Joe Weimer is a waterfowl hunter. Wait, that’s not entirely true; I don’t want to give you the wrong impression. Joe Weimer is a waterfowl addict, and when it comes to putting himself and those he hunts with on the X, whether that X be in a field, flooded timber, a twisting river, etc., he consistently succeeds.

Naturally, Weimer does his scouting, homework, and is a student of the game. However, his positivity helps him win more often than not, especially when consistently putting spring snow geese on the ground.

“You gotta have fun,” said Weimer. “Fun is a pre-requisite to any hunt. Spring snows can be a blast, but they can be highly frustrating, too. Just remember that chasing the spring migration, as massive flocks of whites return north, is supposed to be enjoyable. It’s not about 100 geese days; getting insane footage and photos. Those things are a bonus that comes from hard work and having fun. There was a time when we didn’t get to chase these white devils from late February through April in most locales. Enjoy the fact that we get to, that limits are liberal, electric calls can be used, and that the plugs get to come out.”

For spring snows and nearly all his waterfowl pursuits, Weimer runs a Winchester Repeating Arms SX4 model. There are many versions of the SX4, from the Waterfowl Hunter to the Hybrid Hunter to the Left-Hand Waterfowl Hunter. Winchester continues to expand the line and keep the SX4 branding instead of coming up with a new fancy-to-do name because when waterfowl goers hear “SX4,” they think of undeniable gas-operated reliability that cycles hulls quick and clean, oversized controls, quick shouldering, and more.

“The SX4 is an absolute workhorse for spring snow geese,” Weimer said. “I've relied on the SX4 for its cycling speed, user-friendly features, and reliability for years.”

Weimer is a left-handed shooter. However, like many shotgunners, Weimer typically handled a shotgun built for right-handers in the field.

Not anymore!

“I was so thankful Winchester Repeating Arms came out with a left-handed SX4 model. As a southpaw, it’s so nice on high-volume shooting days to have spent hulls flying away from my face instead of across it. The shotgun fits me better, and I can be more accurate and enjoy every hunt more.”

Winchester’s SX4 Left Hand Waterfowl Hunter comes in camo options of Mossy Oak Bottomland, Mossy Oak Shadow Grass, Realtree MAX 7, Realtree Legacy, and Mossy Oak Original Shadow Grass. Winchester Repeating Arms also offers left-handed models in the SX4 Hybrid Hunter, Field, and a standard SX4 in all black.

The most popular among waterfowlers is the SX4 Left-Hand Waterfowl Hunter. The shotgun sports a 3-1/2-inch chamber length but will cycle lighter 2-3/4 and 3-inch shotshells like magic.

Available in 26- and 28-inch barrel options, the magazine will hold four 2-3/4-inch shotshells. The composite stock and forearm keep weight down while boosting durability, and improved ergonomics like a more rounded close radius grip and textured gripping surfaces improve handling.

When running his favorite SX4 Left Hand for spring snows, Weimer prefers to load Winchester Xpert in shot sizes of BB, #1, and #2.

“There is always a potential for high-volume shooting,” Weimer said. “I want an economical shotshell that I can trust, and I’ve found this in Xpert. I prefer shooting #1 and #2 shot for tearing into tightly packed flocks at closer distances, which is always the goal when I hunt springtime snow geese. I want to finish large flocks of white and then drop the hammer. My SX4 allows me to acquire targets quickly, stay balanced, and swing through each shot. The #1 and #2 shot size means more pellets in the air.”

Those who trust the SX4 will also love the patterns they get from the trio (F, M, IC) of Invector-Plus choke tubes included with the gun. The Inflex Technology recoil pad soaks up post-shot shoulder shock. The barrel is topped with a 1/4-inch-wide rib and fitted with a TRUGLO fiber-optic sight, performing well regardless of lighting conditions.

Spring snow goose hunting is messy. From springtime rains and snows to wind, your SX4 will take a beating. Don’t fret, the shotguns are built like tanks and the Drop-Out Trigger Group is removed easily — one pin in front of the trigger guard and one behind it — allowing you to remove the bolt assembly for quick cleaning anywhere.

With an SX4 in your hands, you’re ready to dominate the spring skies, and FYI, the shotgun will work just as well as jellying the head of a springtime tom as it does folding-up squawking springtime snow geese.

Here are Weimer’s Top 4 Tips for dominating springtime snow geese in your flyway.

• The hide is of utmost importance. Take the extra time to get hidden. Concealment is crucial, especially for adult snow geese.

• Be quick but take your time. Excitement saves a lot of geese. Take a deep breath and pick out each bird as you shoot. You can’t kill them without getting steel in the air, but more shots don’t always equal more kills, especially if you’re spraying and praying. If you discover you’re not killing birds when the mob is tight and back-peddling over the decoys, you’re likely bringing your head up off the comb, flock shooting, and cycling too quickly.

• Sound is key. Make sure you’ve got good-sounding tunes and are mindful of volume. Electronic callers are legal. Just like duck calling, the music can draw them in or push them away. 

• Know when to shoot. Learn to read the birds and determine whether they will make another spin or hang and leave. It’s tricky sometimes, but when in doubt, let them work. Determining whether they’re juveniles or adults can help with this; factoring in wind speed and direction also plays a big role in finishing probability. You’ll remember the flocks with their feet out more vividly than the sky-busted singles.

There you have it, and there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the annual spring snow goose migration. Pick up an SX4 and some Xpert Steel Shot, jump in the truck, and find where a migrating north group is feeding.