Three different types of grouse, Canadian and lesser geese, many many kinds of waterfowl, small game, deer, bear, and wolves; this is just the beginning to fall hunting when you visit Lake of the Woods. September/October are kick off months for many on this list, check out the seasons by the MN DNR HERE.

The most popular Canadian Geese are flying high these days. The early goose season is open now and stays open until September 20^th.   The regular waterfowl season around Lake of the Woods starts again September 26th and goes through November 24th, 2020.

In some areas of the state, because geese have found more places of safety and less of a reason to migrate south, almost all geese nowadays will stay in the same location year-round.   Up around Lake of the Woods, this isn’t the case as the available water freezes solid, which pushes the birds south.

When geese do fly, they communicate by loud honking and form a distinctive V-Pattern Shape to conserve energy. The shape allows for the “drafting effect” to take place.  This is where the  strong goose leads at the front and each bird will fly slightly above the bird in front, thus reducing the wind resistance. They are capable of flying up to 1500 miles in one day. When the lead goose tires, it moves to the back and another takes their turn in the lead. When geese do fly, they communicate by loud honking and form a distinctive V-Pattern Shape to conserve energy. The shape allows for the “drafting effect” to take place.

In urban settings, geese prefer well-manicured lawns and to be close to a water source.   In their more natural settings, they are looking for grain, ideally of fields that were recently picked.   This of course is why agricultural areas will hold so many birds, it is a preferred food source.

Canada geese are social birds that prefer to stay in large groups (except while nesting). Geese usually live near ponds, lakes, rivers, grain fields, and both fresh and saltwater marshes. Their diet consists primarily of grains, corn, and grass, although they will resort to eating other green plants and small bugs when food sources get scarce.

This is why geese are so prevalent at Lake of the Woods. This time of year you can hear them coming even before you see the great V pattern flying. Then you can see them resting in fields, parks and along shorelines of bays and of course, the big lake shore.

Hunters from all over travel to Lake of the Woods to hunt these beautiful birds. Local resorts cater to the goose hunters as well as anglers in the fall. They offer great accommodations and also meal plans so hunters can come in from their blinds to a warm meal at night. They also cater to the next batch of hunters that come for migratory ducks.

Duck, coots, and mergansers hunting season is open for the north country from September 26-November 24^th according to MN Dept of Natural Resources concerning waterfowl. This northern duck zone is located north of Highway 210.  Again, hunters come into this region to find their great hunting experience and guides from the resorts will guide waterfowl hunts along their shores, whether its geese or ducks and make the experience perfect for each individual need.

Resorts from the Rainy River, South Shore, and NW Angle are all ready to help you with your hunting needs. Find all your lodging needs be checking our website at: www.lakeofthewoodmn.com/lodging.