In this region, Pritchert also recommends giving both Yatesville and Paintsville lakes a try.

Yatesville Lake is in Lawrence County, on Blaine Creek, a tributary of the Big Sandy River. It covers just over 1,700 acres at winter pool. The portion of the lake north of the mouth of Greenbriar Creek Branch, including the branch itself, is closed to all waterfowl hunting. The rest of the lake is open to waterfowl hunting under statewide regulations.

Paintsville Lake, located southwest of Yatesville Lake in Morgan and Johnson counties, is approximately 1,100 acres and is also open for waterfowl hunting under statewide regulations.

Similar to the Bluegrass Region, hunting in the Northeast Region is best when the mercury drops enough to start freezing over smaller ponds and streams. This tends to concentrate the birds on the larger reservoirs and rivers in the area. For more information on waterfowl hunting on Yatesville and Paintsville lakes, contact the local KDFWR office at (606) 686-3312.

SOUTHEAST REGION
The Southeast Region, like its counterpart to the north, doesn't have the reputation as a waterfowl mecca. Its lack of a major agricultural base, and its distance from the main flyway, limits the concentration of waterfowl in the area. Once again, freezing temperatures can change that by accumulating local ducks and geese on the area's major lakes and reservoirs.

In this region, Pritchert believes that Lake Cumberland holds enormous potential for waterfowl enthusiasts. When most people think of Lake Cumberland, they think big: big water, big boats and big stripers. In fact, its size is both a blessing and a curse to hunters. The big, open water makes it slow to freeze, but it also makes pinpointing the birds a difficult task. For those hunters who are willing to spend some time and effort in the form of scouting, Cumberland can be a great place to put some ducks and geese in the freezer.

As with hunting the Ohio River, hunting on Lake Cumberland requires an added degree of safety because of its sheer size. Hunters unfamiliar with the lake would also be wise to carry a GPS unit to ensure they can find their way back to the boat ramp.

For more information on waterfowl hunting opportunities on Lake Cumberland, contact the local KDFWR office at (606) 376-8083.

CONCLUSION
Overall, the outlook for Kentucky's waterfowl season is promising. Duck numbers should be similar to last year, and geese numbers should show improvement. When it comes to waterfowling, though, the weather will be the deciding factor on how Commonwealth hunters fare this season.

Another year of above-normal precipitation and temperatures could produce a challenging season similar to last year. On the other hand, normal precipitation and some cold weather up north could produce some excellent waterfowling opportunities. Regardless of the weather, though, you can't shoot them if you are not out there, so get out this season and give one of these top areas a try.

Kentucky's waterfowl season dates and bag limits are set by the nine-member KDFWR Commission, based on the framework set forth by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Remember that regulations for WMAs often differ from those statewide, so be sure and pick up a copy of the 2005-2006 Kentucky Waterfowl Hunting Guide to check the dates and regulations for the area that you are going to hunt. The guide is available from local license vendors, or can be found online at www.fw.ky.gov.

All Kentucky waterfowl hunters are required to carry a hunting license, state waterfowl permit, and federal duck stamp while in the field.