Prime Goose Habitat and Hunting in Southern Ontario

The honking of geese in the distance is a welcome sound. At 400 yards out, we can see a dozen Canadas coming straight toward us. They are flying low in the early morning and seem intent on feeding in a nearby field. A few calls from our guide and the lead bird notices our decoys and switches direction. Gliding in with cupped wings, the geese suddenly flare at 30 yards as we flip up the top of our layout blinds. Four shots and three geese are down.

The black lab charges out to retrieve the first of the geese.  We quickly reload our shotguns since more honking in the distance signals another flight is on the way.  This is Central Ontario goose hunting at its best.

Prime Goose Habitat

The area which offers potential for geese extends from Newcastle on Lake Ontario, north to include all of the Kawartha Lakes east to Tweed, and south to Belleville. Lake Ontario, the Kawartha Lakes, and numerous small ponds provide overnight resting spots. Most of this region is rural farming with wheat, barley, oats, peas, and corn - all favourites of Canadas.

The south central area of Ontario has very little hunting pressure, but there is a high goose population and virtually thousands of farms to hunt. Early in the year, local geese are found on the Kawartha Lakes and adjacent farms. As freeze-up occurs in November, the geese move south to Lake Ontario. Daily flights of 6 to 20 km to feeding fields are common. Savvy hunters drive the side roads in the morning and then scout in the late afternoon to find where geese are landing. Often, 500 to 1,000 Canadas can be seen in a 10-acre field. Asking a farmer for permission the day before a hunt is part of the routine.

Bob McGary and partner with a couple of south-central Ontario geese.

Bringing in the Geese

Looking at our decoy spread, I am impressed at how easy it was to put out. A dozen shells and two standing decoys prove to be more than adequate. The decoys are set in a horseshoe pattern, with the bottom of the shoe creating a landing area directly in front of us. The wind is at our back as the birds will land into the wind.

Since Canadas are notorious for changing fields, it's important to scout every day. The other alternative is to hunt with a guide who has permission to access a number of different farms. The guide will supply blinds and teach you how to call and set decoys. It is money well spent and virtually guarantees a successful hunt. A variety of accommodations are available, with the best choices being Port Hope, Cobourg, or Peterborough.

Guide SERVICES

Brian Sheppherd
Port Hope
PH: (905) 396-8683

Randy Sayles
Havelock
PH: (705) 653-8834

About Bob McGary

Bob has fished for a variety of game fish species across Canada. With more than 40 years of fishing experience, he has been an active tournament angler, a Great Lakes guide, a contributor to Ontario OUT OF DOORS, volunteeer for a number of youth angling clubs and a speaker and seminar presenter at a number of sportsmen shows. When he finds time to put down his fishing rod, he's hunting for migratory and upland game birds.

Recommended Articles

Combining Great Fishing and Hunting

Andomoozwe Outfitters & Lodge is located in an area known for its great black bear population.

Nipigon Moose

Where 60-inch Racks are Taken Each Year

Is an All Day Deer Hunt Worth It?

Paul Beasely shares his tips on how to succeed at the dreaded all-day sit.

Trophy Deer Hunts in Thunder Bay

Gord Ellis reveals one of Northwest Ontario's most overlooked trophy hunts.

Ground Blind Hunting

Late November Hunting for Deer in Northwestern Ontario

Moose Outfitters in Ontario

Ontario offers archery and rifle moose season for residents and non-residents.

Moose Calling Tips

Learn How to Call Moose

Enjoying Wild Game

Experts at dry-aging Canadian AAA beef, and renowned for their game meat selections.

Fins and Feathers

Hunting Grouse at Gowganda Lake Lodge

First Time Bear Hunt

Paul Beasley takes his wife on her first black bear hunt in Northern Ontario

Fall Moose Hunting

Try These 6 Tips to Help You Get Your Moose

A Bear of a Lifetime

I have been lucky to harvest a number of bears in my lifetime, but this bear truly made me speechless

A Beginner's Guide to Hunting in Ontario

Everything a first timer needs to know.

26 Amazing Whitetail Hunting Lodges in Sunset Country

Big game hunters look forward all year to when whitetail deer season opens.

Marten River Bear

A Hunting and Fishing Trip in the North

Snow Hunt for Moose

Late Season Hunt for Moose in Ontario

Grouse Hunting in Sunset Country

You won't have trouble reaching your ruffed grouse limit here

A Dryden Buck

Hunting Trophy Bucks in Dryden, Ontario

Ontario's Big Black Bears

The Beasley Brothers head North for a bear hunt to remember.

whitetails in the rut

Hunting in the Thunder Bay Area of Ontario