Hunters can expect mostly flatland sloughs and swamps hunting scenarios, near open fields and some woodlands. Approximately 2,000 acres is waterfowl refuge. At peak times, Sloughs has been known to hold up to 30,000 geese and 10,000 ducks. Pray for the right conditions. When things are right, you can really score on this WMA.

GREEN RIVER LAKE WMA
More to the central and southern section of the state, the Green River Lake and WMA has also usually been good for duck hunting in past years.

"So much is dependent on weather, but when we get a little flooded and the water stays open, it can be pretty darn good," said WMA manager Larry Dennis.

"We have some moist soil units that provide good duck habitat in the early part of the season, (and the September wood duck season), then if that slows down, hunters usually have some success on the lake itself," Dennis said.

"We generally tell people to check the beaver ponds and units in the bottoms for activity. Hunters can use blinds not occupied by a half-hour before shooting hours on the WMA or around the lake, or can fashion a temporary blind along the shore of the lake as long as they stay 200 yards away from other blinds or hunters.

"You can boat hunt as well," Dennis said, "if you keep the proper distance from other parties.

"We mostly get mallards on the area, but if a front or something pushes a big bunch of birds through, we may see just about every species in the book.

"It's really a matter of hitting it right. You'll probably see ducks during the season most any day you come, but obviously, some days the number of birds is much greater and the success much higher when a wave comes down," he concluded.

Dennis recommends calling the area office for a quick update, especially on whether the water is open. If the bottoms are frozen, lake hunting is really the only option, and may make a difference depending on how you're outfitted.

Dennis reminds hunters that like on several public duck hunting areas, hunting hours are over at 2 p.m., prevailing time on his WMA. Since hunting areas on the Green River area lie in two different counties (Taylor and Adair) and in two different time zones, be sure you're watching the clock for where you're located so you know when to call it a day.

LEWIS COUNTY WMA
KDFWR biologist Richard Mauro in the Northeastern Wildlife Region suggests duck hunters consider the Ohio River as a fourth possible destination for mallards, blacks, pintails and teal this winter. Hunting along the river can be very productive as hunters move along from spot to spot, or locate a pocket of activity, perhaps around a loafing or feeding area or agricultural field and set up along the bank.

"The Lewis County WMA backs up to the Ohio River, and birds using this waterway often spread out onto a couple of ponds and wetland-type areas on the WMA," Mauro said.

"There is some bank hunting space available, or hunters can hunt from boats in the vicinity of the WMA and find some decent duck hunting for this part of the state.

"Hunters can expect to pick up mallards, black ducks and pintails," Mauro said, "but they must check the season dates and limits very carefully to be sure what will be included in the bag this season."

Sometimes pintails and canvasbacks (perhaps other species) are not open for taking the same length of time mallards are, and there may be a reduction on hen mallards to one bird per day this season. Always remember that laws change from year to year, especially for waterfowl hunting. Don't assume bag limits and dates are the same as last year, or you will virtually be assured of doing something in violation. This is a good time, too, to say that if for some reason you can't find a Kentucky Waterfowl Season Hunting Guide at the local sporting goods store or gun shop, call the KDFWR directly and request one be mailed to you.