I hunt in Missouri, which is in the Mississippi River Flight path. Know crop rotation plays a big part in your hunting success as well, because what is corn and wheat last year, might be beans next year. Ducks are a bit easier to track and scout due to food sources and water flow. This past season rivers were up and flooding, which was bad for hunters, but the ducks loved it. Geese prefer corn and wheat while traveling South in the early parts of winter and on into late, but when they begin their journey back North, they seem to pick out bean fields, because they provide the needed energy to make it back North.
A good set of waders, and practice your calling as well. Don't pick a call that works well for your buddy, find a call that works well for you. When you do happen to see geese or ducks while out-and-about, stop and listen to how they communicate, and what calls they use.
With all the information you have now, you should be able to get a good start.
Oh, BTW, my recommendations to anyone first trying waterfowling remember this, Geese in the field where you have a better chance of being dry, but Ducks in the Marsh if you don't mind being on, or in, the water