This 2,065-acre WMA is in Tyler County and is 1 1/2 miles east of Middlebourne off SR 18. Access can be tricky during bad weather or high water. For year-round access, take SR 46 from Centerville or SR 7 from Middlebourne.

Knowing where to set up a blind is critical when hunting in areas such as the Jug. Hunting pressure plays a big part in when and where the ducks will feed. When the pressure gears up, the birds will stop feeding even in the best of habitats. Locating alternate food sources and setting up blinds in these locations can place the odds in the hunter's favor.

Extreme hunting pressure can also cause the birds to start nocturnal feeding habits. If this occurs, late evening and early morning are prime times to be in the blind. Feeding habits and food supplies are the keys to bringing home the ducks.

A variety of blinds are available to waterfowl hunters, and whether the blind is a full pit, half pit, boat or shore blind, there must not be anything unusual about your appearance from the air. Anything that glares or shines will sound the alarm for the birds. Gunstocks, gun barrels, eye glasses and even upward turned faces are giveaways to your location.

Pay close attention to the crows that fly close by. Crows have superb eyesight and if the hunter sees crows making a fuss and steering clear, he knows that something is out of the ordinary. Completely blending in with the surroundings is of utmost importance.

Don't forget the decoys. Their own kind feeding attracts ducks and geese. Mallards and geese are especially attracted to decoys. When in doubt as to how many decoys, a rule of thumb is to put out as many as possible. The basic principle of waterfowling is to catch the birds' attention with the decoys and bring them down with some good calls.

West Virginia is blessed with an abundance of WMAs open to waterfowl hunters all across the Mountain State. The basic approach to a safe and successful hunt is the same for all flyways, and for the thoroughly prepared hunter who knows the birds and weather patterns, roast duck is a regular item on their menu.

For additional information on the waterfowl hunting available in West Virginia, contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Section, Capital Complex, Building 3, Charleston, WV 25305; or call (304) 558-3380.