Summer 2023
By Jimmy Jacobs
Photo by Jimmy Jacobs.
As the sun crests the tree line, dark specks in the brightening morning sky appear. When they come nearer, the distinct staccato of beating wings fill the air. Just as quickly the winter chill endured in the dark blind before dawn disappears in an instant, as the blood quickens in your veins. Your grip tightens on the shotgun in anticipation, which finally gives way to movement as you rise to pick a target as the ducks come into range.
It may still be summer, but for waterfowlers, the excitement of such moments never abates. Rather we spend the warmer months planning for the fall and winter action. Much of that planning revolves around finding a place to hunt. Probably the most limiting factor in duck hunting in the Peach State is finding a place to do some shooting.
Map courtesy of Georgia Ducks Unlimited.
First of all, throughout most of the state we really are not on a flyway. That’s the first limiting factor. Thus, we often are hunting resident wood ducks or mallards. Secondly, unless you or a hunting buddy owns a patch of wetlands, you most likely are out of luck.
On the other hand, someone is out there working to improve that situation for you. Georgia Ducks Unlimited has for years worked with the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division to provide and improve waterfowl habitat on our public lands.
All to often when you mention improving waterfowl habitat, most folks think of sanctuaries that are design to protect and shield the ducks from harm. While it is true that DU projects are mainly for the ducks, the birds are not the only ones reaping rewards.
The author with a ring-neck taken at the Dan Denton Waterfowl Area on the Oconee WMA. Photo by Polly Dean
To date, Georgia DU has worked on a total of 28 areas to provide habitat improvements in the public domain of our state. More importantly for the state’s waterfowlers, 19 of those are also open to hunting. These wildlife management areas and other public tracts are located from the Ridge and Valley Region of northwest Georgia, down through the Piedmont to the southwest quadrant of the state and over to the coastal region.
A prime example of this kind of cooperation between DU and the Georgia WRD is the improvements made to the old Arrowhead Public Fishing Area near Rome back in 2013. The ponds on the property were originally used as a fish hatchery, prior to being a PFA. When it was determined that the two fishing lakes needed dam work, the Rome DU chapter worked with other partners to arrange donations of $41,000 of construction supplies for improvements to allow regulation of water levels for the benefit of waterfowl. After the project was complete the area also was opened to public duck hunts.
Needless to say, these improved areas are popular with waterfowlers to the point that many are open under quota hunt rules. That scheme allows maximum use, while not adversely affecting the duck population and allowing for more individuals to have a chance at hunting these areas. Visit the Georgia WRD website for more information on quota hunts. Be aware that the dates to apply for those quota hunts are June 1 to October 15 annually.
For more information on Georgia Ducks Unlimited visit their website.
Besides editing this web journal, Jimmy Jacobs also is the editor of On The Fly South. He serves as the corporate board member for the Georgia Outdoor Writers Association. Contact him at jimmyjacobs@mindspring.com.