Mallards and green-winged teal can be very common on the area. During the 2003-04 season, ring-necked ducks were the No. 1 species, accounting for two-thirds of the total harvest. Some gadwalls are known to frequent this WMA as well.

Because of Beaverdam Creek’s small size, much of the area’s success depends on producing a good food base. About six acres is planted in corn each year, and the remainder of the location is managed for moist-soil vegetation. Above-average rainfall limited corn production in 2003, but the area produced a good crop in 2004. However, even when personnel do produce good food, sometimes the ducks don’t respond, as was the case last season for some reason.

The SCDNR office in Clemson at (864) 654-1671 can give you an update on habitat conditions and duck usage of the WMA before your hunt.

BROAD RIVER WMA
Broad River WMA, in Fairfield County near Winnsboro, is a good selection for waterfowlers living in the Piedmont and Upstate or those who want a good chance at killing a mallard on public lands.

Mallards normally account for roughly 30 percent of the total harvest on Broad River WMA. In recent seasons, however, ring-necked ducks have been taking some of the limelight. During the 2001-02 season, 30 percent of the harvest was mallards, followed by green-winged teal and wood ducks. Ring-necked ducks were tops the next season, with wood ducks and mallards second and third, respectively.

Mallards were back on top during the 2003-04 season, and ring-necked ducks and wood ducks were tied for second. Last season, ring-necked ducks were No. 1 and wood ducks and green-winged teal were tied for second, with mallards a very close third. In addition to these species, hunters might also see widgeon, gadwalls and Canada geese.

Habitat management on Broad River consists of planting corn and manipulating water levels for moist-soil foods. Flooding on the area in 2003 prevented crop production. Even with no corn, hunters still averaged 2.93 ducks per person. An excellent crop of corn in 2004 was destroyed by excessive tropical rainfall, which also breached dikes on the area. Because of the habitat damage, the number of hunts was reduced last season, with hunters averaging 2.29 ducks per gun.

With luck, Mother Nature will give Broad River WMA a break this season. To find out conditions at the area, contact SCDNR’s regional office in Columbia at (803) 734-3886.

SAMWORTH WMA
Samworth WMA is one of the state’s oldest WMAs. In Georgetown County, outside of Georgetown, Samworth WMA has had waterfowl hunts since 1966. Hunting takes place on 802 acres of managed freshwater impoundments nestled between the Pee Dee and Waccamaw rivers.

The 2004-05 season was the first year after a three-year absence that Samworth WMA was included in the draw hunt program. Waterfowl use of the area was good during the winter of 2004-05. For the season, 24 hunters harvested 73 ducks for an average of 3.04 ducks per hunter. Green-winged teal and wood ducks made up 57 and 33 percent, respectively, of the total bag. Green-winged teal and wood ducks have historically been the top species on the area with an occasional mallard thrown in.

Hunters selected to hunt at Samworth draw for a blind on the morning of their hunt. All of the hunting takes place in impoundments only accessible by boat. Hunters are transported by SCDNR personnel to drop-off points where they access their blinds by walking or with the use of provided paddleboats. Hunting takes place over natural foods. Chest waders are strongly suggested, but hunters could get by with hip boots if they are careful.