Early goose season has already come and gone in Southern Ontario. Last week’s hunt provided plenty of waterfowl enthusiasts with a sample of Ontario’s ever-expanding goose population. The early season, which ran from September 6 to the 16th is set up to allow goose hunters to harvest local birds before the mass migration of northern geese flock through the area. Residents of Grey and Bruce are familiar with the high populations of Canada Geese in the region. Lakeside residents and rural citizens alike are familiar with the endless honking in the early morning hours as birds gather on water bodies or congregate in farm fields. Goose season re-opens once again on September 22, as does the duck season. This time around, the season stretches much later into the year, with goose hunting opportunities extending into winter.
Local resident Scott Thompson awaits the arrival of geese at a wetland north of Owen Sound.
Reports from local goose hunters suggested that hunting water was the key to success last week. The vast majority of farm crops such as corn, were still standing during the early season, leaving hunters searching for harvested fields in order to set up their hunt. Finding cut corn fields during the early goose season is like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Geese seem to have an incredible ability to locate these early harvest crops, and can pour into a field by the hundreds providing ample shooting opportunities for hunters. When crops are late to be cut, water bodies become the most popular option for finding concentrations of geese.
Last week I joined a few dedicated waterfowl hunters for what turned out to be a successful hunt in a local marsh land. When it comes to battling the elements, the thick skin of duck and goose hunters never ceases to surprise me. As cold rain and heavy wind battered the hunting blind in the marsh, my companions eyed the sky for incoming birds, unfazed by the inclement weather.
As duck season approaches it is good to know that Ducks Unlimited has forecasted a bumper year for duck populations. This year’s early spring meant high recruitment, or a high survival rate, during the nesting period. Record low rainfall across much of the province resulted in a lack of marsh habitat this summer, but hopefully this has not caused a counteractive effect on duck numbers. Last week I noticed large flocks of Mallards buzzing through wetlands while bass fishing the Rankin River system - larger flocks than I recall seeing in Septembers past. Wood duck numbers across Grey and Bruce seem to have benefited from the early spring as well, since plenty of river bottom woodlots have been abuzz with the whistling wings of these aerial speed racers. Woodies are a blast to hunt and nothing screams of the fall season like a fine Wood duck feast.
Deer sightings have been on the rise over the past couple weeks as well. As temperatures cool and the days grow shorter, deer activity begins to climb, climaxing during the breeding season in early November. In late September large numbers of yearling bucks begin to leave their home turf, searching out new habitat to call their own. Statistics on road kills across North America show that yearling bucks comprise a very large proportion of all wildlife related roadside accidents. This outward movement is a behavioural characteristic that prevents in-breeding in whitetail herds, as parental does push young bucks out of natal habitat. Whitetail season is just around the corner with archery season opening in early October. Now is the time to set about hanging your tree stands if you haven’t already!
Tuesday mornings catch aboard Action Fishing Adventures
With the cool nights and increasing rainfall, salmon continue to migrate up local rivers. The harbour wall in Owen Sound has been a popular destination for shoreline anglers over the past couple of weeks. A decent number of salmon have been caught by anglers fishing off the wall or from small boats plying the waters of the harbour. That being said, Owen Sound trolling ace Tony Degasperis is still catching salmon in the deeper waters of Owen Sound Bay as the latest arrivals to the spawning grounds of the Sydenham are still out in the bay. Degasperis was out on a charter early Tuesday morning and had a fine cooler of salmon and trout to show for his short time on the water. Rainbow trout make up the largest portion of the charter captain’s catch once September begins to wane. Spoons were the top pick for Degasperis, who noted that the majority of his fish are being caught between 2.5 and 2.8mph trolling speed.
Reports from the Saugeen river suggest that the steelhead have begun to show up. After this spring’s record breaking run, river anglers will not have to wait long to join in on the incredible fishing once again. Weekend crowds below Denny’s Dam were shoulder to shoulder in the early morning hours of this past Sunday, with anglers reeling in both Chinooks and steelhead. As the river temperatures continue to cool, greater numbers of trout will enter the river. Top picks for Saugeen anglers have been small casting spoons, wobbling plugs and fresh spawn fished under a float.
In case river-fishing salmon and steelhead is not your thing, I hear that the bass fishing on the Peninsula is off the charts right now. Once water temperatures dip below 70F the local smallmouth bass go on a feeding binge. Topwater baits, tube jigs and spinner baits are sure winners for early fall bass.
Geese, ducks, deer, bass, steelhead and salmon! I love the fall…at least until the snow begins to accumulate! As I see more and more Owen Sound residents sporting camouflage as daily attire, at least I know I’m not alone. Be proud to be a hunter! I say its good to have a little “knuckle dragger” in you - especially now. Hunters, this is your season!
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