With 300,000 resident geese calling Pennsylvania home, and more than 1.5 million migrants winging through the state each fall and winter, it's easy to see why waterfowlers here enjoy such good success.

January is a time of transition for Pennsylvania's goose seasons. When it comes to managing Canada geese, Pennsylvania is divided into four zones -- Southern James Bay Population Zone and the Pymatuning Zone, which collectively covers the state's northwest corner; Atlantic Flyway Population Zone in the southeast, and the Resident Zone everywhere else.

The season dates and daily bag limits vary among these zones in January. One area could be open to hunting on a certain date, while the season is closed in another part of the state. Season information was not yet available as of this writing, so be sure to check the Game Commission's Web site at www.pgc.state.pa.us for that information.

Following is a list of hotspots worth checking out this month:

STATE GAME LANDS
No. 180
Tucked in the center of Pike County in the state's Northeast Region, 11,372-acre SGL 180 includes Shohola Lake and is in Pennsylvania's Resident Zone.

Hunters may access the tract via Route 6 north of Interstate Route 84 near the town of Shohola Falls.

There are two boat ramps on the lake. One is at the extreme north end of the lake, south of Route 6, and the other is on the north shore of the lake in the middle of the impoundment. Hunters may access it off the game lands road that parallels the north side of the lake and connects with Route 6 west of Shohola Falls.

There are two islands at the north end of the lake, and one big island at the south end. Pitch some floating decoys in the lake and scatter a few shells or full-bodies on land. Hunker in some nearby vegetation and break out the calls!

On the lake, there are two propagation areas where hunting is not permitted -- one about halfway down the lake along the south shore, and the other at the lake's extreme southern tip. These areas are sure to attract geese all winter, so another good bet is setting up on the lake in adjacent areas that are open to hunting.

For a map of SGL 180, go to the Game Commission's Web site. For lodging information, contact the Pocono Mountain Vacation Bureau at 1-800-762-6667.

MAURICE K. GODDARD STATE PARK
Situated in the Southern James Bay Zone, Maurice K. Goddard State Park encompasses 2,856 acres, including the 1,860-acre Lake Wilhelm in Mercer County. The park boasts 1,155 acres of huntable property, which includes most of the lake.

The nearby marshlands and fields provide excellent places to set up for migrating and resident Canada geese.