Unbeknownst to us, the massive gathering of geese that had made free with that wheat for the better part of a week had migrated southward in the predawn light. We never snapped a cap during that picture-perfect morning.

Another memorable hunt dawned to bluebird skies with mild temperatures and calm winds. I grumbled at the unseasonable weather and wished that I were crappie fishing instead. As I pulled my camouflage net over my prone silhouette, I was sure that I was getting ready to be part of an exercise in futility. No goose in his right mind will use this field, I reasoned to myself. But soon I was to eat my silent words -- and happily.

A low-flying flock of Canadas floated in a perfect V-formation toward our ambush point amid the decoy-studded field. Though our Canada decoys surely shone in the bright sunshine, the flock of 50 black-and-gray geese locked their wings -- totally committed -- while still 200 yards away. The super-sized honkers soon swarmed our decoys, and our shotguns roared as they discharged their magnum loads. When the dust cleared, nine greater Canadas lay belly-up a short distance away.

We retrieved the geese and dove under our nets as another flight of geese converged on our setup. We emptied our guns, and soon tallied up four limits in just 15 minutes; best of all, we never even shivered on that sunny 55-degree morning.

I learned a valuable lesson that morning: When it comes to goose hunting, there are no absolutes!

I firmly believe that our state’s goose hunting is as good as it gets. What more can I say? Canada goose hunting is unpredictable at times, but it offers waterfowlers a challenging way to spend a January day. So before going afield, read up on Oklahoma’s five top goose areas in the central and western parts of our state.

WASHITA NWR
One of my favorite goose spots, and possibly your best shot at Canada action this winter, is Washita National Wildlife Refuge, a two-hour drive west of Oklahoma City near the town of Butler. The premier Canada goose hotspot in Oklahoma, the refuge is home to more than 100,000 Canadas at peak migration; it also holds 1,000 whitefronts and 2,000 mixed snow, blue, and Ross’ geese.

I’ve logged many hours hunting near this refuge -- and that hunting’s truly superb! Washita NWR annually attracts a complement of migrating Canadas larger than that boasted by any other refuge in the state.

Most goose hunting in this area is done through a lease by sportsmen’s clubs and individuals, but permission to hunt can be obtained by talking to area landowners. I’ve received permission to hunt relatively easily by knocking on doors and inquiring about hunting at local restaurants and convenience stores.

Another option -- and probably the best bet for a top-quality Canada goose hunt -- would be refuge hunts. Refuge personnel conduct computer drawings for weekend hunts throughout goose season. (The application deadline for these hunts was in early October.) Successful applicants pay a $20 user fee; each may bring two hunting companions.

Additional weekday hunts are held on selected Wednesdays during goose season; call the refuge office (see below) on Tuesdays to make reservations (first come, first served) for the next day’s hunting. Hunters pay $10 for the blind drawn; each shooter may carry only 15 rounds of steel shot.