Goose Hunting in Estonia
Estonia is one of the main countries for goose migration. Every autumn, millions of specimens cross the Estonian skies heading towards Southern Europe and Africa.
A small number of geese nest in Estonia, mainly in coastal areas and large lagoons.
Goose Hunting
Goose hunting begins in September and lasts until the end of November. However, the highest densities are concentrated at the end of September and the first half of October, when we organize goose hunting. During these same dates, woodcock hunting in Estonia is also excellent and can be combined with goose hunting.
The hunt begins in the morning before dawn and can last all day. It is conducted by attracting geese to the fields using calls and numerous decoys. Depending on densities and geese preferences, afternoon hunting is also organized on the lakes where they go to roost.
How the Hunt Works
Before dawn, we will move to the stubble fields where the geese have shown preference in the days before the hunt begins. Before the first geese make their appearance, we position all the decoys and prepare the blind so that the hunter remains completely hidden.
At first light, the first geese will make their appearance and, thanks to the combination of decoys and calls made by the hunters, the geese will begin their descent to feed in the field.
For the hunt, groups of 2 hunters per position are organized, each equipped with approximately 50 decoys.
Shooting is normally done at a height between 10 and 30 meters and it is important that the hunters at the position coordinate their actions to maximize the number of geese harvested in each drive.
Normally the hunt lasts about 6 hours during which it is possible to fire between 60 and 100 shots per gun, depending on density, weather conditions and, of course, the skill of the hunter themselves.
There is also the possibility of hunting at dusk on the lakes where the geese go to roost; this hunt is very exciting and the number of opportunities is very high.
Characteristics of Goose Hunting with Decoys
It must be kept in mind that the success of goose hunting with decoys depends on many factors such as goose migration, weather conditions and the skill of the hunter. Therefore, it must be considered that it is not possible to guarantee the final result of the hunt and normally there are very successful days and days with little activity.
Geese are very intelligent birds that also have excellent eyesight, which makes the preparation of the hunt very important.
We have the best goose decoys; additionally, the blinds are carefully prepared to prevent the geese from spotting the hunters. We use positions that allow the hunter to remain seated or semi-seated, as well as positions where the hunter lies down American-style.
