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Snow geese, species features and hunting strategies
Text and photographs: Philippe Dupuis
At the beginning of this century, the first observations made by the Jesuits
on the snow goose population was of 2,000 birds... at that time, the
stopping traditions was Cap Tourmente, being part of Québec Seminar’ lands.
Along the years, these lands were recuperated by the Service canadien de la
faune for the creation of a protection zone. Meanwhile, the always
increasing snow goose population extend its stopping traditions to the whole
St-Laurence River area. As years went by, other sanctuaries were created for
an even more increasing bird population.
Before, in the St-Laurence River area, the star was the Canada goose. Just
speak to the residents of the Île-aux-Grues who can only agree.
In the 70’s, the population increased. It did not stop to grow and even
double every other eight year. The multiplying snow goose than developed new
feeding areas and many new self-defense mecanisms. During the 70’s and the
80’s, the snow goose population is over one million birds being a real
species over population. This has also an impact on the feeding resources in
the Arctic. This is what started the Spring hunting.
Before writing about new hunting strategies, rules on this big sky queen
must be understood.
SOME STRANGE BIRD
Unlike popular beliefs, the snow goose is not a field bird.
It is a mountain bird nesting on small interior lakes or along water sides.
The snow goose live in wide valleys and mountainous grounds. This long neck
bird is very well adapted to face the arctic foxes. It has a precise sight
at more than 2.5 km.
Where does the snow goose nest? Traditionally, it was at Île de Bylot, at
north-west from Terre de Baffin. But, with the population’s increase, only
12% of the population – being around 120,000 birds – would still be there.
Now, the nesting areas are from south of Terre de Baffin.
The species has special family ties. The female and the male are together
for a lifetime and only death will put them apart. Coming out of the shell,
the fledglings take for granted that their parents are the first birds they
see. Generally, they are right. Also, many reports show some birds with
humans.
When the hunting season arrives, the hunters want to know the migrating
juvenile pourcentage. To understand why, here are some important details.
The female lays three to six eggs. For about twenty days, it is a critical
situation for the young goose who has to watch for predators and also go
through two important phases: downing and plucking. What happens at that
time is decisive on the number of young birds who will follow their parents
for migration – also decisive for the hunters’ success. Many studies say
that the young snow geese resists to very cold temperatures. So, is because
of some reasons, there are three geese by couple, i.e. 50%, this represents
an exceptional year. But, if there are only 15% juveniles, you can imagine
the rest...
THE GREAT MIGRATION
How does it start? Very simply. Consolidation of the family
ties – one family joins the other and on and on. That will create great
populations of birds forming big long-flights.
Beginning of migration for the South is influenced by many factors: daylight
is shorter and night gets to the Arctic regions. But the most important
factor is when water freezes. Ice drives out the snow geese and any other
migrating birds in the area.
More thn 30% of the snow geese fly over our territories to go directly to
the United States. They travel twice more during the night. Some kind of
winds helps for migration. Their intensity is also a factor. These winds
mostly come from north, north-east and north-west. Their intensity can vary
from 0 to 15 km/h.
When the snow geese are ready and all the factors are settles, it’s a go.
They fly level and get higher until required to start their great trip. They
stay behind atmospheric disturbances, being that way aspired by it so they
can fly for 700 to 800 km, without stopping. The “V” formation is to
maximize their energy.
RESTING DAYS
How many days the snow geese need to refill their energy?
Normally, from 8 to 10 days. If they arrive in a resting area on October
2nd, they will start off again between October 10 and 12. But ideal
conditions could make their stay shorter and start off could be from October
8 to 10, as an example. For the hunters, it is important to know the fat
volume in the bird’s stomach. If the young geese are fat, this will shorten
the recuperation period they will need. If on the contrary, they are not fat
enough, they will stay longer in our regions. But if the hunting pressure
increases, they will go south earlier.
LET’S TALK ABOUT DECOYS!
Three years american studies made with different purveyors
and guides from Maryland proved without a doubt that the use of over size
magnum 16 x 32 inches decoys gives best results than standard size 12 x 24
inches decoys, and in the order of 80% for those measuring 20 x 40 inches.
Example: 12 standard decoys = 6 (16 x 32 inches) decoys = 1 (20 x 40 inches)
decoy. Of course, the price for a decoy 20 x 40 inches is higher than the
others but so much more efficient.
5 determining factors for the snow geese to land to decoys
1) The hunting pressure
If the factor is very high in a precise area, the direct impact will be to
reinforce the family ties and incite for local moves to the south.
2) Camouflage
We must always mingle with the surroundings preferably using available
organic materials. Green color is required for lucerne fields and yellow is
required for corn fields. Low profile cache are more successful as long as
they are not higher than the decoys’ head.
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