Geese can often be spotted at any of the area's 12 ponds, 15 manmade marshes or numerous beaver impoundments.

During the early migration, water levels are managed for waterfowl habitat. This is important to sustain ample roosting areas for the Canada geese as they pass through the area.

While there is an abundance of public land at Grand River, many hunters scout private lands surrounding the wildlife area.

KILLBUCK MARSH WILDLIFE AREA
Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area is divided into three hunting units. According to Kevin Higgins, an ODOW wildlife area manager, Killbuck Marsh WA is best for geese the first few days of the season.

"These birds get educated quick," Higgins noted.

The area can be difficult to wade through, and field hunting is typically not very good for geese.

The earlier season is the best here.

PRIVATE LAND OPTIONS
According to both Shieldcastle and Orosz, private land offers most opportunities for goose hunting in northeast Ohio.

Hunters are reminded that they must obtain written permission from landowners before trekking onto any private property for any reason.

In some areas, it can be difficult to determine public-land boundaries from private ones, since many tracts are interspersed. This is where a good map comes in handy.

To contact landowners, request a map from the county courthouse containing that information. There may be a small fee for examining county plat books or to acquire copies, but the information is worth it.

Additionally, Shieldcastle pointed out Medina and Lorain counties for November hunts on private land.

CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information on the Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area, contact the headquarters at (440) 685-4776. Or log onto the ODOW's Web site at www.dnr.ohio.gov/wildlife for maps or additional information.

For more information on the Grand River Wildlife Area, call the area headquarters at (330) 889-3280. For a map or more details, access the ODOW's Web site.

For more about waterfowl hunting opportunities in northeastern Ohio, go to www.dnr.state.OH.us/wildlife, or else contact the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Wildlife's District Three headquarters at (330) 644-2293.

For more information on Ohio's migrant Canada geese, contact the Crancreek Wildlife Research Unit at (419) 898-0960.