OHIO'S WATERFOWL HUNTING | Top locations

Ohio has several excellent locations for hunting both ducks and geese.
NORTHERN OHIO/LAKE ERIE AREA
Lake Erie's marshes offer some of the best waterfowling in the state. Magee Marsh Wildlife Area and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge hosts controlled waterfowl hunts. The names chosen for the controlled hunt lottery have been announced. The marshes of Sandusky Bay make Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area another hot spot. Areas are blocked off for those who obtain controlled hunt permits. Other northwest Ohio areas where hunters can bag a few birds are Mallard Club and Metzger Marsh Wildlife Areas. For information about the above wildlife areas, contact Wildlife District 2 office at (419) 424-5000.
NORTHEAST OHIO
Northeast Ohio's primary duck-producing spots are at Killbuck Marsh and Mosquito Creek Wildlife Areas. Killbuck Marsh can be a profitable but challenging place to hunt. Geese fly north to south with little lateral movement, so you have to know where to stand or they'll fly past you. Good hunters will spend time scouting to locate their flight path. For those looking for an easier shot, Mosquito Creek's controlled hunt is Northeast Ohio's best place to find a multitude of geese. Mosquito waterfowl areas are completely flooded, so you'll be able to set out a large array of decoys. This area hosts a pre-season field blind drawing as well as a same-day drawing for wetland hunts for both ducks and geese. Another good option is Wayne County's Funk Bottoms Wildlife Area, which host impressive waterfowling opportunities when flood control activities of the Mohicanville Dam provide sufficient habitat. For information on wildlife areas in northeast Ohio, call the Wildlife District 3 office, (330) 644-2293.
CENTRAL OHIO
Two public areas near the center of the state containing high numbers of ducks and geese are Killdeer Plains and Big Island Wildlife Areas. Killdeer holds two lottery style drawings on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. In the last 15 years, Killdeer has been managed to recover suitable habitat for waterfowl through wetland restoration projects. In addition to improving conditions for a variety of waterfowl, the historically good goose habitat remains on the east side of the reservoir. Big Island is open for public hunting on a first come, first served basis. You'll find waterfowl in and around the Scioto River and surrounding marshes. For more information on Big Island contact Wildlife District 1 at 614-644-3925, and for information on Killdeer contact the Wildlife District 2 office at (419) 424-5000.
SOUTHERN OHIO
Fantastic waterfowling locations in southern Ohio include many State Park lakes, Salt Fork, and Mercer wildlife areas. While at Mercer, look for a 200-foot gap in the giant oaks that routes geese toward Grand Lake St. Marys in west-central Ohio. The concentration of geese through this pass promises thrills. For information on Mercer Wildlife Area contact Wildlife District 5 at (937) 372-9261. Contact Wildlife District 4 for information on Salt Fork Wildlife Area.
Private lands also offer prime duck hunting, especially in early fall before the wood ducks leave. Walking along creeks or floating streams can provide some excellent wood duck and squirrel hunting combos. Just remember to get permission to hunt from the landowners whose property is adjacent to the stream. Also be sure to check out the ponds next to highway overpasses and city reservoirs. These areas often hold ducks and don't have a lot of hunting pressure after opening weekend. Rural golf courses also attract a lot of geese and may be an underutilized hunting area, especially for the early goose season.
Source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife