You've got to review what's changed before you get out there, and see what special regulations may apply if you hunt on a state-owned or managed area. There's almost always something more to follow than just what statewide hunting laws require. Permission is required to get out on private land along the Ohio River, unless it's WMA property. Make sure you know where you are, and stay clear of structures close to the shoreline as you move here and there.

TAYLORSVILLE LAKE WMA
A final top spot to check out this season is Taylorsville Lake WMA and the lake itself. This area gets pretty good duck traffic at times and some geese when it gets really cold up north. And this WMA doesn't have a whole lot of special rules to keep track of. Other than staying out of the refuge portion east of the Van Buren ramp, hunters can pretty much go where they want and set up for the day.

Depending on how the ducks are moving, kicking out a spread in a cove or woody stickup area, or farther out on the lake, may be the right ticket to some pretty good early-morning action.

Taylorsville Lake, although located close to the Louisville metro area, doesn't receive a tremendous amount of duck-hunting pressure in the winter as you might expect. If the birds are down, those who are adaptable and can set up quickly may get some pass-shooting, or get birds to work with a little patience and skill.

Getting prepared for a public-land waterfowl hunt, once you learn about a couple of spots that traditionally hold waterfowl, isn't terribly difficult. But it does take some pre-planning if you've not done it before.

Before you go to a WMA to hunt, visit the area and become familiar with the layout and where the duck-hunting spots are. Try to talk a few minutes with the area manager. Sometimes they are hard to catch because they're out managing their area. But most of the larger WMAs do have someone on site, and he or she can give you some tips about setup and what you need. As is the case with any type of waterfowl hunting anytime during the season, if the birds simply aren't there, an on-site person will tell you.

In the case of the Green River WMA, and other select public lands, a map is available from the KDFWR (some online at fw.ky.gov) that will be really helpful in orienting you, and even identifying where blinds are located in some cases. It would be good to have that in hand when you call or stop in and talk to the area staff.

Winter weather conditions can change pretty quickly sometimes, and in some cases may cause a "close off" of some areas to vehicular traffic. If you think there's a chance that may have happened, say flooding, for example, call and check what the procedures are should that occur. Hunting may still be permitted, but maybe by boat only or wade in. It may save you a whole lot of hassle.

In December, Kentucky can experience some pretty good duck-hunting opportunities. These may continue on into January, if it gets cold up north and stays seasonal in the Bluegrass State. When you see that combination, it's time to make a call or two, get your hunting buddy who can get off work easily to make a scout trip, and be ready to go at a moment's notice if you can.

Any of these highlighted spots have the potential for a good, sometimes a great day or two of hunting, but you have to do your homework. Be adaptable to what you find when you get there to maximize the opportunities.

For complete regulations on public lands seasons, statewide seasons and where Kentucky's wildlife management areas are located, contact the KDFWR Information Center toll-free at (800) 858-1549 weekdays, or go online to http://fw.ky.gov. The 2005-06 Kentucky Waterfowl Hunting Guide is usually available Nov. 1 and is free of charge.