One question that pops up every season is where can I hunt ducks if I don’t have a lease or don’t want to hire a guide?

Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) present opportunities that fill the needs. In northeast Texas, which is a better than average location for mallards, check out White Oak Creek WMA, Richland Creek WMA and Cooper WMA.

White Oak, 25,777 acres, consists mostly of bottomland hardwoods at the confluence of the Sulphur River and White Oak Creek. The WMA is managed under a license agreement with the US Army Corps of Engineers. More information can be obtained at 903-884-3800. The main check station is located on the north side of SH 77 approximately one mile east of its intersection with US 259. There are 12 designated entrance points and information/registration stations located around the Area.

Richland Chambers, 13,700 acres, offers prime waterfowl habitat that lies almost entirely within the Trinity River floodplain. The North Unit consists of about 2,000 acres of bottomland cells that are flooded annually through a Partnership with the Tarrant Regional Water District. South Unit has about 1,000 acres that offer bottomland hunting in the Trinity River/Richland Creek flood plains and the flooded adjacent sloughs. More information can be obtained at 903-389-7080. Pickups and four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for traveling in some of the more rugged areas of the WMA. Camping is available at nearby Fairfield State Park.

Richland Chambers WMA is located about 80 miles southeast of Dallas in the area between the Richland-Chambers Reservoir and the Trinity River in Freestone and Navarro Counties. Take IH 45 south from Dallas for about 50 miles to Corsicana. The Richland Creek WMA is southeast of Corsicana. From Corsicana take US Hwy 287 south about 30 miles to FM 488 then take FM 488 south for two miles to area headquarters. North Unit access is from US Hwy 287.

Cooper, 14,480 acres, is located in Delta and Hopkins counties, adjacent to Jim Chapman Lake/Cooper Dam. Take IH 30 to Sulphur Springs then take SH 19 north 14 miles to CR 4795. After turning west on CR 4795, travel 0.8 miles and then turn south and travel 0.1 miles to the first left, which goes to the Headquarters. Cooper WMA is located northeast of Dallas about 70 miles. Move information is available at 903-945-3132.

Hunters must possess a valid hunting license, the appropriate tags and stamps, as well as the Annual Public Hunting Permit. Annual Public Hunting Permit, $48, full privileges include hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and other recreational uses. Firearms are restricted to shotguns with non-toxic shot or no larger than #4 lead shot.