The success formula of Burbank Goose is based upon these principles/guidelines which keeps bringing hunters back again and again. Compliance provides quality-hunting experiences.
     These guidelines are just that, and not intended to cover every situation. If you have questions, please ask for clarification. Every hunter is ultimately responsible for safety and knowledge of guns, etc. Burbank reserves the right to terminate any activity, for any reason which may include safety issues, non-compliance of laws/regulations or the rules of the hunt.  You must also sign a contract available here.

TO BE READ & ABIDED BY ALL HUNTERS        Printable PDF
RULES OF THE HUNT SUMMARY™©                     

Fields that Yield™!  Where fellow hunters become friends™. Home of Paul’s Ponds™. The success of Burbank Guide Service (BGS) is based upon these principles that have proven to be part of the ‘success formula’, which keeps bringing hunters back again and again.  Compliance provides quality, safe hunting experiences.  Burbank has been the leader and innovator in the industry.
Hearken to the call of the wild goose or ducks; watch them drop and glide in on silent wings.
Experience the ultimate thrills and excitement hunting inland Pacific N.W flyways.

1.Always practice firearm safety. Treat every gun as loaded, control the muzzle of the gun at all times & never point it at anyone.  Do not shoot across hunters (muzzle blast the hunters; fire your shotgun only within 45 degrees angle in front of you off both sides.  Load gun after you are in the pit; unload before leaving pit. Don’t take the safety off until your shotgun is being mounted on your shoulder (the geese can hear the safety click). The most dangerous time is when you have shot at a flock and the guide jumps out to retrieve some birds.  You must make sure your gun muzzle is pointed in a safe direction when you reload.  The guide will want your gun reloaded when he gets back to the pit, but he doesn’t want to look back at a muzzle pointing at him while you’re reloading.  Be aware of the location of fellow hunters & surroundings at all times. Know your target; never shoot at low flying upland birds when other hunters are close. Exercise good common sense and safety precautions at all times. For pheasant hunting keep the safety on and the muzzle up till the gun is on your shoulder.

2. Remember, a goose/duck’s eyesight & hearing is far superior to a human. They can detect the slightest movement /sound from a distance. Remain motionless while the guide is working the birds.  Keep your face absolutely still in an open blind or pit when the birds are overhead!  A hunter’s white face looks like a spotlight or a white flag against a background of camouflage clothing, and geese can spot movement through the cracks around our pit lids.  We encourage you to watch the geese thru these openings, but don’t move your head, your body, whisper or click the safety. The guide knows they are there. Geese/ducks will usually make one close pass over the hide before committing to the decoys. It is at this critical time a lot of opportunities are lost due to movement or noise.  Wear quiet clothing (fleece or chamois is best).  The Gortex ‘scratch’ will flare a wary goose! Do not bring duck loads on the goose hunt, or the reverse.  You will be limited on the shell sizes in some fields (no 3 ½”). Dogs are not welcome in goose pits; first come on the duck blinds (with terms). Besides, one of the great pleasures of the hunt is the guide working the birds, calling & waiting-then watching these groups decoy on in – so enjoy!

3. As tempting as it may be, refrain from sky busting.  It is almost always fruitless.  If a duck or goose is winged (or lightly hit), it will usually fly off to die- a longs ways off and will count as a bagged bird.  In the name of sportsmanship, let’s make an effort to respect our waterfowl resources. We do not shoot at large groups of birds; if we did that yesterday you would not have the opportunity for success today!

4. Regarding calling: A good caller can’t bring ducks or geese into the decoys every time.  If the birds don’t like the looks of things or they just don’t want to come in, even the best caller in the world won’t be able to bring them into the blinds.  A bad caller on the other hand won’t bring any birds in, no matter how badly they want to come down.  Too much calling is probably the most common mistake people make.  Goose/Duck calling is an art that requires finesse and lots of practice.  Knowing when not to call is as important as knowing when to call.  Your guide understands this and has been trained to know when to call.  Also the guide may terminate the hunt, at his discretion.

5. Goose Pits are well camouflaged so do not approach them without the guide’s direction.  Be cognizant of the decoys.  They are expensive to purchase, plus the custom labor is very extensive. They don’t last or work very well when punctured with buckshot and need to be handled with care.  Only pick up the full bodies and stuffers by their feet & don’t lie them down on their sides (dirt does not attract birds). Respect landowner’s property & equipment.  Don’t litter. Use established roads and access property, only with guide permission.

6. NO ONE is to shoot while the retriever (man or dog) is in the field (or water) in the midst of a retrieve.  If any cripples are to be shot, the guide will do it or appoint someone to do it!  This is absolute and final. Shot game is food, and must be treated as such.

7.  Hunter is solely responsible for ANY and ALL insurance requirements for you and your guest(s) and you agree to fully hold harmless Burbank Ent. LLC (Goose), guides, landowners, representatives and heirs from all and any occurrences and liability before, during or after the hunt, not limited to but including personal injury and property damage.  Hunter acknowledges that with hunting there are risks. If any event occurs you are liable for you will be held responsible fro all costs incurred.  You are responsible to share this info with your group.

8. NEVER MIX ALCOHOL WITH FIREARMS.  Any alcohol consumed before or during the hunt, will end the hunt.  Please celebrate after. Guides reserve the right to terminate the hunt. More information is on the ‘release of liability contract’ which must be signed before the hunt.

Hearken to the call of the wild goose!
Share in the challenge of hunting the Canadian Geese.
Experience the ultimate thrills and excitement of hunting inland Pacific NW flyways.

Rules guideline PDF can be downloaded .

1. Always consider a gun as loaded.
   Never point or shoot at any person or thing that is not an intended legal target.
2. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, even when firing. No cross firing that will result in a muzzle blast to fellow hunters. Only shoot in your 45 degree shooting lane in front of you.
3. Only load your weapon when in position to actually use it. Unload when leaving your position. Never transport a loaded weapon in hand or in any vehicle.
4. Do not rely on the weapons safety mechanism. Keep the safety on,except when ready to fire.
5. Be sure of your target, and what is behind it. Be aware of where all persons, animals, residential, farming and any personal property may be at all times, to avoid contact with them. Pass up shots that have the potential for a dangerous outcome. Friends, guides and family are precious and not replaceable!!
6. Use proper ammunition for your gun/weapon, size and type, plus what is required for the regulations and specie hunted.
7. If gun fails to fire, handle with care…your weapon is loaded! Carefully clear the gun. Make sure all obstructions are removed, completely before firing again. Do not shoot at ground level! Always shoot up in the sky away from person, decoys, property etc.
8. Always wear protective eye and ear protection.
9. Learn the mechanical operation of your gun and handling characteristics.
10. Never modify a weapon or shells.
11. Practice with your gun, especially in the clothes you will be wearing when using your gun in a hunting scenario. Learn distances, so that you can appropriately lead your target and increase your success. Do not shoot birds that are out of range, or before the guide says, "Take 'em"!Tip Tip

TIP: For an educational experience, take some harvested watermelon, pumpkins, etc. and practice shooting them at different yardages. Make sure you have a safe backdrop before you do this. Pellets travel great distances. This experiment will save a lot of lives!!