With duck season just around the corner, many Alabama waterfowlers envision trips to Arkansas and Louisiana as a way to guarantee a duck hunting experience like "the old days." A secret some Alabama duck hunters know is that the trip to Arkansas and Louisiana may not be as necessary as it used to be. North Alabama offers opportunities, both on public waters and at private clubs, for waterfowlers to experience great duck hunting without making the long drive.

While Alabama is not located along a major flyway, we do experience a great number and variety of ducks and geese. The conditions are just right for great hunting with the season now extended until the end of January. That's when a majority of birds typically migrate through the the Tennessee River watershed, which serves as a funnel drawing waterfowl to North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley. Either along the coves and marshes of the river, in the State Management Areas or on private clubs, waterfowlers can experience great duck hunting.

Hunting by boat along the river takes patience and experience as most birds become shore shy soon after the season begins. Savvy hunters use a variety of decoys including gadwall and coot to lure shy birds into range. Many have kept this little secret quiet to have an advantage over others that hunt the river. With the popularity of duck hunting increasing so too is competition on public waters. Many campfires can be seen along the better stretches of the river several days prior to the start of duck season. Most successful river hunters learn to hunt where most others don't go. This means many hours searching stretches of river away from others. Those just starting out or those who would like help should consider a guided river hunt. There are several good guides who will show you the ropes of hunting the river.For those that don't have the time or interest to hunt the river, there are the State Management Areas.

Some of the better State Waterfowl Management Areas in North Alabama are Swan Creek, Crow Creek, Mud Creek and Green Tree Reservoir which allow hunters the opportunity for great duck hunting. Waterfowlers can hunt these areas by boat, walk-in and float tube. The possibilities are determined by the species of duck. If you are after Mallards and Woodies, then wading or float tubing the Green Tree Reservoir is hard to beat. For more information about the State Management areas contact the Alabama Game and Fish Division or area Biologist Keith McCutcheon at 234 County Rd 141, Hollywood, AL 35752 (Phone [256] 437-2788). A valid permit is required for all hunting on State Management Areas.

Because of the competition and time it takes to successfully hunt the river and State Management Areas, many waterfowlers join clubs or lease private land to make better use of their time afield. There are many duck clubs in the North Alabama area surrounding the refuges and management areas along the river. The keys to look for when joining a club are location, food sources and the most important, water. If you don't have water, you won't have birds. With the lack of rain over the past two years, it is very important that the club you join have access to a large volume of water. Depending on the volume of fall and early winter rains, this year may be risky as the soil will likely soak up most rainfall to makeup for the drought we've experienced.

Joining a club can be a great opportunity for many waterfowlers. Most people don't have the time and resources needed to develop and manage hunting land. Let's face it, it takes a lot of time, resources and devotion. Club membership allows members more time afield doing what they want to do and that is hunt. Clubs also allow members to spend time afield with others who share their passion towards waterfowling. Another value received from club membership is time afield instead of time traveling. Instead of spending your time driving to and from those other states, check into the great hunting right here in Alabama. Most hunters would rather be in the blind calling ducks instead of on the road.

No matter what method of duck hunting one chooses, North Alabama has many areas where the waterfowler can enjoy great duck hunting. Please remember to always be safe. When hunting by boat, always remember to wear a PFD. Cold water does not allow for any mistakes.

For more information on guided river hunts or clubs in the North Alabama area contact Mallard Place Duck Club at 256-582-4253 or visit us on the web at www.mallardplace.net