Photo by Cathy & Gordon Illg

By Curt Williams

A midwinter waterfowl hunt on the interior waterways of West Virginia can be the experience of a lifetime. Geese and ducks arrive with weather cold enough to make tree limbs pop. But the sound of these birds winging their way toward a hunter's blind can warm even the coldest of hearts.

"Waterfowl numbers along the Atlantic Flyway, which we are part of, are based on the eastern surveys," said Steve Wilson, wildlife biologist for West Virginia's Division of Natural Resources (DNR). "Weather will play the key part in how our January hunting goes. The late season is dependent upon migrant birds, and the birds won't come if the weather is mild."

Another factor for West Virginia hunters is whether the hunt is to take place in the more mountainous region of Zone 2 or within the lower regions of Zone 1. Here again, weather makes the decision as to which region will provide the best opportunities. Before the establishment of the two hunting zones, many waterfowl hunters missed out completely on late-season hunts.

"In the mountain regions, duck hunting was often gone by mid-December," Wilson said. "People were losing out on waterfowl hunting, and this is why the two zones were established. Zone 2 opens a little earlier and runs into the early days of January, while the bulk of the state is open well into January."

For most hunters, Zone 1 will be the best bet for waterfowl in January. Canada geese, mallards and black ducks usually will provide the greatest number of birds, but coots, mergansers and snow geese supply numerous hunting opportunities as well. And as for a place to hunt, the following three public hunting areas are recommended for a quality January duck outing.

"Many of our birds come out of the northeast," Wilson said. "Overall, the Atlantic Flyway fluctuates less than other regions of the country. This provides more stability for the waterfowl."

As the wildlife biologist noted, weather will be a determining factor as to waterfowl numbers, but Summersville Lake can be one of the more productive areas in the region. Scouting the area ahead of time, and locating experienced waterfowlers in the area, can help hunters locate key feeding areas near which to establish a blind.

This WMA is three miles south of Summersville on U.S. Route 19. The area around the lake is primarily forested with terrain that ranges from rolling hills to vertical rock cliffs. Feeder channels and tailwater areas often provide natural funnels for the ducks and geese upon arrival. Once again, becoming familiar with the lake ahead of the season can increase the odds of being in the right place at the right time.

"Waterfowlers who do well keep an eye on the weather," Wilson noted. "Bad weather makes for better hunting."

Many species of puddle ducks migrate south when harsh weather moves into the northern regions of the United States. Some species will hang around as long as the weather is mild enough to provide food and open water. So when severe weather conditions settle in up north, the sound of migrating birds can be heard across the Mountain State.

Summersville Lake WMA is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is managed by the DNR. For additional information on the facilities open to the public in January, as well as for information on the hunting opportunities, contact Resource Manager, Summersville Lake, Rural Route 2, Box 470, Summersville, WV 26651-9802; or call (304) 872-3412.

Some of the birds mentioned as possible January arrivals are redheads, pintails, mallards and occasionally canvasbacks. Other species often touch down on this District IV public hunting area found in Cabell and Wayne counties.

The 720-acre Beech Fork Lake is five miles south of Huntington. From the west the area can be reached from state Route (SR) 152, and from the northeast by SR 10 and Heath Creek Road.

The terrain is steep, with over 85 percent of the area bordering the waterway covered by oak, hickory and pine woodlands. Two public boat ramps are available as is a 275-site campground, which is open year 'round. A camping fee is charged for those planning to take advantage of the campgrounds.

When scouting potential hunting locations at Beech Fork, search out likely spots such as coves, points, fields, ponds and sandbars. Knowing the habits of the geese and ducks puts a hunter ahead of the game. What appears to be quality hunting terrain to us may turn out to be completely off base for the particular species the hunter is looking for.

Local game wardens, hunting supply storeowners and local guides can provide a wealth of information. This knowledge can help the hunter know where the ducks go in clear weather as well as during times of snow and rain.

Beech Fork Lake WMA is also owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, but managed by the DNR. For additional information on the state park, call (304) 528-5794. For lake and recreation information, call (304) 525-4831.