Wood ducks are all over the property in October. Mallards are going to be in the marshes around the D and J area complexes in the millponds and in the Mongo, Nasby and Ontario areas.

A daily draw for hunting locations can be well attended. The time changes throughout the season as the sunrise times change. The draw starts at 5:30 a.m. during October, but calling ahead for any changes is a good idea.

All of the millponds have boat ramp access. There are several county roads running through the property and over 100 parking spaces to accommodate duck hunters. To reach the small jump-shooting locations, you'll have to be willing to hike a ways.

The Pigeon River FWA is in Steuben and Lagrange counties. For more information, contact the FWA at (260) 367-2164 or the DFW at (260) 367-2186.

GOOSE POND FWA
"If water conditions are right, Goose Pond can be quite good in October, and I've done quite well here," Phelps said.

The pond is one of the up-and-coming waterfowl destinations in the Midwest. What once was a natural waterfowl refuge was drained for agricultural purposes years ago. Now all of that is changing.

The restoration project is about three-quarters done, according to Dennis Workman, the crew leader on the project. Construction will continue over the next couple of years and include raising state Route (SR) 59 South a total of 18 inches and extending the shoulder out 20 feet in both directions. The highway will not only be the main route into Goose Pond but also serve as a levee.

Beehunter Marsh is up and running just fine, Workman said. The Main Pool East and Main Pool West have limited water because of planned draining this fall for construction purposes, but when completed, the main pools will cover about 2,500 acres.

"This will be a great place when we're done," Workman said.

Goose Pond is Workman's favorite spot and he hunts it at every opportunity.

A boat can be used if a hunter can carry it in, but launching is prohibited and no ramps are available. Most of the area is shallow enough to hunt with waders. There are no permanent blinds, but shooters are welcome to use a makeshift blind of available vegetation or just a stand in the cattails. There's plenty of room to hide.

Goose Pond is a draw-only hunt with about 15 spots for parties up to three. The Monday draw is for all day on Monday and until noon on Tuesday in the same location. The Wednesday draw is for the morning only. The Thursday draw includes Friday until noon and Saturday is one day only.

Goose Pond is an excellent example of how Ducks Unlimited has partnered with others in Indiana to create excellent waterfowling opportunities. The DFW, Indiana Heritage Trust, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, North American Wetlands Conservation Act and The Nature Conservancy joined forces with Ducks Unlimited, and the results speak for themselves.

Goose Pond is in Greene and Sullivan counties between Linton and Sanborn and covers 8,064 acres. For more information, contact the office at (812) 659-9901.

WILLOW SLOUGH FWA
"I'd say Willow Slough is one of the top October spots in the North Zone," Phelps said. "The slough typically holds a lot of teal along with locally breeding mallards."