Matagorda County winters several goose species, including snow/blue geese, speckled bellies, Ross geese and Canada geese. We also have many ducks that migrate here in the winter. Common species of ducks include redheads, widgeon, gadwalls, pintails, teal, spoonbills, scaup, buffleheads and more. The famed sand hill crane also calls Matagorda County home for the winter months.
On a goose hunt, your guide will meet you at the lodge or at a central location depending on where the geese are. Typical meeting time is between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. If a preset spread is requested the meeting time will be between 6:00 and 6:30. You'll follow your guide in your vehicle to a pre-scouted field. Then while you are gearing up your guide will be preparing a 4-whealer and trailer to drive you right out into the field. Third Coast guides must have top of the line decoys, calls, ATVs, and dogs to insure a memorable hunt. Decoy of choice is the silo sock they look realistic and go out and pick up easy. Once the spread is set the guide will give a safety talk and then you will disappear into 500 plus decoys. The guide is always in control of the hunt once he feels the birds are in range he will then call the shot. After the hunting is over, the decoys are picked up and packed for the next day's hunt, and then you are free to enjoy your afternoon.
With prior arrangements, afternoon activities can be scheduled. These activities include bay duck hunts, bay fishing, dove hunting, and quail hunting.
Considering the excellent properties we have, experienced guides with top notch equipment, a high success rate on hunts, and the kind of afternoon choices available, it's no wonder that so much of our business is repeat business. Shouldn't you be considering making a reservation today? 1-888-TX-GEESE
# We recommend at least a 12 gauge with 3-inch chambers. Make sure the gun is incapable of holding more than 3 shots, including the one in the chamber.
# We recommend 3 inch minimum, Ts or BBBs for geese, ones or twos for ducks. See manufacturers recommendations for equivalent energy in other non-toxic shot, like bismuth or tungsten.
# All shells in your possession while hunting ducks or geese must be approved non-toxic loads (no lead shot). Visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us for a list.
# You can buy shells when you get here at the local Wal-Mart. Of you can have them shipped ahead to our office straight from Cabelas or your favorite mail order store. Just be sure and put your name on the mailing label so we will know which box is yours.
# Temperatures in Texas at that time of year might be 90 or 25. Bring lots of layers, t-shirts, insulated underwear, sweat shirts. Stuff you can peel off as the day grows warmer.
# Bring waterproof clothes and foot wear.
# Ducks and geese see very well, so make sure you have camouflaged outerwear. This is agricultural land for the most part.
# Licenses and stamps. Everyone needs a hunting license. The easiest way to get a hunting license is to call the Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept.'s toll free number at 800-895-4248. You can also go online at Online License Sales
You also may get one from Third Coast when you check in. A 5-day non-resident small game is $48. A federal Migratory Bird Stamp is also required for anyone 16 years or older at $15. Be sure to sign across the face in ink!
# A Texas Waterfowl Stamp fee is also needed for anyone 17 years or older at $7. HIP certification is needed for anyone hunting migratory birds. It is free but be sure to ask for it when you get your license, and make sure that it actually says "HIP" on your license.
# Anyone 17 years or older and born after September 1, 1971 must also carry proof of having taken a state approved Hunter Education Class, and an approved I.D. (driver's license, military i.d.)
