The WMA does not require harvest reporting, so they don't track the exact numbers of birds taken there each year. Kreher said the estimated harvest is between 1,000 and 2,000 birds annually. Harvest is dramatically affected by the river level and can be as much as four or five times greater in a good year over a poor year.

The best hunting occurs when the river is up. Kreher said hunters should watch the river level as recorded by the gauge at Cairo, Illinois. When the river reaches 38 feet and higher, he said there is "some pretty high-quality freelance hunting."

Kreher said there are approximately 500 acres of the property that is tenant-farmed. They flood a significant amount of this property, which is left either in standing row crops or as harvested fields. Area workers can also flood moist soil areas and portions set aside as waterfowl rest areas. In total, Kreher said they have the ability to manage water on approximately 400 acres.

Two separate waterfowl resting areas hold a good number of birds. The two areas are divided on the property and birds often fly between the two areas, which then exposes them to hunters. Kreher stressed the need for hunters to understand that even when the river backs up, the rest areas still remain rest areas and are off-limits to hunting. These areas are marked with signs and buoys.

Much of the property is open under statewide regulations. About 10 blind sites are made available through a pre-season drawing. These sites are allotted to the drawn hunters for the entire season, but on days when the blind owner does not show, the blinds are available to others on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information on hunting here, stop by in person or contact the WMA at (270) 488-3233.

DALE HOLLOW LAKE
Dale Hollow Lake, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake in south-central Kentucky, is a bit of sleeper for ducks. At least that's the opinion of state waterfowl biologist Rocky Pritchert who said he always sees good numbers of birds when he does flyovers, and very few hunters. "I hardly ever see many hunters there," said Pritchert. "Maybe they've all limited out and gone home by the time I get there," he chuckled.

Dale Hollow Lake attracts a few geese here and there, but most of the hunting will be for ducks. Hunters will find good numbers of mallards and black ducks, along with other puddle ducks mixed in. Diving ducks such as scaup, ringnecks and buffleheads also frequent the lake.

Hunting on the lake can be a bit daunting because of its size. However, it's the size that makes it such a good choice because there is ample room to find a spot and get away from the crowds at other waters. By getting back in the coves and pockets, or hunting near one of the many islands, waterfowlers can usually have some excellent fun and see plenty of wingshooting action.