Another zone, the Southern James Bay Population (SJBP) Zone is a farther designation within the North Zone. The SJBP Zone applies to goose hunting and is designed to manage the number of migrant geese taken from the Southern James Bay Population of birds. The SJBP Zone includes Lagrange, Steuben, Starke, Elkhart, Jasper and LaPorte counties, and the Jasper-Pulaski FWA.

The Ohio River Zone is made up of counties or portions of counties that lie along the Ohio River. It includes that portion of the state south of a line extending east from the Illinois border along Interstate 64 to New Albany. Look in the latest regulations booklet for complete zone boundaries. The South Zone is basically the area of the state that is north of the Ohio River Zone and south of the North Zone. It is a large area and includes almost the entire southern two-thirds of the state.

Regardless of the zone being hunted, there are plenty of public access opportunities across the entire state. Here's a look at a half-dozen spots to try this year!

WILLOW SLOUGH FWA
Hunters had a pretty good season last year at the Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area (FWA). There were approximately 3,000 ducks and 1,000 geese harvested. Considering the restoration that has been done at the property, it's very encouraging to see harvest numbers increasing.

The 1,100-acre J.C. Murphy Lake was drained and renovated about five years ago. The lake is very shallow and offers much for passing waterfowl. During the renovation, much of the excellent vegetation had the opportunity for new growth. Some of this growth included smartweed, rushes, willows and cattails.

Additionally, there are several areas on the property that are normally planted in row crops, such as corn or sorghum. When there is adequate rainfall and subsequently sufficient water level in the lake, these areas are flooded in the fall, which is extremely attractive to waterfowl. These two areas, the Rookery and Salisbury, are very popular with duck hunters.