Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl - Snow Goose
The Light Goose Conservation Order, commonly referred to as the spring snow goose season, has been in place since the late 1990s and has become something of a spring tradition for many waterfowlers, myself included. After all, it gives hunters one final excuse to get out and enjoy nature with their dogs before the spring turkey season begins.
In response to the popularity of the spring snow goose season, some gun manufacturers have introduced snow goose-specific semi-auto shotguns, complete with white finishes and extended magazine tubes. Since there are no magazine plug restrictions or bag limits during the spring season in many states, shotguns with increased shell capacity become extremely attractive, especially to those who hunt snows over decoys where they can get multiple shot opportunities.
Initially, the spring season was set in place to control a rapidly expanding snow goose population. However, snow goose numbers have been holding steady or slightly declining in recent years. For now, the Conservation Order appears to remain in effect in many states for the foreseeable future, although that is always subject to change. Be sure to check your specific state’s regulations before committing to ordering and stocking copious amounts of snow goose gear. If the spring season is alive and well in your state and region, though, here are some guns and other items that are sure to appeal to snow goose hunters.
Snow Goose-specific Shotguns
These are the shotguns snow goose hunters wish they had when the conservation order started back in the late ’90s. Capable of holding multiple rounds, these guns will stack up piles and piles of light goose dinners.
Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl – Snow Goose
Built on the excellent 940 platform, one of the best gas-operated semi-auto platforms out there, the 940 Pro Waterfowl – Snow Goose has everything snow goose hunters need. This 3-inch 12-gauge has a 28-inch barrel, TrueTimber Viper Snow camo finish on the stock and forearm, Battleship Gray Cerakote finish on the barrel and receiver, and a magazine extension capable of holding 12 rounds, plus one in the receiver. For those who don’t need that much firepower, there’s also a five-shot model. MSRP for either is $1,358.
Stoeger M3500 Snow Goose
This 12-gauge inertia-operated semi-auto is the only snow goose-specific scattergun I know of with 3 1/2-inch super magnum shotshell capability. It has a Distressed White Cerakote finish on the synthetic stock and forearm, receiver, and 28-inch barrel. The magazine extension can hold up to 10 rounds, plus one in the chamber. A paracord sling, oversized controls, and recoil reducer that fits in the stock round out the package. I know die-hard waterfowlers who swear by their rugged M3500s, so it’s sure to be a popular model. MSRP is $1,049.
GForce One Snow Blower
Another inertia-operated snow goose semi-auto is the GForce One Snow Blower from GForce Arms. This 3-inch 12-gauge comes with a white finish, 28-inch barrel that is threaded for Benelli’s popular Crio Choke system, and oversized controls. Capacity is 10 rounds plus one in the chamber with the included magazine tube extension kit. GForce Arms claims it will handle everything from light 1-ounce loads to 3-inch magnums with ease. Best of all, the GForce One comes with a lifetime warranty. MSRP is $625.
Beretta A300 Ultima Snow Goose Arctic Fox
The 3-inch 12-gauge A300 Ultima Snow Goose is powered by Beretta’s Annular Gas System (AGS) designed for fast and reliable cycling of all 2¾-inch and 3-inch loads, while the KICK-OFF recoil reduction system mitigates magnum recoil. Extended magazine capacity is 10 rounds, plus one in the chamber for 2¾-inch shells, 9+1 for 3-inch shells. The 28-inch barrel is suppressor ready, and the receiver is Red Dot optics ready. MSRP is $1,459 for Realtree Arctic Fox camo, $1,359 for black synthetic. www.beretta.com
Other Suitable Shotguns
While the following shotguns aren’t designed specifically for snow goose gunning, they are more than suitable options for snow goose hunters looking for an all-around waterfowl model they can also use for ducks and dark geese during the traditional fall and winter seasons.
Retay ACE
The new ACE (Air Control Extreme) model features improved light load cycling and Retay’s patented Inertia Plus system for reliable bolt lock-up every time. It’s compatible with Benelli chokes and extended magazine tubes, which snow goose hunters will like. This 3½-inch 12-gauge has a rounded receiver and is available in Max-7 or Bottomland camo (MSRP $1,149), or black ($1,049), with a 28- or 26-inch barrel, depending on model. There’s also an ACE-R model with a hump-backed receiver for the same prices. www.retayusa.com
CZ 1012 G2
The 1012 G2 from CZ-USA is yet another option for those customers looking for a budget-friendly all-around waterfowling shotgun. This 3-inch 12-gauge inertia-operated semi-auto is designed to handle a wide range of ammo, from light 2¾-inch target rounds to heavy 3-inch magnum goose loads. Two Mossy Oak camo patterns are available, Bottomlands and Shadow Grass Blades (shown), both of which are suitable for fowling. Barrel length is 28 or 24 inches, depending on model. MSRP is an affordable $849. www.czfirearms.com
Spandau Arms S2
The Spandau S2 is a tough, Turkish-made 3-inch 12-gauge inertia-operated semi-auto that won’t break the bank. It’s available with a 28-inch barrel threaded for the popular and common Mobile-style choke system and comes in both Realtree and Mossy Oak camo patterns to help keep the gun hidden from wary snow geese and other waterfowl. The forearm shape is reminiscent of Benelli’s SBE II, which should appeal to buyers, as will the MSRP, which is just $583 for camo and only $465 for black synthetic.
Pointer Field Tek 12
The new Pointer Field Tek 12 from Legacy Sports in another affordable, all-around autoloader suitable for hunting snows and any other waterfowl. This gas-operated 3-inch 12-gauge has a 28-inch barrel and a rotating bolt head that helps reduce recoil and muzzle jump. It comes in a variety of finishes, including black synthetic, Mossy Oak Bottomland/Olive Drab Green Cerakote (shown), and Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades/Flat Dark Earth Cerakote. MSRP starts at $499 for black, $519 for camo. www.legacysports.com
Ammo
With most seasons having no bag limits, snow goose hunters are going to need plenty of ammo, so be sure to stock a selection of shotshells. You don’t necessarily have to carry the expensive tungsten loads, though. Snow goose shooting can be a high-volume affair, so most hunters will want to use more affordable steel shot. The following loads are all proven snow goose getters.
Winchester Xpert Snow Goose
Winchester is currently the only company I know of offering a snow goose-specific shotshell. Xpert Snow Goose is available in 3-inch 12-gauge 1¼-ounce and 3 1/2-inch 12-gauge 1 3/8-ounce with either steel BBs or a duplex payload of steel No. 1s and 2s. Prices start at around $32 per box of 25. www.winchester.com
Kent Fasteel 2.0
While Kent’s original Fasteel was good, Fasteel 2.0 is really good, dropping snows from the sky with authority. It has corrosion-resistant components and a high-performance base wad. For geese, stock 12-gauge 3-inch 1 ¼-ounce and 3 ½-inch 1 3/8-ounce loads in shot sizes BB, 1, or 2. Prices start at around $30 per box of 25. www.kentcartridge.com
Rio Royal BlueSteel
Rio’s affordable Royal BlueSteel has been around for years for good reason — it’s highly effective at bagging waterfowl. For snows, stock Royal BlueSteel MGN 3-inch 12-gauge 1 1/8-ounce and Royal BlueSteel Super MGN 3 ½-inch 12-gauge 1 3/8-ounce loads, both with shot size BB. Retail prices start at around $20 per box of 25. www.rioammo.com
Remington Duck Club Steel
Remington’s new Duck Club Steel is another affordable alternative for snow goose hunters. These high-velocity steel loads are available in multiple shot sizes, but stick with BBs or 2s for white geese. Options include 3-inch 12-gauge 1 ¼-ounce (MSRP $24.99 per box) and 3 ½-inch 12-gauge 1 3/8-ounce (MSRP $30.99). www.remington.com
Accessories
Besides shotguns and ammo, retailers may also want to consider stocking aftermarket chokes and magazine extensions that will allow customers to turn their current shotgun into a customized snow goose slayer.
Carlson’s Cremator Snow Goose Choke and magazine extension
Carlson’s Cremator Snow Goose Choke was designed specifically for shooting snows, complete with a low-glare, white Cerakote finish. These chokes feature Carlson’s Triple Shot Technology, where three internal rings grab the wad and stabilize the shot column for improved patterns. There are two constrictions, mid-range and long-range, for hunters who hunt over decoys or pass-shoot. They are available for most popular shotguns in both ported and non-ported configurations. MSRP starts at $80.95 per choke or $141.50 per two-pack (consisting of both mid- and long-range tubes).
Carlson’s also offers magazine extensions in various capacities for a wide variety of popular shotguns. Extension options range from seven shot (six in the magazine + one in the chamber) all the way up to 12 shot (11+ one), depending on shotgun model. Carlson’s president, Nolan May, suggests the eight-, 10-, and 12-shot extensions will probably be the most popular for snow goose hunting. MSRP starts at $85.50, depending on shotgun model and capacity. www.choketube.com
Briley Helix Hunter
Briley’s Helix Hunter choke tubes are among the most effective waterfowl chokes on the market. They feature helical porting for better pellet distribution and recoil reduction, while the extra-long parallel section of these extended chokes stabilizes the shot column for better patterns downrange. They come in three constrictions for simplified choke selection. Size 1 is a short-range choke for shots up to 25 yards with non-toxic shot. Size 2 is a mid-range choke for shots between 25 and 45 yards. Size 3 is a long-range choke for shots over 45 yards. The Long Range tube is one of my favorite chokes for pass-shooting snows. Available for most popular shotguns. MSRP is $84.95 per choke, $239.95 per three-pack. www.briley.com
