Kansas Hunter
Sharing your passion for the great outdoors
The rise of the SPECKLEBELLY
Story and photos by Drew Palmer
Mile North Outdoor Co.
​
The orange legged vocal goose
To most goose hunters in the central flyway, specks are known as tasty table fair or that annoying bird that won’t ever decoy. The reputation of being great on the grill is completely true, while the misconception that specks won't ever decoy couldn't be more of a myth. Specks are a very vocal bird and in most cases communicate with a call much better than any other goose. The problem is that most hunters aren't exposed to them enough to understand how to call them. They have a very distinct dialect and the wrong notes will make them very leery. Off-the-shelf speck calls will give you a chance if you have the patience to learn to blow one, as they are nearly a musical instrument. However, if you learn to call and hunt specks effectively, it becomes nothing short of a crazed addiction.
Hunting White Fronts
The most important thing about hunting specks is giving them something to look at. Custom decoys are my favorite way to decoy specks. In my eyes they have far greater detail and the birds work into them like they do live birds. However, there are other companies like GHG and FA Brand that make a good-looking decoy. It doesn't take huge numbers to persuade them to commit, either. With a little calling hunters can have success over as little as six decoys. If you’re also hunting Canada geese, set your specks off to the side where they are visible. When it comes to calling, the main thing is to have a conversation with them. Don't be demanding either. Call when they do and have patience. Specks are notorious for circling the spread. If you get a crack inside 40 yards on a solo speck, take it.
White-Fronted Geese have been one of my favorite birds to hunt and photograph for many years. my dream bird is a red-neck collard speck.
Over the past several years the population of the white-fronted goose has seen a prominent surge. Kansas is a hotbed for wintering and migrating specks, with destinations like Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivera NWR holding tens of thousands of birds annually. They have pushed their way eastward as well and are now being commonly harvested in large numbers in Sumner, Cowley, and Butler counties.
Photos by Drew Palmer
White-Fronted Geese have been one of my favorite birds to hunt and photograph for many years. my dream bird is a red-neck collard speck.
