Rochester has a long tradition of being the place to go for chasing Canada Geese each fall/winter. This tradition was started when the local population of Canada Geese that called Rochester home lured other migrating geese into the warm Silver Lake in Downtown Rochester, MN. The lake is no longer heated, but the tradition continues as more geese then ever make Rochester a stopping point on their migration south each fall.
Birds are lured to town by plentiful water, most birds instead of using Silver Lake now use the Zumbro River which flows though town, storm water retention ponds around town, and now flooded gravel pits that surround the Rochester area. Rochester is also surrounded by corn/soybean fields giving the birds the fuel needed to make the next migration South.
History of Rochester Goose Population – About Rochester Goose Hunting
Waterfowl hunters have been chasing geese in Rochester for decades which was once surrounded with state hunting blinds on the refuge line to catch the geese in between the roost and the fields. This brought hunters to town and it was realized there was a need for an outfitter to take these hunters to the feed fields so they stood a better chance to bag a Christmas Goose.
Dean Tlougan - the owner of Premier Flight Guide Service - at the ripe age of 19 went to work for one of these original guide services back when a Canada Goose was a real prize and the limit was only 1 goose per day. In 1996 Dean finally went out on his own taking over Rochester Goose Hunting from Mark Leitzen and has been on his own ever since. Now almost 25 years after starting out Premier Flight Guide Service continues to be one of the largest and most successful guide services in Minnesota. In Rochester alone Dean has access to 18+ pitted fields for goose hunting surrounding all sides of town ensuring you a successful goose hunt.
Rate List (including special rates for each season)
Proof that Premier Flight is your “go to guide” for Minnesota Goose Hunting – Testimonials
Past Memories of some great goose hunting in Rochester, MN – Pictures
The Premier Flight Crew – Dean’s Goose Guides
Rochester, MN Weather - AccuWeather
