The lake itself contains 1,970 acres. The New River also cuts through the property, and in total, there are some 18,019 acres within the boundaries of the WMA. A waterfowl marsh and various food plots and row crops make this area very attractive to passing waterfowl.

WMA personnel impound a 15-acre waterfowl marsh each fall to provide a loafing and feeding area for waterfowl. This area is left wet until March, at which time the water is drawn down and natural vegetation is allowed to grow. Additionally, it has also been seeded with rice in the spring. The rice didn’t do particularly great last year, but look for that to be a real bonus in coming seasons. Carpenter is hoping to see the size of the marsh expand in the future. There may even be the possibility of adding more impoundments at some point.

Other area food sources are also a huge draw for both ducks and geese. There are some 80 to 100 acres of fields on the Crumps Bottoms side of the river that are planted in small grains and corn. None of these crops are harvested. The fields bordering the waterfowl marsh are planted in corn, sorghum and Japanese millet. Around 150 acres on the other side of the river are planted in corn and other small grains with a portion left unharvested.

Last year, the midwinter waterfowl numbers were quite low at Bluestone. Milder than normal temperatures were blamed for not pushing the usual number of birds into the area. However, the WMA has a sizable population of resident geese and also attracts some migratory birds at times. The bulk of the ducks seen will be mallards and black ducks, but there are quite a few buffleheads that frequent the area. A few divers, such as ring-necks and scaup, will drift through as well. The WMA, Bluestone Lake, and the New River are open under statewide regulations and are in Zone 1. No WMA permit is required and hunters do not have to check in or out. Most hunting is by walk in, but there are numerous areas on the lake where boats may be carried down and launched. The New River also offers some excellent float opportunities.

Carpenter said there is also some good waterfowling near Shanklins Ferry and Cedar Branch. There are also some islands with some back channels that provide “some pretty good duck hunting.” Most of the goose hunting at the area is pass-shooting and done from the river.

STONEWALL JACKSON WMA
Lewis County is home to the 18,289-acre Stonewall Jackson WMA. Both ducks and geese are attracted to the area for its variety of habitats as well as the 2,650-acre Stonewall Jackson Lake. Remarkably, though, the WMA does not see much hunting pressure from waterfowlers. Of course, that is good for those who do hunt there.

The area is open on a first-come, first-served basis during the second segment of waterfowl season. Statewide and federal regulations apply. The WMA is in Zone 2.

Stonewall Jackson Lake was impounded in 1986 and has become a good location for waterfowlers. The lake has a fairly shallow winter drawdown that leaves some good shallow- water habitat. Freezing conditions can affect the lake during really hard winters, but it stays pretty much open during most years.