The timing of a December waterfowl hunt is good on two fronts. First, the arrival of migrant birds can be expected at this time. Mallards and black ducks will highlight the dabbling duck species. Second, if the recent trend of mild winters continues, or if winter arrives late, hunters can still expect to have a shot at species such as teal, which would have headed south at this time during more typical weather patterns.

What follows is a look at five solid public-land hunts for December. Some of these are controlled hunts, where a daily lottery is held. Others are wide open.

Read on to discover more!

DELAWARE
Augustine Wildlife Area
According to Delaware waterfowl biologist Rob Hossler, December waterfowlers can expect to find plenty of puddle ducks on the 2,667 acres of the Augustine Wildlife Area. Hossler was the former manager of this New Castle County public hunting ground.

The Augustine Wildlife Area, found along the Delaware River, exists as two parcels divided into four tracts -- the Port Penn, Warren Faella, Silver Run and Green tracts. Each area contains a number of permanent waterfowl blinds, each one placed according to the available habitat. Hunts on Augustine are managed affairs, subject to a daily lottery.

This wildlife area provides a wealth of waterfowling options. Blinds that front the Delaware River can be expected to provide action for diving ducks. Blinds located on the numerous tidal creeks making up the area are more likely to host dabblers.

Hossler said that December hunters could expect to find good numbers of black ducks and mallards. Don't be surprised to see some gadwalls and widgeons as well.

"The heaviest hunting pressure tends to occur in late fall and early winter," he said. The wildlife manager noted that this coincides with the arrival of migratory birds.

The Port Penn Tract lies south of the C&D Canal and fronts the Delaware River. This area also contains the lottery station and wildlife area headquarters.

The Warren Faella Tract is found to the west of Port Penn. The Silver Run and Green tracts are situated to the south. Both of them offer blinds on both the Delaware River and the tidal creeks that feed it.

On Silver Run, blinds are located on Silver Creek. On Green Tract there are several blinds on the maze of tidal creeks found there, as well as a few field (goose) blinds.

Hunting days on Augustine are Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Thanksgiving is also a hunting day. Shooting hours are from a half hour before sunrise to sunset. Permits are issued from 90 minutes prior to shooting hours until 1 p.m.

All hunting must be done from the state-constructed blinds and pits. A maximum of three hunters per blind is permitted. Hunting the tidal marsh requires the use of a boat and all necessary safety equipment. Because of tidal fluctuation, boating hunters should be on the lookout for hazards such as pilings that are underwater at high tide, as well as ditches that are dry during low tide.

Hunters should also note that late- season snow goose hunts are available at Augustine. These hunts are conducted with a self-registration permit or sign-in board.

More information on the Augustine Wildlife Area can be obtained by calling the facility's office at (302) 834-8433.

Prime Hook
National Wildlife Refuge
According to biologist Hossler, Prime Hook NWR is one of the top waterfowl destinations in the state, drawing hunters from Delaware, but also the metropolitan area that includes and surrounds Philadelphia.