13 things Upstate NY Canada goose hunters should know during September (video)

September is a special time for Upstate New York's Canada goose hunters.

As opposed to the regular goose hunting seasons that essentially target migrating birds, the September hunt is designed to knock down the number of geese in the state that live here year-round. The September season (which varies slightly depending on the region one is hunting in) allows hunters to take up to 15 birds a day, while the regular seasons only allow three. (See DEC map below of all the seasons)

Local-nesting, or "resident" geese, have become year-round inhabitants of parks, ball fields, waterways, farms, residential areas and golf courses, where they can cause problems, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Apart from hunting, the DEC also issues special permits and recommends other measures -- including the use of dogs and noise-makers -- to deal with the birds, which among other problems leave copious amounts of feces on the ground.

However, simply moving the birds from one place to another can result in eliminating one problem and creating another at a different location.

"Based on the growing frequency and severity of complaints about geese, DEC biologists have concluded that a more acceptable number of resident geese in New York would be at or below 85,000 birds - far fewer than the current population of more than 200,000 birds," the DEC said.

NYUP.com sat recently down with veteran waterfowl hunting guide Capt. Jason "Big Jay" Barnes of Frontenac Fowlers Guide Service in Union Springs in Cayuga County to review what every Canada goose hunter needs to know - particularly during the September hunt.

What do you need to hunt Canada geese in New York? You need a state hunting license, and since you're hunting migratory waterfowl, a Harvest Information Program (HIP) number must also be obtained. (To get a HIP number, call toll-free 1-888-4ASKHIP (1-888-427-5447).

If you hunt migratory waterfowl and you are 16 years of age or older, you are also required to purchase and carry a current Federal Duck Stamp or E-Stamp. Federal Duck Stamps are valid from July 1 through the following June 30.

The best firearm to use? Generally, a 12-gauge shotgun with 3-inch shells loaded with non-toxic (lead-free) BBs made of steel or tungsten. You can go with a 20-gauge, but you have to be a decent shot. During the September season, hunters can have up to six shotgun shells in their firearm, but are only allowed three (and a plug) during the regular season,

Clothing? In September, usually light-weight camo (at least a camo top and hat). The color depends on where you're hunting. Generally ,green-colored if you're hunting in grass; yellowish if you're hunting in wheat fields or on chopped wheat stubble. The bottom line is that you don't want to be visible from the air when the birds are flying in.

What do Canada geese eat? A Canada goose is basically a cow with webbed feet and wings. They graze just like cattle They eat greens (grass, clover, alfalfa) when it's warm; starches (wheat, soybean and corn) when it's colder.

Where should one set up to hunt? The best goose hunter pays the utmost attention to detail - such things as camouflage, how your gun patterns and where the birds are or likely to be. There's two approaches. Scouting is important. One is to find out ahead of time and set up "On the X," which is where the birds like to feed and loaf during the day. The other approach is to "Hunt Traffic," which essentially is setting up on the birds' flight line. This is an area between where they roost and feed each day.

Does this amount to different approaches to hunting? Yes. When you're On the X, the less decoys the better. You're already where they want to be. Calling them isn't as important. Pay attention to camouflage and being well hidden. You don't need a lot of decoys. Eighteen will do. When you're "Hunting Traffic," just the opposite. You want to call the birds and convince them to do something they're not normally doing. You want to do a lot of flagging, calling and putting more decoys out. I'd put out as many as you can carry or bring in using a trailer. I'd say at least five dozen.

Flagging. What's that? One flags with a kite-like apparatus on the end of a stick, which simulates a bird landing or flapping its wings near the ground. It's an art. You just can't raise your flag and rip it around left or right, erratically.

Talk briefly about decoys. There are all sorts of goose decoys out there, ranging in price from $15-$18 each up to $100-$125 each. Some are stationary. Some move left to right on a stake in the wind. My personal opinion is that they don't have to move. The best decoy, I've found, is a full-bodied one.

What's the strategy in setting them up? Traditional goose and waterfowl hunters prefer to hunt in the morning hours. They set up before daylight. They get there at least an hour before to allow time to set up before the birds arrive. During the September nuisance goose hunt, I've found that setting them up in family groups is the best bet. Set them up in varying group sizes (3 in one group, a half dozen in another group, 3 in another) with each bird being about 10 feet apart. Overall, set up the decoys with the open end of the pocket of a U facing the direction where the birds are expected to be coming in. Also, try to keep the sun and the wind at your back if possible.

Talk about goose calls. I have several go-to calls I use all through the fall and into January. There's the We Cluck call, which I blow a lot of air and put a lot of emotion into. That, combined with flagging, is a deadly attention getter. As they get closer, I'll use a Double Cluck  call and finally a Feeding Murmur or a Moan Cluck. Interestingly, you're imitating sounds the birds on the ground are making.

What kind of ground blinds do goose hunters use? Generally, there are three types: layout (coffin-like) blinds, A-frame blinds and panel blinds. For layout blinds, you're on your back and quickly fling the top part open when it's time to shoot. Hunters using the other two can sit on chairs or stools and stand up quickly when shooting.

Why is a dog recommended when you hunt Canada geese? They're trained to retrieve birds that have been shot and killed, or that are injured and are on the ground. I use Mr. Fritz, a 3-year-old English yellow Lab. As for locating a downed bird, his nose is 10,000 times better than anything you could think of doing.

What do you do with your killed birds? We take them back and process every one of them. We breast them out. I suggest soaking them in water and baking soda to get the blood and gaminess out of the meat. Don't use salt. That tightens the meat up. I like to take my meat, have it ground up and have goose kielbasa made. Goose kielbasa. That's some of the best stuff I've ever had.