Much of the area that borders the lake is grassland. This is very attractive to Canada geese. Most years will see a good number of birds using the WMA. Nearly all of these geese are resident birds, but a few migrants will make their way into the area.

Biologist Lou Smith said the majority of waterfowlers will hunt the shoreline in temporary blinds or make use of natural cover. There are some 81 miles of shoreline that allow hunters the opportunity to spread out and find their own space away from other pressure. The entire shoreline is open for hunting with the exception of the state park area.

Another good spot is in the shallow-water areas at the upper end of the lake. Hunters take many mallards in this area. Other great locations include the main stem and the left fork areas. The Walkersville section and Big Skin Creek also offer some excellent shallow-water access.

Most of the ducks seen here are puddle ducks. Mallards are the most abundant, but others, such as black ducks, frequent the area, too. Occasionally, the lake will see a small contingent of divers, but they are pretty much considered a bonus at Stonewall Jackson.

PLEASANT CREEK WMA
Last year was pretty much a typical year for waterfowlers at Pleasant Creek WMA. There was nothing to really get excited about, but then there’s not an overwhelming amount of hunting pressure there either. Too bad, because this WMA has some great habitat and is in proximity to quite a few attractive waters that keep birds in the area.

The WMA lies adjacent to Tygart Lake, which provides about 1,750 surface acres of water. Pleasant Creek runs through the WMA along with the Doe Run impoundment and other wetlands areas create a powerful waterfowl magnet. Nearby Tygart River is yet another bonus for waterfowl.

The WMA enhances its attractiveness to waterfowl with artificial manipulation and water holdings. There are some 50 to 60 acres of wetlands at the WMA. On some of these moist soil areas, the water level is lowered in the summer, which allows natural vegetation to grow. Usually, Japanese millet is also planted on some of the mud flats. These sections are then flooded in the fall through a series of dikes that hold the water.

This Zone 2 property is open under statewide regulations and does not require checking in or out. Hunters can freelance, but can’t erect permanent blinds. The only downside to the area is that it ices over quickly.

During freezing conditions, many of the ducks will be pushed out to the main lake to find open water. There is not much habitat on the lake for puddle ducks, but Tygart Lake will often see divers, such as ring-necks or scaup. Puddle ducks, such as mallards and black ducks, will usually move up along the Tygart River.

Floating the Tygart River is a very productive way of picking up both duck and geese at times. Most of the geese in the area are resident birds, but a few migrants will pass through the area each year. Hunters will often shoot a fair number of ducks and geese from the river, while others will seek permission from landowners and set up alongside the river on private ground.