Canada goose opens for much of the NY state on Oct 27th, as well as ducks in the Western region.  Hurricane Sandy is also preparing to hit the Northeast in the next few days, so the weather should be interesting.  If the wind is cranking and the waves are kicked up, make smart decisions about sending out a dog or going out in small watercraft on the larger lakes. If the weather seems like it is turning disastrous, Cornell Cooperative Extension’s  Disaster Education Network  (NY EDEN) has excellent resources for being prepared during a severe storm.  A little foul weather usually helps bring in the waterfowl, so good luck out there.