Photo by Andy Martin.

When the first waves of migratory geese begin their annual southbound journey, the northeastern section of the Buckeye State is the place to be.

For several weeks, Canadas moving into Ohio to escape colder weather to the north will provide fast shooting opportunities as they join ranks with Ohio's resident geese.

Canada goose hunting is all about the weather. When the birds arrive, where they go and what they do while they're here depends on regional winter conditions. And the weather also dictates how best to hunt them.

If the weather's warm and there's open water on the Lake Erie marshes and area lakes and streams, Canadas will concentrate there.

If winter winds are howling, and the only open pockets of water are on reservoirs and large lakes, that's where the birds will be. If the weather becomes too hostile, the birds will seek refuge farther south.

Thousands of acres of prime waterfowl habitat are available on state-owned lands in Ohio's Wildlife District Three. Shotgunners throughout the region can expect excellent shooting opportunities this month. Factor in the availability of active farms that are often just a short flight away, and you'll find some of the best goose hunting in the Midwest.

Here's a look at several places where December goose hunting should be good this year.

SHENANGO WILDLIFE AREA
"Shenango Wildlife Area can be a great place to find birds, especially if it's rained a lot and the creek is overflowing its banks," said Geoff Westerfield, a District Three wildlife research technician in Akron. "It's a good place to go for mallards and wood ducks early and for migrating waterfowl throughout the season."

The marshy areas and abundant food sources draw ducks on a regular basis, and they'll often stay until the weather gets nasty.

The Shenango Wildlife Area covers 4,845 acres. Pymatuning Creek flows through the area and supplies water to several marshes where hunters can set up or float through. Hunters positioning themselves between crop fields and the water can expect some good shooting in the early morning or late evening hours. Float trippers can launch in Pymatuning Creek from the bridges over the water. One of the area's most productive marshes is along the creek north of state Route 87.

Shenango WA lies in Trumbull County, 22 miles north of Youngs-town. The area may be accessed from state routes 7 and 88.

For more information and current conditions, call the Ohio Division of Wildlife's District Three office at (330) 644-2293.

BEACH CITY WILDLIFE AREA
"The smaller wildlife areas are often overlooked," said Westerfield. "The Beach City Wildlife Area is a great place for wood ducks, but you'll need a dog or a boat."

Over 400 of the 1,912 acres in this wildlife area are marsh. Sugar Creek runs through the area and offers plenty of places where hunters may set up with decoys or enjoy a float trip.

This area is often overlooked by hunters, according to Westerfield. Hunters usually head for the larger marshes in this area and miss some nice opportunities for mallards, wood ducks and Canada geese.

Set up for wood ducks in the marsh off township Road 447 where it enters the wildlife area. Another hotspot for woodies is near the parking lot on township Road 62 if there's flooding. There are also several good backwaters to set up for ducks.

The Beach City WA lies on state Route 93 about a mile south of Beach City on U.S. Route 250 in Tuscarawas County. The area is 16 miles from Canton and 55 miles from Cleveland. Small parking areas are scattered throughout the area, and a boat ramp is on state Route 93 south of U.S. Route 250.

For more information and a map, contact the ODOW's District Three office at (330) 644-2293