Right now, it’s prime time for goose hunting. The early season around Lake of the Woods is legendary, with an abundance of Canadian geese making their way south. If you’ve ever stood in a marsh at the break of dawn, the mist rising off the water, waiting for the first V-formation to come into range, you know the feeling. The sound of wings cutting through the air and the echo of a shot is something that sticks with you. The big lake’s reputation as a “diver lake” is well-earned—diver ducks thrive here, and with the vast shoreline, it’s an ideal habitat.

And it’s not just geese. The upland bird hunting around here is just as good. You’ve got pheasants, partridges, and grouse, all within easy reach. Some of the best spots are just 30 miles out of town. That’s the beauty of Warroad—you can make it your base camp, and with the vast public land around, there’s no shortage of prime hunting areas.

Don’t forget, deer season is right around the corner. You can already feel the anticipation building in town. Outfitters here are more than willing to help you gear up, find those hot spots, and get your license sorted. Each year, The Woods Goods hosts deer hunting competitions awarding prizes. There’s a youth hunt competition for those 17 and under. The biggest deer for archery. For those using firearms, there’s a biggest doe AND buck.

Between gear advice, best spots to hunt, and the camaraderie of hunting, you really feel like you’re part of something bigger in Warroad. And when you come back into town after a successful day, there’s a certain pride in knowing you’ve hunted some of the best land in Minnesota.