Know-How: Snow Buddies

by
posted on March 1, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
snow_buddies_f.jpg

To the uninitiated, spring snow goose hunting might just seem like another corner of the waterfowl world. It’s not—and it’s not for the faint of heart, either. No matter how hard you try, success often boils down to being at the right spot at the right time. Here are two types of people who can help you make that happen.

Landowners
Introduce yourself to as many local farmers and landowners as possible, and stay in touch with them about where the birds are—or if they’re around at all. Start the conversation and secure hunting permission before the season so you’ll be set when the geese arrive. When you locate birds, be prepared to hunt them all day. Snows move at all hours during the reverse migration, and you need to be ready when they decide it’s time to land. You can’t shoot triple-digit bags from your couch.

Outfitters
Get to know the outfitters in your area—or those 1,000 miles away, if you’d prefer. Call them, talk shop, share stories—they’re hunters, too, and are usually pretty friendly. Let them know you’d love to kill some snow geese. Every year, outfitters across the nation have dropouts and cancellations, sometimes just when the birds are ready to work. If you hit it off with an outfitter, he may drop you a line when he has a spot or two open up at the last minute. Sure it’ll cost you a few bucks and you’ll have to move quickly, but if you can afford to be on call, it’s the best chance you’ll have to hit the snow goose lottery. Indecisive types need not apply.

Trust me—when it's good, it's great. Get more information on that here.

Latest

Photo 03 Ammo On Buffalo
Photo 03 Ammo On Buffalo

Behind the Bullet: .450/400 3” Nitro Express

Among the lot of Nitro Express cartridges—a term coined by James Purdey to compare the power of these cartridges to a locomotive and newly loaded with smokeless powder—the .450/400 3” N.E. represents one the best blends of hunting power and ease of shooting. Curious? Read on, as Phil Massaro goes in-depth on this classic, though esoteric, favorite.

TriStar Arms to Exhibit at 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

TriStar Arms will exhibit at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, taking place April 17–19, 2026, in Houston, TX. Attendees are invited to visit TriStar Arms at Booth #3103 to explore the newest firearm offerings and learn more about the brand's continued commitment to the shooting sports community.

New for 2026: Left-Handed Ruger American Gen. II

Ruger has introduced left-handed models of the Ruger American Rifle Generation II. The first of these models will be released in the Ranch configuration, with six chamberings available: 7.62x39mm, 450 Bushmaster, 400 Legend, 350 Legend, .300 Blackout and 5.56 NATO.

New for 2026: Swhacker #307 Mechanical 2-Blade Broadhead

Swhacker Broadheads has launched its #307 100-grain Mechanical 2-Blade Broadhead. This latest addition to Swhacker's lineup promises precision engineering with reliable deployment, coupled with accuracy and devastating field performance.

Keys to the Eastern Turkey Hunt

A turkey is a turkey regardless of subspecies, sure, but best hunting tactics often vary depending on geographical location due to the birds’ varying behavior. Translated, killing turkeys back East is different than killing them out West. Check out some Eastern-specific tips below, and stay tuned for a follow-up targeted at our Western readers.

Montana and Utah Celebrating 125th Anniversaries

Two 125th Anniversaries are occurring this year, the first being for the entire Montana FWP, and the second being a key piece of property in the history of the Utah DWR.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.