There’s a reason seasoned hunters point to Ontario’s St. Lawrence River corridor when they talk about bucket-list waterfowling. With Fowler Guide Service, we experienced it at its best—exclusive access to prime agricultural land, precision-set decoy spreads, and guides who know every bend of the flyway. From first light over harvested corn to last-shoot wood ducks at dusk, every moment felt dialed in for success. We were privileged to join Fowler Guide Service for a waterfowl hunt in the heart of Eastern Ontario’s St. Lawrence River region. With exclusive access to thousands of acres in prime agricultural land, Keith Fowler offers a truly unmatched hunting experience! The landscape, rich in habitat and perfectly positioned along migratory flyways, made for an unforgettable outing. From expertly placed blinds to knowledgeable guides, every detail was handled with precision and care.
Accommodations
We stayed in a cozy cabin just steps from the waters of Lake St. Lawrence. Every morning, we were greeted with breathtaking views of New York State across the river and the occasional glimpse of freighters gliding through the international shipping channel. Adding to the experience, we were treated to fabulous meals prepared by Chef Gordon Atkinson, whose culinary artistry brought warmth and flavor to every plate—a true highlight of the trip!
The cabin, along with the surrounding campground, is operated by the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, offering a perfect blend of comfort, nature, and hospitality in one of Ontario’s most scenic and historically rich regions. The St. Lawrence Parks system offers Migratory bird hunting opportunities within the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary, a key part of the Lake St. Lawrence Controlled Hunting Area. Hunting is permitted only at designated locations, carefully selected to balance access with ecological stewardship.
Day One Hunt – Fowler Guide Service
Our first hunt unfolded in a recently harvested corn field, carefully scouted by Calvin, one of Keith’s trusted guides. Calvin’s deep knowledge of the land and bird behavior made him indispensable to the experience. His ability to track large flocks and pinpoint their preferred feeding locations ensured we were in the right place at the right time.
As dawn broke, the field came alive with the sounds of wings overhead, a testament to the precision and preparation behind every hunt. Keith and his loyal dog, Ace, guided us confidently as we settled into position.
We waited in hushed anticipation, eyes scanning the horizon as the first light crept over the harvested corn field. Then, like clockwork, a single Canada goose broke through the morning mist, gliding gracefully into the decoys. The moment was electric. My hunting companion, Bill Brod, steadied his aim and, with a well-timed shot, claimed his first Ontario goose of the season, a milestone met with quiet pride.
Ace, Keith’s seasoned retriever, wasted no time retrieving Bill’s prize, bounding through the stubble with practiced ease. Moments later, a large flock committed to the spread, wings cupped and feet down, drifting into ethical shooting range. With Kent Cartridge Company’s BBs loaded, we all took part in the volley and five birds folded cleanly, each one swiftly retrieved by Ace, who was clearly in his element. Flock after flock were coaxed into our offering by Keith’s expert calling and our morning came to a triumphant close after securing our limits.
Meals at Fowler Gudie Service are Memorable!
The morning’s action had left us famished; the kind of hunger only fresh air, adrenaline, and a successful hunt can stir. After returning to the cabin, we eagerly anticipated the next highlight of the day, a feast from Gord’s menu.
Chef Gordon Atkinson didn’t disappoint. His culinary creations were more than just meals, they were experiences. Each dish reflected his skill and flair, turning our rustic retreat into a gourmet haven. From hearty breakfasts to refined evening plates, Gord’s cooking added a layer of warmth and indulgence that made the trip truly unforgettable.
With our limits of Canada geese secured, the morning hunt had already delivered unforgettable moments. As the day wore on and the light began to soften, we turned our attention to Wood Ducks for the evening shoot.
Our Hunt for Wood Ducks
The blinds were reset, decoys adjusted, and our focus sharpened. The air was cooler now; the sky painted in hues of amber and slate. We watched the horizon for the telltale silhouettes fast, erratic, and low-flying. The anticipation built again, this time with the promise of mallards, teal and wood ducks, slicing through the dusk. A barrage of wood ducks came dive-bombing into our decoys, wings slicing through the twilight air. The action was intense, rapid, and exhilarating the kind of moment that tests reflexes and rewards preparation. Ace, ever the tireless retriever, sprang into action once again, bounding through the field to collect our birds with practiced precision.
It was the perfect close to an unforgettable day, one filled with camaraderie, skill, and the opportunities of the St. Lawrence flyway.
Day Three Hunt – Fowler Guide Service
As the alarm once again stirred us from sleep, the comforting aroma of freshly brewed Rampage coffee filled the cabin, gently welcoming us to the second morning of our adventure. The air was crisp, the sky just beginning to lighten, and a quiet sense of reflection settled in. This was our final chance to make memories on this hunt with Fowler Guide Service.
We were headed to another pre-scouted location, chosen for its steady traffic of Canada geese and mallards. The guides had done their homework, and the setup promised action. With gear packed and spirits high, we stepped into the standing cornfield, ready to embrace whatever the day had in store, one more hunt, one more story, and hopefully, one more volley to remember. It had been a long time since I’d had the chance to hunt standing corn, and this morning reminded me just how special it can be. Our setup was flawless, nestled between rows of golden stalks, with a field of planted wheat adjacent, drawing in birds like clockwork.
The crisp morning air blew gently from our backs, carrying our calls forward with the expertly placed decoys downwind, creating the perfect landing zone just yards away. It was one of those rare moments where everything aligned: the terrain, the weather, and the birds. Birds began to stir and move toward the wheat; we knew we were in for something memorable. Flock after flock descended on the newly emerging wheat, and with Kent Cartridge BBs loaded, we responded swiftly and cleanly. The birds dropped fast, the teamwork was seamless, and the satisfaction was immense. It was the perfect conclusion to our time with Fowler Guide Service, whose expertise, hospitality, and passion for waterfowl hunting made every moment memorable.
Special thanks to Keith, Gord, and Ace from Fowler Guide Service for a truly memorable adventure one that will not be forgotten. From expertly scouted fields to gourmet meals and flawless retrieves, every moment was a testament to their passion, skill, and hospitality.
The St. Lawrence region gave us incredible hunts, stunning views, and lasting memories but it was the people (and one remarkable dog) who made it unforgettable!
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