Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book and pay for a hunt?
- Just give us a call and we'll work with you to find a day or days that work for your group. Once we settle on the dates, we'll pencil you in and hold your dates for 30 days, as we wait for you to send a 50% deposit or pay over the phone by credit card. After receiving your deposit, we'll send you an email confirmation and you'll be set. The balance is due on the morning of the first day of your hunt.
- Deposits should be mailed to The Game Hogg Hunt Club, 580 Eno Road, Jordan NY 13080 and we accept personal or bank checks or money orders made out to The Game Hogg Hunt Club. As of 2017, we offer Square and can accept credit or debit card payments.
- Final balances must be paid for in cash, money order or credit card.
What licenses and stamps do I need to hunt waterfowl in New York State?
- A New York State Hunting License - proof of a hunter's safety course or hunting license from another state is required to purchase your first hunting license in NY, licenses can be obtained at several retailers across NY, phone or online http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6094.html
- A Federal Waterfowl Stamp - available at most post offices, not needed for hunters under the age of 16
- HIP Registration Number for New York State - this is free and can be obtained by calling 1-888-427-5447 or online at - http://www.ny-hip.com/, you must be able to provide your number, so its best to just write it down on your license or print it out
What do I need to bring?
- For layout boat hunts - Waders or insulated waterproof bibs with waterproof boots, camo or drab colored insulated jacket, gray or camo hat, plugged shotgun - we recommend improved cylinder or modified choke and 20 or 12 gauge, non-toxic shotgun shells sizes #1, #2 or #3 and bring 2 boxes per day of hunting just to be safe, NY hunting license, HIP number, federal duck stamp, and any snacks/non-alcoholic drinks you want. Additionally, sun block, chap stick and for those who may get sea sick, you should take motion sickness meds prior to the hunt. And don't forget a cooler for your birds! We have gray-green loaner rain coats to wear over your jacket to help you blend in with the water and stay dry.
- For snow goose hunts - camo or drab clothing per the weather, rain gear is highly suggested, waterproof boots, a white hat, shotgun (can be unplugged and have an extension tube) - we recommend a modified choke and a 12 gauge shotgun, NY hunting license, HIP number, federal duck stamp and any snacks/non-alcoholic drinks you want. Additionally sun block and chap stick are good to have. And don't forget a cooler for your birds! We provide hooded white Tyvek suits to wear over your hunting clothing, along with a mat/pad to lay on and 20 and 12 gauge shotgun shells.
Do you provide lodging/where should we stay?
- Currently we do not have a lodge for our guests, however we will certainly recommend lodging options based on the area we'll be hunting and we offer packages where we arrange the appropriate lodging for you.
Which airport should I fly into?
- Syracuse International Airport (SYR) is the closest to our shop - about 35 minutes.
- We can arrange for someone to pick you and your group up and then return you to the airport after your hunt for a fee of $50 per person, our guides would also provide you transportation to and from the hunts, if you select this option.
Can I bring my retriever?
- We highly suggest leaving your retriever at home, relaxing and enjoying your hunt. We cannot allow any retrievers on our layout boat hunts given how the hunt is run, however if you book a full party (6+ hunters) for one of our spring snow goose hunts, we will allow 1 retriever in the field at a time, if all members of the party approve. You will be responsible for your retriever at all times.
How long are the hunts?
- For layout boat hunts - we will hunt from a half hour before sunrise until around 1 pm or limits are filled - the majority of the duck movement is typically earlier in the morning.
- For snow goose hunts - we will hunt from a half hour before sunrise until sunset or limits are filled - during the migration, you never know when they might come through - lunch is supplied on these hunts.
Why do you cap the number of hunters at 4 for your layout boat hunts?
- We only hunt 2 hunters in the layout boat(s) at a time, so to ensure all hunters in the group get a good opportunity at ducks, we do not like to try and run more than 4 hunters through the layout boat(s). If you do have a larger group, we can look into customizing a hunt for your group by partnering with another guide service in the area and setting a large combined spread.
How many guides will be on our hunt?
- Given the nature of the type of hunts we offer, we typically have 2 guides along on each hunt in order to offer the safest hunt possible, provide you with a great experience, and to handle all of the gear needed to conduct these types of hunts. If we are setting a very large snow goose spread, we may bring in a 3rd guide.
Do the guides hunt/shoot?
- On our snow goose hunts, our guides will shoot at bigger groups of birds along with your group. We leave all groups of birds that number the size of your group of less to you to handle.
- On our layout boat hunts, our guides will also carry shotguns to give us the best chance of retrieving your birds (they don't always fall dead), but will not be hunting along side of you, as they will be in the tender boat, ensuring your safety and picking up your birds.
Is my deposit refundable?
- If you are unable to make your scheduled hunt, we do not refund your deposit, however we will allow you to reschedule for a different open date within the current season, should any opening be available and use your deposit towards that hunt. If The Game Hogg Hunt Club has to cancel your hunt for any reason, we will provide you with the option to have your deposit refunded or use it towards a future hunt.
What is there to do, besides the hunting?
Its becoming more popular to add a couple days of hunting to a vacation or have spouses travel along for the trip. There is a lot to do in the Central New York area.
- Destiny USA - a large mall with a variety of shops, places to eat, bowling, indoor go karts, and a movie theater
- The Finger Lakes Region is well know for their wine - take one of the many wine tours around Cayuga, Seneca, Canandaigua or Keuka Lakes
- Visit Bass Pro Shops in Auburn, NY
- Head in to Syracuse for good food and drinks in the Armory Square or feast on good BBQ at Dinosaur BBQ
- Niagara Falls and Cabelas are only a couple hours west