Occasionally, the lake will see a small contingent of divers, but they are pretty much considered a bonus at Stonewall Jackson. Mallards are the most abundant, but others, such as black ducks, frequent the area, too. Most of the ducks seen here are puddle ducks. The New River also offers some excellent float opportunities. Most hunting is by walk in, but there are numerous areas on the lake where boats may be carried down and launched. No WMA permit is required and hunters do not have to check in or out. The WMA, Bluestone Lake, and the New River are open under statewide regulations and are in Zone 1. A few divers, such as ring-necks and scaup, will drift through as well.

The bulk of the ducks seen will be mallards and black ducks, but there are quite a few buffleheads that frequent the area. However, the WMA has a sizable population of resident geese and also attracts some migratory birds at times. Milder than normal temperatures were blamed for not pushing the usual number of birds into the area.

Last year, the midwinter waterfowl numbers were quite low at Bluestone. Around 150 acres on the other side of the river are planted in corn and other small grains with a portion left unharvested. The fields bordering the waterfowl marsh are planted in corn, sorghum and Japanese millet. There are some 80 to 100 acres of fields on the Crumps Bottoms side of the river that are planted in small grains and corn. Other area food sources are also a huge draw for both ducks and geese.

Hunting mountain duck lake bedding set