Gear to Remember 

Mike Bard is no stranger to long days in the field decoying spring snow geese. Having spent every spring in the field for more than a decade, the New York hunter has developed a list of must-have gear that make life a little easier.

Your favorite retriever – "We always hunt with at least, if not two, retrievers. A good toll of snow geese can put 20-plus geese on the ground at one time. Having a retriever pick up the birds is often faster and less noticeable to geese passing over than a hunter running around the field and trying to tip-toe through the tightly packed decoys."

ATV with a light-weight trailer and/or large sled – "They really are a must have. They greatly reduce the time and labor of setting up and taking down a spread, not to mention getting hunters, birds and personal gear in and out of the field."

Cooler with snacks and drinks – "You typically are out hunting well before sunrise until after sunset, so both you and the dogs get hungry and need something to drink throughout the day."

Spare batteries – "Keep some spare batteries on hand for anything that might need one; e-callers, motorized decoys, headlamps – all are part of the day and run off of batteries. It's also good to have a tool kit, electrical or duct tape and some miscellaneous electrical connectors."