Official Rules & Regulations

Hunt Begins at 7:22 a.m. (Approximate Shooting Time Begins)
Hunt Ends at 3:00 p.m.
All teams must be checked in by 4:30 p.m.

  1. All hunters and their guide must be 18 years of age.
  2. There will be four hunters and one guide in the blind. Landowner is optional visitor in blind, but not allowed to hunt. All other visitors to the blind will be at the guide’s discretion.
    1. Explanation of a blind:
      1. ALL Blinds donated and provided by 4×4 Goose Hunt.
      2. Blinds will be large enough to comfortably accommodate the four hunters, guide, gear, etc. with heater.
      3. Each team’s hunters and guide will be located in the same blind.
      4. These blinds must be inspected and approved by a member of the Guide/Landowner Committee with no exceptions
  3. Guides with their appointed blinds will randomly draw their hunters with exception of the two online auctioned blinds which will have first selections.
  4. All Federal and State rules, laws, and regulations must be strictly adhered to.
  5. This is a “Fair Chase” contest and all geese are to be killed in flight and not on the ground.
  6. The hunt must be initiated from the blind, and all shots must be from inside the blind. The only exception being: A “second shot” taken outside the blind to recover a wounded goose.
  7. After the 16th shot has been fired, the guide and the team must leave the blind immediately with the contest geese to check them in and have them weighed. The pit is then closed until after 3:00 p.m.
  8. The hunt will end at 3:00 p.m. sharp.
  9. All guides must escort hunters to the check in. Upon check in all guides and hunters will be required to sign check in sheet. If guide and hunters do not sign check in sheet the team will be disqualified. ABSOLUTELY NO CALLING IN.
  10. All geese must be in possession when checking in. The guide cannot return to the pit for wounded geese.
  11. The winning team is determined by a maximum of 12 geese killed with scoring based on shells used and returned. In the event of a tie, the gross weight of the five geese determines the winner.
  12. The official judges will handle any protests, and their ruling will be final. No protests will be heard after the last team has checked in.
  13. Each hunter is responsible for having any dead geese cleaned and removed from the hunt site headquarters.
  14. Any alternate blinds will be designated during the pre-hunt Guide & Landowner Meeting.
  15. Each guide will designate his blind location at the Guide & Landowner Meeting and the blind cannot be moved.
  16. Awards will be given to the top three teams.

SAFETY RULES

The safety and security of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. staff, the Landowner, volunteers and guests at any event is absolutely essential.    

Follow the 10 rules of gun safety.

  1. Always Keep The Muzzle Pointed In A Safe Direction
  2. Firearms Should Be Unloaded When Not Actually In Use
  3. Don’t Rely On Your Gun’s “Safety”
  4. Be Sure Of Your Target And What’s Beyond It
  5. Use Correct Ammunition
  6. If Your Gun Fails To Fire When The Trigger Is Pulled, Handle With Care!
  7. Always Wear Eye And Ear Protection When Shooting
  8. Be Sure The Barrel Is Clear Of Obstructions Before Shooting
  9. Don’t Alter Or Modify Your Gun, And Have Guns Serviced Regularly
  10. Learn The Mechanical And Handling Characteristics Of The Firearm You Are Using

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

No alcoholic beverages may be served or consumed until the hunt or shoot is over. Any alcoholic beverages served or consumed after the completion of a shoot or hunt must be served in strict compliance with Ducks Unlimited, Inc. policy.

GAME HARVESTED

It is the responsibility of each hunter to take home the game they harvest. Game must be properly tagged if to be given away.

HUNT SUPERVISOR – LANDOWNER

A hunt supervisor from the Ducks Unlimited staff or volunteer ranks, or the Landowner or their representative may be identified before a hunt or shooting event to provide a safety briefing and rules of the hunt.  They have the authority to ask participants who violate a game law, act in an unsafe manner, or appear impaired by alcohol or drugs to leave the hunt or shoot.