Horseshoe Lake Conservation Area
Horseshoe Lake Conservation Area is operated by the IDNR. Once the premier goose- and duck-hunting hotspot in the entire Mississippi Valley Flyway, the wheels started falling off Horseshoe Lake when woody growth overtook many of the fields on the refuge and "tree huggers" prevented refuge mangers from removing invasive trees. As a result, the geese abandoned the lake and the fields. Goose hunting became very spotty. When the birds' migration patterns shifted north, goose hunting ended at Horseshoe Lake.

As with the other SIQZ refuges today, however, ducks began to fill the void left by the honkers at Horseshoe Lake. Today, some of the clubs bordering the Horseshoe Lake refuge boast impressive success rates for mallards and other duck species. Some snow geese and whitefronts also fly in that area.

Rend Lake
Rend Lake is perfect for do-it-yourself hunters. At 19,000 acres big, shallow and full of flooded timber, secluded bays and coves, this Corps of Engineers impoundment is open to the public for waterfowl hunting all season long.

Boat-launching ramps are located near all the desired hunting areas. Walk-in hunting areas also are suitable for field goose hunts or duck hunting from the shore. The IDNR regional office in Benton -- phone (618) 435-8130 -- has all the information about Rend Lake waterfowl hunting.

Birds of a Feather Flock Together
Despite the decline in Canada goose numbers in the SIQZ, the waterfowl that winter in the zone still do so in remarkable numbers. On Dec. 13, 2006, the IDNR waterfowl survey found (bear in mind this survey only represents birds visible from the air):

• Crab Orchard -- 8,200 ducks and 2,900 Canada geese.

• Union County -- 20,900 ducks, 2,590 Canada geese, 8,200 white-fronted geese and 3,200 snow geese.

• Horseshoe Lake -- 45,800 ducks, 6,250 Canada geese, 6,000 snow geese and 11,000 white-fronted geese.

• Rend Lake -- 3,800 ducks, 700 Canada geese, 6,000 snow geese and 450 white-fronted geese.

In the entire SIQZ survey area, the biologists counted 125,000 ducks, 19,395 Canada geese, 32,550 snow and blue geese and 28,875 white-fronted geese. While the survey numbers vary week to week, it is obvious plenty of waterfowl winter in the SIQZ.

Check out this Web site at www. southernmosttourism.com for a listing of hunting clubs near Union County FWA. Lodging is plentiful just across the Mississippi River in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Call 1-800-GEESE99 for the Williamson County Waterfowl Hunting Guide, which will list clubs and accommodations available in Marion, not far from Crab Orchard NWR.

Rend Lake Resort -- phone (800) 633-3341 -- caters to this area's waterfowlers. John Reilly's luxurious operation provides comfortable lodging, fine dining, beverages of your choice and boat-launching facilities. Dogs are welcome. The lodge's off-season rates are very attractive, and the resort also heads up the guided hunting services for Southern Outdoor Resources Service.

Have you never hunted waterfowl in the storied region of the SIQZ? Believe me, you'll be well pleased with what you find here.

Have you given up hunting in the SIQZ? Believe me, you'll be well pleased you came back.

As Colin Cain put it, "Jerry, we are going to make this area into the new Arkansas." Believe me, his chances of doing just that are great!

Find more about Illinois fishing and hunting at: IllinoisGameandFish.com