Waterfowl in Ontario

In Ontario, that world can be the windswept mud flats of James Bay, where vast flights of snow geese dance on the wind. It could be a beaver pond halfway to nowhere, where wood ducks and blacks slip between the remnants of long-dead cedars. Or it could be a corn or grain field where giant Canada geese and pot-bellied mallards and pintails come calling for dinner. Or perhaps it's a nook or cranny of a massive marsh along one of our big lakes and rivers where strings of canvasbacks, redhead, scaup, goldeneye, or bufflehead stop to rest on their journey south down the Mississippi or Atlantic flyways. Ontario offers such a wide range of wildfowling experiences that even a lifetime spent hunting is barely enough to sample it all.

Seasons begin in early September for geese, peak in mid-October for ducks, and end in late December when winter sets up shop. Some areas offer additional winter hunts for the province's burgeoning population of resident Canadians. Current limits for both ducks and geese are generous, since Ontario has been a hotspot for waterfowl production in North America for more than a decade.

Many operators offer full-service hunts with dogs, decoys, and transportation, while others offer scaled-down services for experienced hunters.

A good beaver-pond rig consists of two-dozen black, mallard, or wood duck decoys - usually some of each - while big-water rigs for diver ducks often push past the 60 mark. For most situations in Ontario, three-dozen goose decoys placed properly are adequate, although field set-ups often contain two dozen more.

Chest waders and warm, layered, waterproof clothing systems, including hats and gloves, are a must. This is the North Country; if you don't like the weather, wait an hour.

Waterfowl hunters require a federal Migratory Waterfowl Permit and stamp, available at post offices, besides a provincial small-game permit. Non-tox shot is required for all waterfowl hunting in Canada.

One last tip, a small green or camo waterproof dry bag for extra socks, camera, snacks, and a Thermos can make even the most miserable day pleasantly bearable.