Gunning for Thunder Bay Migratory Birds

Thunder Bay is on the Mississippi flyway, making it an excellent spot for migratory birds.

It’s late afternoon, and my friend and I are hidden amongst the cattails near a small pond at the intersection of several farm fields. We set up a few floater geese and a dozen mallard decoys and settle in for the hunt. Throughout the evening, birds buzz about, feeding in preparation for their journey south.

As the sun gets lower, the birds start heading back to water, and the action heats up. First, it's just a few small groups, but as darkness approaches, birds fill the sky, and the air rings with their raucous calls. Group after group piles into the pond, and the action is so frenetic that it’s hard to choose what group to shoot at. But, in the end, we each wind up with our limit of geese.

hunter with retriever
Tom Armstrong field-hunting waterfowl in Northwestern Ontario’s Thunder Bay area. (Photo credit: Tom Armstrong)

Location, Location, Location

Thunder Bay is on the Mississippi flyway, and the area is a temporary home for thousands of migrating waterfowl. Its abundant agricultural land and endless small lakes, ponds, and rivers create a wealth of waterfowling opportunities.

As fall progresses, waterfowl can be found anywhere from small beaver ponds to large lakes. Ponds tend to be easy places to set up and hide around, and because they are smaller, the recovery of birds is usually simple. However, if you find one of the area’s many lakes with wild rice, you will also almost certainly find ducks feeding. There is plenty of water on Crown land around Thunder Bay, and with a bit of exploring, you are sure to find birds.

hunting waterfowl in ontario
Tom Armstrong hunting a small pond adjacent to agricultural fields in Northwestern Ontario’s Thunder Bay Area. (Photo credit: Tom Armstrong)

Farm fields are a hub of activity for ducks and geese, and if you can secure permission from a landowner, field hunts can be a great way to target them.

The area has many places to stay, from hotels right in the city to motels and resorts in surrounding areas. With excellent waterfowl hunting east of Thunder Bay towards Nipigon and west of town past Kakabeka Falls, there is no shortage of hunting habitat and accommodations.

About Tom Armstrong

Tom Armstrong is an outdoorsman living in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and as an ardent angler, hunter and sportsman, he has turned this passion for the outdoors into a hobby as an Outdoors Writer and Photographer.

Recommended Articles

Turkey Lessons

Never Underestimate a Wild Turkey

Chasing Gobblers

Spring Turkey Hunting in Brant County, Ontario

Dual Trips to Maiden Bay Camp

An avid hunter takes his daughter Britney to visit Northeastern Ontario in search of a fall black bear—here's what happened next.

Double Bears at Kammoe & Sons Outfitters

A successful outing at this family-run spot near Timmins, Ontario.

Lake St. Joe's Moose Hunt at Winoga Lodge

A father son moose hunt in Northwest Ontario

An Unforgettable Moose Hunt by Boat

Going remote at Birch Bark Lodge

Ontario Waterfowl Hunt

Canada in the Rough hunts for waterfowl around Prince Edward County.

Trophy Deer Hunts in Thunder Bay

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

Ontario Turkey

Hunting with Wingeather Oufitters

Prince Edward Divers

Some of the Best Hunting in Ontario

Enjoying Wild Game

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

Becoming a Trapper

What you need to know and consider before you become licensed.

Top Pheasant Destinations

6 amazing places in Ontario that offer quality pheasant hunts.

Turkey Hunting Tips

Learn some tips to make your next turkey hunt a successful one.

Long Point Bay

Ontario's Prime Duck Hunting Grounds

Crossing the Border into Canada

How to legally bring your hunting rifle into Canada.

26 Amazing Whitetail Hunting Lodges in Sunset Country

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

Turkey Time

Shaking Off the Cabin Fever

The Secret Life Of Grouse

Locate roosting locations, food sources, and predator signs to help you find more grouse this fall.

Deer Hunting in Sunset Country

An overview of deer hunting in Northwestern Ontario—and what the future holds