"We’re seeing specklebellies in larger groups in this part of the state," Snapp said. "In the south, they tend to break up into smaller flocks, but we sometimes see flocks of 50 or more birds. We get small groups, but it’s not uncommon to see 150 birds grouped together early in the season."

With more birds and few people intentionally hunting specklebellies in northeast Arkansas, geese respond well to calls, Snapp said. Unlike snows, every one of which in a flock of 10,000 tries to outdo its brethren in noisemaking, specklebellies key off certain geese. If one caller can "talk" to the lead goose, the entire flock might follow the leader to the ground, or at least pass within shotgun range.

"Specklebellies are easy to work in northeast Arkansas because they don’t hear a lot of people calling to them," Snapp said. "A lot more people hunt them in southeast Arkansas or in Louisiana than in northern Arkansas. If a caller can get one specklebelly committed with its wings locked and coming in and hunters don’t let the birds see them, the whole group might land in front of the blind."

Even when not migrating, a goose might fly 200 miles in a day looking for food. If people scout to keep up with the flocks and knock on a few doors, they might pick up some opportunities to bag birds passing through the Natural State.

To book trips with Snapp, call 1-800-541-5590, or go online to www.arkansaswaterfowl.com. For the AGFC, call 1-800-364-4263, or visit www.agfc.state.ar.us online.