you can then install a scarecrow, then maybe you will have the chance that the next flock of geese will fly over your decoys.
- Second, start from the beginning and set up your blind near that field. Or if it is too late in the morning, call it a day. That appends sometimes!
Step 5 Rule #9:
Remember, your decoys have to be clean, have you ever seen a dirty goose? I bet not, because geese are in the water most of the time and they always keep cleaning their feathers. Your decoys should be the same
Step #6: Calling the geese
Good calling technics is probably the most difficult part of geese hunting. You will have to practice the differents calls, come back, feeder, excited feeder, and the flock.
You are a few miles from the river or lake where the geese rested for the night and suddenly you see a flock of geese flying far away. You already knew that the geese would fly and head for the field they were in the day before, you have done your scouting so you are quite confident that you can lure the geese back to that field. That is when you start calling.
When the geese are far away, you can also wave a black flag so it imitates geese flying nearby, geese see from far away and they will usually come by when you wave that flag.
When they start coming, keep calling, do not flag too much or stop flagging altogether. But, the farther the geese are the louder the call, the closer, the smoother.
We Provide a calling sample. Listen to it.
When they start circling around over your decoys, you can blow the exited feeding call. Listen to the sample of the exited feeder call.
But if they turn away, use the comeback call,
when they turn again over your decoys use the exited or the feeder call. If the geese go away instead of landing in your decoys, maybe your calling technique is not up to par! Maybe you are calling too loud or too much if the geese act like they want to land, let them come in, do not call too much.
The good calling technique is probably the most difficult part of geese hunting, so get a good call, preferably with an audiotape explaining the technique of goose calling.
If the geese go away,
maybe they saw you or you moved or heard you talking if they can ear the call, they also can ear you talking so keep the mute button on! (remember to be completely motionless and hidden that is the main secret) or your decoys and layout have something wrong. Check that no decoy has been knocked down if so, put it back on its feet right away, that is enough to frighten the geese
When the geese go away,
make little changes in your layout and check your decoys, maybe the decoys are to close to your blind. Your blind is too apparent and gets the geese’s attention, the geese see you and for sure they are afraid. If you move the decoys a little farther from your blind, then the geese won’t notice the blind as much and it may be easier to lure them to the decoys.
If they go to another field nearby
then maybe you will have to go there and flush the geese and place a scarecrow nearby, they will be afraid to go back to that field when they see the scarecrow and you may be able to lure them to your decoys. If that does not work, maybe it is time to consider moving your blind and decoys layout to another spot, or call it a day!
But most of the time, you are going to have success and you will be able to lure the geese to your decoys. Once you have a few geese in the decoys, it is time to get up, the geese will do the same when they fly away here is your chance to harvest a few. Go and pick up the dead geese immediately because the geese are afraid of dead ones in the decoys. If you append to have the help of a good dog. It will be done faster and you will be ready for the next run sooner.
Step #7: Make yourself invisible with camouflage clothes for goose hunting
Again, the name of the game is to make yourself invisible and the first place to start is in your camouflage hunting clothes. The hunters in this picture are very well dressed for goose hunting, except for the clown at the back that for sure does not wear the hat fitted for the job!
1. Note however that his suit seems to have the best color scheme for the spot he is in, he wanted to be noticed, he should have known that the name of the game is to be invisible when goose hunting. This type of clothes is the best if you intend to be serious at goose hunting and even any hunting expedition be it big games like moose and deer. Note that a camouflage face mask is a plus it makes you even more invisible.
These clothes are offered with waterproof breathable membranes so that you don’t get all wet inside like it used to be with rubber raincoats. Many models are available.
Do you only do bird hunting? Then, you do not need the models that block scents, they are more expensive and will not do anymore for you at bird hunting. But you also do deer or moose hunting?
Then it is a good idea to buy the scent lok membrane type that you can also use it for goose hunting.
2. You can get these clothes adapted for different temperatures and weather conditions. Some models will keep you warmer than others. The best is to check what the temperature is most of the time when you hunt and get a suit adapted for that temperature.
If you go hunting on a colder day then it is easy to wear good underwear made out of synthetic material like polyester. If you have to walk a distance or run at the geese after you have shot and if then you sweat, the underwear will breathe and let the sweat out. You will be more comfortable and will not freeze in your clothes when back in the blind, sitting, almost motionless.
Good underwear and a shirt are not enough? Complete with a sweater it is easy to take it off if it gets warmer during the day.
3. Warm boots are very important. It is very unpleasant to have cold wet feet all day; so don’t be cheap get good boots. The best type, if you don’t have to walk very far are rubber boots with inside felt, they are not very comfortable for long walks, some brands will guaranty comfort down to –70*c,
do you need that?
I guess your gun will be frozen at that temperature, if not the rest of your body, let alone the geese! Wear a warm pair of thermal socks and you will be comfortable and dry. If you prefer walking boots then get the gore-tex camouflage type; they are light and waterproof.
4. A backpack is also a must to put your shells, your lunch, camera, etc. for sure it has also to be almost invisible so buy the camouflage type. Get the one that will be a portable stool at the same time, it is a very practical 2 in 1. Mittens or gloves and a good hat, you can buy those in the same material as your hunting suit.
You are now all set to go out, set your goose blind up, and have a good day. With your camouflage clothes that make you almost invisible and the blind that you will set up to be even more concealed, you are bound to have success.
Step #8: What gun and shell is best?
I guess if you only have money for one gun, the best all-around is a 12 gauge semi-auto or if you have even less money to spend a good pump gun will do the job.
The best for Canada goose shotgun is a 10 gauge semi-auto shotgun. I do not suggest an over-under, first, you only have 2 shots and they are also tricky to reload in a blind, let alone the single shotgun.
If you decide to buy an all-around 12 gauge shotgun, buy the model that will take 3 ½ inch shells these shells will give you almost as much shooting power as a 10 gauge shotgun.
What size shot should you use?
The closer the geese, the smaller the shot, this will give you more pellets per shell and more chance to hit. The farther the bigger the shot, you will have fewer pellets but more power.
Since the geese are tough birds, you will need that power. But the fun is trying to get the geese as close as you can, sometimes you almost think that they will land in your blind! Experiment with different shells and once you are satisfied with your results, stick with those, your swing will adjust to the shells and you will know when to lead and by how much.
Recommended for geese:
- BBB, BB, 2, Some hunters like to use T shot For a few years now, lead has been prohibited so the cheapest shot that you can use is steel, sure it does not have the power of lead but you will get used to it.
- If you hunted with lead before and had good success with say no 2 shot, then we recommend that you increase your size shot by 2 numbers with steel so use BBB in steel.
- You can also use tungsten or bismuth shot instead of steel but these shells are much more expensive, however, you should get much more shooting power from those and maybe better success! Using the most powerful gun and shells will for sure improve success.
Step #9: Here is a list of suggested hunting gears and equipment for goose hunting.
This list of hunting gears is not exhaustive, and you can add whatever you find useful for your personal comfort. Let’s start with the hunter himself and with the way to dress for goose hunting.
Underwear: Good underwear is a must if you want to be warm and comfortable. Get the type that is two pieces and made out of synthetic material like Lycra or polyester so it lets the sweat out if you have to walk quite a distance to your hunting spot. Mohair is a natural fiber that will also evacuate perspiration and is very comfortable. If you do not like synthetic material, then, get comfortable mohair underwear. You will not freeze when sitting in your blind, inactive and waiting for the geese to come in. Do not use cotton, it will not let the sweat out and you will freeze.
Socks: Thermal socks made out of synthetic material or mohair will give you maximum comfort.
Sweater: A good warm sweater is essential, easy to take off in the field if it is too warm.
Boots: Here, choose between a few types of boots. If you hunt where there is a lot of water or at low tide in the sandbank, then a knee-high pair of rubber boots with removable inside felt is a must or maybe even waders are appropriate. But, if the water is not a problem and you hunt mostly in dry cereal fields, a good pair of Goretex insulated boots is the article. These boots are light, warm and waterproof. Selecting the right hunting gears will ensure your comfort.
Camouflage suit: As stated before, to have success at goose hunting, concealment is the keyword. The suit is of most importance. If you only do bird hunting, no need to have a camo suit that blocks scents. It will only cost you more money for nothing! But if you also do big game hunting and especially bow hunting, then consider a scent-blocking suit. It will also serve you at bird hunting. Do not forget to buy one that is waterproof.
Camouflage Hat: Since our body loses 80% of its warmth by the head, it is a good idea to have a warm camouflage hat. Also, get one that is waterproof.
Camouflage facemask: Get one, they are not expensive and will help you be more invisible.
Gloves: Some people do not need gloves unless it is really cold outside. But when it is really cold, a good pair of waterproof camouflage gloves will be appreciated. Get the best hunting gears for yourself, do not be cheap, you will enjoy your hunt much more beeing comfortable.
Step #9.1: Other hunting gears
Hunting blind
Backpack and stool: You do not want to stand all day long in your blind. You can be seated and comfortable. Get one of those backpacks that also serve as a stool when you are in your Goose hunting blind.
Goose Calls: This is the item that is probably the most difficult hunting gear to choose from. We suggest that you buy the flute type especially if you are new to calling. The flute type is easier to blow and after practicing; you should be able to lure the geese to your decoys. Get a call that offers a cassette tape with instructions on the calling technics.
Goose decoys: The more they look like the real thing, the more success you are bound to have. Some of them can be magnums, others are the moving types. Get a bag to carry them. Keep them clean.
Baseball bat: What! We don’t go to play baseball? No, but a small baseball bat can be useful to kill a wounded bird and stop it’s suffering a Good blow on the head will stop the bird from suffering. This is not an essential hunting gear, but it will make your life easier.
Knife: A good knife can be very useful and be considered as essential hunting gear. Put one in your pocket.
Binoculars: It is nice to have a good pair of binoculars, you will identify the geese from farther away. Click here for a good pair, they are small, easy to carry and have the most amazing definition.
Camera: Even if it is not a hunting gear, digital cameras are more and more performant you can make outstanding pictures with a 4 or 5 megapixels digital camera. One of the best right now is the Nikon, check also here and browse this catalog. for pocket-size cameras and other gadgets.
Shotgun: The ideal is a 10 gauge semi-auto shotgun, especially since lead shots have been banned. Most people use steel shots because they are cheaper. But the steel shot is less powerful because of the relative density of steel as compared to lead. Using a 10 gauge shotgun will give you more power and more pellets per shot and a better chance to hit. The second best choice is a 12 gauge semi-auto. If you have to buy one get the model that accepts the 3/12 inch shot. It will give you close to the same power as the 10 gauge and you can use it at other birds hunts like Grouse. If you already own a pump shotgun, that is good although not as fast as a semi-auto. Forget altogether the over-under or side by side shotgun. They are dangerous in a blind because they are a bit tricky to reload and only have 2 shots. Let alone the one-shot shotgun! A shotgun is the most expensive hunting gear that you need. Make the right choice.
Shells: What size shot? See what is best here.
Retriever dog: Do not forget your best friend, he can be an invaluable help. Want to have the best retriever dog training book available? search for Waterdog by Richard Wolters.
You are all set to go hunting. Take a few feet of rope with you to tie 3 or 4 Geese together by the neck and carry them on your shoulder.
Get all of your hunting gears together.
Do not forget your lunch. If you are early in the field, you will be hungry by mid-morning.
Have fun and enjoy the great Goose show!
Step #10: Goose breasts recipe
Take off the breast of a goose and marinate them for a few hours using the recipe below. The best is to let them marinate overnight.
Marinade: Goose breast
- ¼ cup of water
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoon soya sauce
- thyme and savory
- 4 or 5 tablespoons of raspberry vinegar
- ground black pepper
- garlic
- you can also add red wine if you like.
Cooking:
Cook the goose breast at high temperature for 3 or 4 minutes on each side.
Cut some onion about ½ inch thick and deposit the goose breast on the onion.
Butter the goose breast and add thyme and savory, black pepper.
Roast in the oven at 375° F for about 20 minutes. The breast should be cooked rare or medium-rare. After 20 minutes take them out and place them in aluminum foil let the breast stand while you make the sauce.
Do not cut them now. Sauce recipe
Put your pan on the stove and deglaze it with raspberry vinegar ( 4 or 5 table spoon).
- add ½ a cup of chicken broth and ½ a cup of white wine.
- Let it boil for a few minutes and lower the heat.
- Add 35% cream while stirring until thick enough.
- Add a little pepper and about 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam.
- Taste it and adjust to your taste.
Cut the goose breast about 45 to 55 degrees on the length side, not to thick. Pour the sauce on.
Serve with wild rice or potatoes, carrots or your favorite vegetable
Step #10.1: Goose legs recipe
Marinade recipe:
- ¼ cup of water
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 table spoon soya sauce thyme and savory
- fruits, fresh or dried
- ground black pepper
- garlic
- Sea-salt
- You will need 4 goose legs (or more if you want, you can freeze the rest for later use)
- enough red wine to cover
- Put the goose legs in the marinade let them macerate for 24 hours
Cooking recipe:
You will need some duck fat
Cut the duck fat and let it melt at very low temperatures. Once liquid, filter the duck fat, keep the filtered fat in the refrigerator until ready to cook the goose legs.
The next day, you are ready to cook, rinse the goose legs under fresh water so as to eliminate as much salt as possible, otherwise the legs will be to salty.
Wipe the excess water with a paper towel. Melt the filtered duck fat very slowly. Once liquid put the goose legs in the fat. The temperature of the fat should not exceed 70 ° C or 160 ° F. Use a thermometer, or better yet put your pan in the oven but then cover it so as to prevent the fat to contact the elements of your oven and start a fire. Putting it in the oven will give you better control over the temperature.
The legs have to cook for about 2 hours at a low temperature. After 2 hours check with a fork, the fork should get in the leg freely. To finish, put the legs in a frying pan and cook them covered at medium heat until they get a nice golden color do not forget to turn them around.
Serve with your favorite vegetable and maybe a nice salad.
Save the rest of your duck fat for the next time. You can freeze the leftover goose legs and when the time comes for another good meal, all you have to do is thaw and finish in the frying pan as explained above.
Step #11: Goose HUNTING regulations and licenses in the USA and Canada.
It is very easy from this page to access the regulations related to Outdoors, GOOSE, BIRD and general hunting for all the States in the United States and all the Provinces of Canada. These sites provide all the information necessary regarding Goose hunting and any other hunting and outdoor information that may be of interest to you. They also provide information on other outdoor activities. On many of those sites, you can even buy hunting licenses online.
Regulations are much the same as last season. Except for some minor changes in bag limits.
Step #12: Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
Waterfowl hunters are especially worried about the avian flu problem.
As of now, no report of the virus has been transmitted to humans in the western world. This does not mean that it could not append!
One form of avian flu has been found in migratory birds and on duck farms in British Colombia, Canada. This form does not transmit to humans. The government did not take any chances and ordered the elimination of these domesticated ducks on two farms owned by the same farmer. Many thousand of ducks where eliminated.
One form of virus A (H5N1) is known to be transmissible to humans and has already killed a few people in Asia.
If ever the virus becomes widespread, it will have very important consequences on human life and could be as bad as the Spanish flu in the early part of the 20th century. It could take quite sometimes before it gets under control and consequently, besides claiming a great number of human life, have a very negative influence on the global economy.
As for goose and other waterfowl hunters in particular, just imagine the number of waterfowl hunters that would quit practicing their favorite activity. How many outfitters would stop offering their services? Travel, hotels, restaurants, hunting gears stores, gun and shells manufacturers will suffer from that influenza Pandemics.