Starting just below Ocean City and continuing south to just north of the township of Cape May, the Cape May Wetlands WMA consists of five areas including the North, South 1, 2 and 3 and the Peck Bay area.

The Cape May Wetlands WMA is within New Jersey's Coastal Zone. It is protected by a chain of barrier islands to the east, which separates this expanse of tidal marshes, back bays, sedge islands, creeks, channels and salt meadows from the Atlantic Ocean. This protected water includes some of the larger bays, sounds and harbors in the area, including Peck Bay, Great Sound, Jenkins Sound, Grassy Sound, as well as numerous smaller bays, channels and impoundments. "These areas regularly see good flights of migrating canvasbacks, pintails, golden eyes, mergansers and buffleheads," said principal waterfowl biologist Ted Nichols, who is with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW).

But according to Nichols, the area's real attraction is its late-season brant and black duck hunting.

"Along New Jersey's southern coast from Little Egg Harbor south to Cape May is the primary wintering grounds for North America's Atlantic brant and the American black duck populations. It is also considered the premier region to hunt these two species."

Nichols further explained that in this section of New Jersey's coast, although the gunning can be fantastic, the weather can be unforgiving, especially during the late season.

"The area can have some very strong tides and winds. Winter storms can begin suddenly, creating heavy surface conditions. The cold can be brutal and late-season hunters should be especially prepared with the proper equipment and clothing for adverse conditions."

Nichols advised that hunters should consider all safety issues when engaging in open-water shooting, including planning their travel routes.

"Scouting especially how to get in and back out of small channels and creeks, which can lose water quickly during a low-tide period, is very important in preventing ending up literally being stuck in the mud."

The Cape May Wetlands WMA has numerous state-run, public and private boat ramps in and around the area, all which can be found in the information provided below.

The Cape May Wetlands can be reached by several routes, including taking the Garden State Parkway (GSP) or U.S. Route 9 and state Route (SR) 147 south, then heading east on several approaches listed here from north to south; they include: Avalon Boulevard toward the town of Avalon and Stone Harbor Boulevard toward the township of Stone Harbor. Continuing farther south on the GSP or U.S. Route 9, take North Wildwood Boulevard toward the towns of Anglesea, North Wildwood or West Wildwood Boulevard toward the township of Wildwood. The most southern approach is Ocean Drive east, just north of Cape May Township.

In addition to the federal migratory hunting requirements of a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation stamp (Duck stamp) and a Harvest Information Program confirmation number (HIP), New Jersey waterfowlers are required to possess a valid hunting license and a New Jersey waterfowl stamp while afield.

New Jersey's game is managed by zones, and each zone may have different season dates and bag limits. All of this information is available free of charge in the state's annual Fish & Wildlife Digest. The digest is available by writing to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife at P.O. Box 400, Trenton, NJ 08625-0400; or by calling (609) 292-2965. You may also visit the state's Web site at www.njfishandwildlife.com.