McCLINTIC WMA
One of the premier waterfowl areas during the early segment of waterfowl season is the McClintic WMA located in Mason County. Its shallow- water sections often freeze over during the second segment rendering it useless for waterfowl. However, if we have another mild winter or a warming trend during the season, this 3,655-acre property can become a hotspot for sportsmen seeking ducks and geese.

McClintic is described as having the greatest variety of wildlife habitats of any WMA in West Virginia. There are some 31 ponds and a total of around 180 acres of wetlands on this Zone 1 property. The area has a thriving wood duck population as well.

The late season is almost exclusively composed of mallards and black ducks, although McClintic will usually see plenty of gadwalls as well. Canada geese seem to wait until after the first frost to visit this area.

Most of the geese on the WMA are resident birds, though a few migratory geese will frequent the area on occasion. Some 90 percent of the goose harvest consists of resident geese. Most of these are homegrown birds from West Virginia, but residents from other states will make their way onto the WMA when pushed down by northern weather.

Most years, there will be an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 geese in the surrounding area. During years with bad winters, those numbers may escalate to some 10,000 to 12,000 birds in and around the WMA and on the nearby Ohio River.

McClintic WMA has controlled hunting during the early segment of the waterfowl season. However, the second segment is all freelance. Hunters do not have to check in or out and are governed by statewide regulations. There is not much hunting pressure on the area during the second segment.

Most of the WMA is accessible by walking or wading. Chest or hip waders will suffice in most locations. Portable blinds are furnished for hunters during the early segment of the season, but these are removed before the second segment begins. Waterfowl hunters can use portable blind materials or fashion some cover out of existing natural material. Boats are allowed on the area, but most places are difficult to reach and require carrying the boat a long distance before reaching the water.

The WMA doesn’t have a water source to pump water from other locations to enhance the wetlands section. However, the property workers do have the ability to move water around on the area. They will move water from one section to another, depending on rainfall and water levels. The variety of habitats and various waters and natural vegetation make this a prime spot for waterfowl at certain times. The proximity to the Ohio River is also a real bonus to help hold waterfowl in the area.

GREEN BOTTOM WMA
Another of the premier early segment areas is the Green Bottom WMA in Cabell and Mason counties. This Zone 1 WMA covers around 1,096 acres and conditions are similar to that of the nearby McClintic WMA. The waters at Green Bottom will often freeze up during the second segment, but with the mild winters we’ve been seeing lately, it may be a prime location this year -- if we see another mild December and January.