Here, too, the numbers of ducks that winter over in the state's wetlands are a result of how successful the breeding seasons have been in the Arctic and Canada. This in turn is determined each season by rainfall and other weather conditions.

The number of birds wintering over the last several years has remained consistent with 10-year averages.

The primary target of most waterfowl hunters in the state is snow geese. Delaware annually attracts between 200,000 to 300,000 birds to its marshes. Migratory Canada goose populations make up another 55,000 birds. But as with the other Mid-Atlantic states, last year's mild winter put a lot more birds in state marshes. The state's resident Canada population is estimated at 4,000 to 5,000, which means that Delaware hunters will see a total of between 250,000 and 300,000 birds.

Delaware's marshes have always been the traditional wintering grounds for the Atlantic Flyway's migratory waterfowl. This past winter produced better than normal numbers of birds.

The state's duck population is composed largely of mallards, green-winged teal and black ducks. The most recent survey showed a mixed bag of black ducks, mallards, pintails, teal, gadwalls and other species estimated at around 37,000 birds.

No story on waterfowl hunting in Delaware would be complete without mentioning the great hunting found at Bombay Hook and Prime Hook national wildlife refuges. These marshes and wetlands annually play host to thousands of ducks and geese during their spring and fall migrations, and these areas are considered the top geese hunting areas in the state.

While about 80 percent of Diamond State waterfowl hunters prefer to frequent these larger, more popular NWRs, several smaller public hunting areas also offer excellent waterfowl hunting. These wildlife areas are less known and as such, do not see so much pressure from hunters.

That makes them worthwhile choices for a quality hunt. So here are two of the best.

Assawoman Wildlife Area
The 2,000-plus acres of the Assawoman WA are located in zones 15 and 17, in the southeast corner of Delaware on the Assawoman Bay.

The WA is made up of three distinct sections: Miller Neck, Muddy Neck and the Beach.

The area was purchased with monies from the Land and Water Conservation Fund in 1989 and has been expanded since then. Assawoman has been a popular waterfowl hunting area since the 1800s, giving hunters a shot at both geese and ducks.

Recent surveys show good populations of Canada and snow geese. Duck populations consist of black ducks, mallards and gadwalls. Boat hunting and hunting from portable blinds are both permitted.

Augustine Wildlife Area
The 2,667 acres of the Augustine WA are located in Zone 3 in New Castle County, along the banks of the Delaware River. Its south and west boundaries lie along the

Appoquinimink River
This WA offers some of the best waterfowl hunting on the state's border with the Delaware River.

Small tidal creeks and marshes provide excellent habitat for both migratory and resident waterfowl.

Canada geese and snow geese serve up some good numbers during the fall season, and with the mild weather this past year, good numbers of these birds wintered over.

Black ducks, gadwalls, mallards and teal make up the bulk of the duck population. Twelve duck blinds are available to hunters on a lottery basis. In addition, a duck blind is available for handicapped hunters. Augustine WA can be reached from SR 9.

The 2008-09 waterfowl season in the Mid-Atlantic States promises to be another good one for hunters.

Both ducks and geese are in good shape, with populations consistent with their 10-year averages in all three states.