Are duck decoys allowed in a goose only hunt?

[Big Tuna]

In the winter Goose only week, can duck decoys be added with the goose decoys to make the spot look more natural?
I am thinking not, even though i can't find in print.
Similar to having ammo in the woods with you which aren't intended for animals in season at the time, or having game calls with you in the woods for animals not in season. It could be viewed by MNR as intent to hunt out of season animal/bird.

Debating with a friend if is:
1. Illegal placing ducks in the spread of a goose only hunt.
2. Legal but bad practice because will allow MNR Enforcement to ask a heck of a lot of questions.
3. Legal and MNR won't care. Makes spread look more natural.

Regardless, we will make sure we have only BB with us and not smaller shot shells.

[finsfurfeathers]

Think several years ago the regulation changed to allow any decoy in a spread. Of course this is what I seem to recall and at the moment to lazy to go look it up in the migratory bird act so don't go saying FFF said its so.. As far a shot there is no regulation, personally like too have some #2 to dispatch cripples.
Though in my opinion goose decoys attracts ducks don't think duck decoys interest geese.

[Big Tuna]

Thanks for some input. I was inquiring because i got only 6 geese decoys but 2 dozen duck decoys.
Was thinking with the extra duck decoys in place, it may trick the flying geese into thinking the spot is safer to land. Or increase chance that they think a food source is there so is worth landing.

[finsfurfeathers]

Thanks for some input. I was inquiring because i got only 6 geese decoys but 2 dozen duck decoys.
Was thinking with the extra duck decoys in place, it may trick the flying geese into thinking the spot is safer to land. Or increase chance that they think a food source is there so is worth landing.

6 might be enough birds will be pairing up and a couple here and there in a pond may be enough to have others take a look. in any case if you need more goose decoys can use mine

[sabmgb]

if you are in the correct spot, 6 is all you need. I have a friend that hunts in regular season and he only uses 6. When I hunt with him I bring about 20 shells with me and we mix them in, but that in the early season. If you in a field that they are not coming to then you want more,

[Buddy Boy]

Hello Big Tuna,

While participating in any "waterfowl" hunt you may use any decoy (not live birds) to attract the migratory game bird that is currently in season.

So ... in response to your questions:

1) You may add duck decoys (not so much as confidence decoys but to increase the visibility of the spread) to a goose spread when ducks are not in season.

2) You may add goose decoys (as confidence decoys) to a duck spread when geese are not in season.

3) You may add swan decoys (as confidence decoys) to either a duck or a goose spread even though there is no swan season in Canada ... at this time.

4) You may also have and use a Tundra Swan call while hunting ducks and/or geese during their appropriate seasons ... not an issue unless you actually shoot at a Tundra Swan ... have had that discussion with a local conservation officer.

5) The shot size is not an issue in itself ... have used steel #1 shot for geese over decoys and you can get by with even a smaller shot size when using the other alternatives to steel shot.

You may quote me on all of this.

Jerome Katchin, D.V.M.
Port Rowan, Ontario

[redd foxx]

Lots of people use an owl decoy while hunting crows. They are not huning owls ... at least we hope not! Perfectly legal. It's the same with ducks and geese.

[longpointer]

Just don't shoot any ducks !

[finsfurfeathers]

so got the offical word from those that matter
email read
"Good morning,



Yes, it is perfectly legal to use any decoys you wish.



Thank you,



Canadian Wildlife Service

335 River Road

Ottawa, Ontario, K1V 1C7

Tel: 613-990-8355

Fax: 613-990-8400

E-mail: wildlifeontario@ec.gc.ca"