Dawson Forest WMA Early Ducks

Dawson Forest has waterfowl impoundment behind the horse camp.  This area can give you an early indication on whether there are ducks in the area.  The state has done a wonderful job with this area.  It has a waterfowl viewing blind that is easily accessible from the trail.  There is a nice bench inside that allows probably 20+ people to sit down.  The pond has wood duck boxes scattered across it.  Although it is in the foothills of the mountains, it is an area that looks “ducky.”  Tonight’s sunset over the impoundment was beautiful.

You are not allowed to hunt this area, but gives you an idea of what to expect.  There are areas to duck hunt in Dawson Forest WMA, but many of these are dried up for now with the return of the drought.  The only bird seen tonight was a Great Blue Heron, who came in at dark.  It came from south of the pond and made a spectacular move falling out of the sky to land on the close side of the pond.  A little bear scat was found along the trail as well, but with only 3 days left in the season this find was not helpful.  With duck season opening in one day, I wouldn’t rush to the ponds, rivers, or swamps.  Unless you have a stock of wood ducks somewhere, go hiking or scouting for new locations.  It looks like it will be a slow start to duck season for Georgia.