Lush fields of grass are right at the top of the Canada goose's winter wish list. Field-hunting opportunities are present, along with some boat hunting on the small lake. Wetlands and marshy soil round out the package, making Lower Morse a definite spot to consider despite its small dimensions.

Morse Lake WMA is an out-of-the-way spot that holds a lot of promise, according to Jansen. There's not a lot of room, so it's a good idea to check things out on weekdays and spend the weekends hunting a larger area. Canada geese are notorious for hightailing it to less disturbing environs when the hunting pressure's on, but they'll nearly always come back if to good roosting and feeding areas.

Morse Lake WMA, covering 235 acres a mile south of Belmond on U.S. Route 69, includes a lake as well as some upland habitat. Call the Big Marsh Unit for more information at (515) 532-2765.

RIVER SYSTEMS
Some of Iowa's least-appreciated late-season goose hunting opportunities are scattered far and wide along the Hawkeye State's river systems. Geese won't be out in the flowing water, but rivers will host huge numbers of geese if the birds can find backwaters, sloughs, oxbows or other locations with open water.

Conditions on rivers can change on a moment's notice, and goose locations along with them. Predicting where the birds will be is tough. A tank of gas and a few hours to spare are the basic prerequisites for a good hunt.

Canadas need grit to digest the vegetation they eat. Sand and gravel bars are primary sources of grit, so a lot of hunters key in on these areas with a lot of success.

Keeping tabs on the local birds is probably the most overlooked way to score a few honkers, and it's usually the locals who succeed, because they've patterned the birds well.

"As far as late-season goose-hunting opportunities go, the Iowa River around Marshalltown is a good possibility," said Otter Creek Unit biologist Rick Trine. "If there's open water in late December, the river can hold a fair number of geese and the field hunting around it can be fair."

Decoys and calling skills can be honed to a fine art such that a hunter can sometimes have a whole section of river to himself.

For information on where to stay during the hunt contact the Iowa Division of Tourism at 1-888-472-6035.

Find more about Iowa fishing and hunting at:IowaGameandFish.com