I tiptoed as I carried my camouflage canoe from the back of my pickup to the water's edge. I wasn't worried about making too much racket while other folks lie abed in their homes adjacent to the park. Rather, I was simply trying to avoid the goose droppings that littered the pavement.

A dozen geese, heads tucked underwing, were nestled on the ground 20 yards from the boat landing. One lifted its head for a moment, and then apparently realizing from past shooting encounters that I posed little threat, went back to its late-night slumber. I admit I felt a bit foolish paddling past sleeping geese to get to a spot that might not hold any geese, but when you're hunting in urban areas, you have to play by different rules.

The hunt could have taken place just as easily in a large city, but instead, it occurred on a millpond in a village of fewer than 1,500 residents. Although these small-town folks are quite used to hunting and register no complaints, hunters must still deal with the fact that hunting isn't allowed within the village limits. Therefore, hunters must scout not only the birds, but the books as well. A trip to the village clerk's office quickly showed me the village limit boundary. Then, it was up to me to determine where the line bisects the water so I could hunt legally.

Practical Limits
Urban hunting, in addition to the standard rules of waterfowling, presents new challenges. Depending on where you hunt, you might need to borrow a tool from big-game hunters: a laser range finder. In some states or municipalities, you are required to hunt a certain distance from dwellings or other structures. A laser range finder will instantly give you a read-out and show you where you can hunt. Plus it's a handy tool to have in case someone questions where you are hunting. You can instantly prove you are allowed to hunt from that position.

Keep in mind that just because you can legally hunt in an area, doesn't guarantee you can safely hunt there. After all, your shot has to go somewhere. You have to find an area where you have a safe shooting window, where you won't be shooting at any buildings, boats or into town. Sometimes you might have to limit your shots to one direction.

Always keep safety in mind and remember that you might simply have to pass on shots.

If you're not OK with that, hunt a different area.

Your personal comfort is another factor. I've been to places where I had a legal right to hunt, but I don't like it when I'm hunting close to houses and people are watching my every move. I hunt to get away from it all and to enjoy the outdoors. Having people watching me takes away from my enjoyment of the hunt.