In terms of blinds at Mallard Roost WCA, there are none. "There are no blinds for waterfowl hunting, deer hunting or anything else," said Randy Milar, assistant property manager of Tri-County FWA. Like most WCAs, Mallard Roost is a bring-your-own type of situation. "Hunters have to use portable equipment or fashion something from what is available," Milar said. "With all of the equipment that is available nowadays, using portable gear should not be an issue. All of the big-name outdoors stores carry everything from ground blinds to camouflage netting for the stealthy hunter."

Milar notes that the potential for good waterfowl hunting at Mallard Roost is highly dependent upon the rain that occurs during the season. "In years of low water, all you have is the river channel, but when there's rain, there are several hundred acres of cattails," Milar said.

There is no check-in at Mallard Roost, and at peak times this WCA can attract a lot of waterfowl hunters. Millard noted that the main ducks at Mallard Roost are mallards. But he also added that a good number of wood ducks are also regulars at the property.

Remember that when hunting waterfowl in the late season to be careful of hypothermia. Falling into icy-cold waters in December or January can be an experience you'd rather not have.

Please note that Mallard Roost WCA and the majority of the WCAs in the state are located in the northern-tier counties, which puts them in the North Zone for waterfowl hunting. By the time you read this, hunting in the North Zone may be closed. However, there are two WCAs that will be open, and they are Barnes-Seng WCA (Dubois County) and Little Pigeon Creek WCA (Warrick County). Both of these are typical of other WCAs located in the state.

Cary Schuyler is the property manager, and he said that hunters do get some pass-shooting near the lakes, but it can be hit or miss depending on which lakes the duck are using.

Like many FWAs that aren't set up to highlight waterfowl hunting, Atterbury is a "bring-your-own" blind affair. But as mentioned earlier, with all of the high-tech, blind-type devices available, this shouldn't be a problem.

A good tip for hunting Atterbury or the other FWA properties mentioned in this article is to get on the Internet at www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/stuff/ and print out maps of the properties.

You can reach Atterbury FWA by calling (812) 526-2051.

Chinook, like Atterbury and the rest of the properties that will be mentioned, is located in the South Zone; therefore, hunters will be able to get out until mid-January. Chinook FWA is managed by Minnehaha FWA and like Minnehaha it is the strip pits that provide the greatest odds for taking waterfowl; hunt around these and you have a chance to do good. The number for Chinook FWA is (812) 268-5640. Chinook FWA is in Clay County near Terre Haute.

Minnehaha property manager Ron Ronk advised that waterfowl hunters scout Minnehaha to see where the ducks are located. "We have 26 lakes that range in size from two acres to 100 acres, and waterfowl hunters need to look around before they go hunting."

Hillenbrand FWA is in Green County and it contains enough water to entice late-season ducks and geese, as well. The 27-acre Horseshoe Lake should be a good bet in the late season, if the water is open.

The number for Minnehaha and Hillenbrand is (812) 268-5640. Good hunting during the late season!