Wabigoon Lake is located under the eastern boundary of the Mississippi Flyway and is a resting-stop for millions of ducks as well as plenty of geese. Ducks spend the spring and summer nesting and raising their young on the arctic tundra. Feeding on the plentiful insects and plants in the arctic with the low population of predators means they can raise more ducklings to adulthood. The ducks also grow fast and fat, which makes their meat taste many times better. The farther north you hunt the better the ducks taste. By the time they make it into the Midwestern States half their fat preserves are gone from long distance flying. Combine this with the strengthening of muscles and you have ducks that don't taste near as good as when they are near the beginning of their journey.

Just about every duck species found in Canada is found in Ontario. By far the most common is the Mallard Duck and the Call Duck, which is a smaller sub-species of the Mallard. Mallards and Wood Ducks show up first and then following them in late September and early October are Ring-necked Ducks, Bluebills, Black Ducks, Buffleheads and Goldeneyes. They come to Wabigoon Lake to rest and feed on the massive bows of Wild Rice, which grow in the bays, on sand bars and along the shore. There are plenty of places where hunters can set up blinds in tall grass and bulrushes and wait. Canada Goose, Snow Goose, Ross's Goose and Specklebellies are also available but their numbers do not compare to the amount of ducks.

We have a good population of local ducks, Mallards, Black, Gold-eye, Wood and Buffle head. Guests can hunt duck hunt in the morning, fish in the afternoon and grouse hunt in the evening! This combination makes for a week of awesome memories and pictures to take home along with some game!

Merkel's Camp is one of the original duck hunting outfitters in Northwestern Ontario and have been servicing duck hunting guests since 1963. Having cozy warm accommodations and a home cooked meal after a day of duck hunting makes for a great fall vacation.

Cost: $200 + regular cabin rates and rentals