Many expert hunters with years of experience choose to become goose hunting guides and are able to show other hunters the correct locations, strategies and methods to be successful at hunting. There are various types of guides from day guides to full service resorts that offer everything from ammunition to lodging.

Choosing the right goose hunting guides doesn’t have to be difficult, but getting the right match for your hunting style and needs is important.

When choosing goose hunting guides you need to clearly understand what you are wanting. If you want to spend a week or a few days hunting, you may wish to consider a full service guide and lodge combination.

Usually the lodge will have their own guides but you will be able to choose from the various guides. If you have a specific hunting style that you like, ask for a guide that uses that style. In addition speak to the guide before heading out, clearly outlining any special requests or needs that you have.

Goose hunting guides will scout the area prior to the day and time of the hunt. They should know the basic flights patterns and feeding times and locations of the geese, and will be prepared to have you in the right place at the right time to get set up and the blinds set prior to the geese arriving. Most goose hunting guides will start their morning at 4:00 am or early to ensure that you are in the right place before first daylight.

Typically goose hunting guides will be very aware of the weather conditions and will advise hunters of the various types of equipment, camouflage, and supplies that they will require. Those guides that have access to large lease areas will also be able to change hunting locations based on the current weather. Occasionally goose hunting guides will also be able to make recommendations for other hunting options such as duck, deer, wild hogs or even turkey, depending on the overlap of the hunting seasons.

Guides are not regulated in most areas, so be sure to ask for references or even better, get a referral from a hunter that has already been on one of the hunts. Word of mouth advertising is one of the most efficient ways for most guides to advertise, and they work hard to keep hunters satisfied and coming back. Be sure to find out about refunds do to cancellation, and the policies regarding a hunt that doesn’t go as planned.

Some guides offer a reduction in the next hunt booked while others will provide a partial refund for services. Lodge or other expenses are typically not refunded under these conditions.

There are many different areas of the country that offer excellent guided goose hunting. Texas is often considered one of the premier locations for both spring and fall goose hunting since the weather is not as severe in most areas of the state as it is in more northerly states.

There are also many different types of guided goose hunting, Texas offers both field hunting as well as hunting on major lakes and waterways.

When deciding on a guided goose hunting, Texas or other locations, there are some key considerations to keep in mind. These include:

* Price – most professionals that offer guided goose hunting, Texas or outside of the state, will charge on a “by the gun” rate.

Each hunter in the party will be required to pay a flat fee for the hunt, which will be either a half day or full day rate. Some guides offer weekly rates as well, but be sure to find out exactly what you are paying for to avoid misunderstanding.

* With or without accommodation – many of the professional guides have arrangements either with lodges, are owners of lodges, or work with local hotels and motels for reduced rates for lodging for guided goose hunting.

Texas, being the second largest state, offers a wide variety of lodging and accommodation ranging from places close to major centers to very isolated and remote lodges and chalets. Keep in mind that hunting with accommodation will be more expensive, but you have the added convenience of being at the location for early morning starts.

* Supplies required – some of the guides will offer specific equipment and supplies when hunters book their guided goose hunting.

Texas seasons may vary greatly with regards to the specific type of camouflage that will be effective, so lots of guides offer white suits or camo clothing that will match the various terrain. Don’t assume that supplies are included in the price; rather be sure to ask specifics when booking the hunt.

* Refund policies – no matter how professional or recommended the guide may be there are always issues that can come up to prevent the hunt from happening.

Illness, bad weather, or delays in the flocks arriving can all cause problems, especially if you have booked your hunt in advance. Ask the guide the policies for refunds before booking, including options for moving the dates in the event of a late or early migration, or poor weather conditions for hunting when you have the booking.

Guided goose hunting is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the various hunting options in the state of Texas, just be sure to understand exactly what you are booking when you finally choose your guide.