Written and Illustrated
by Jeffrey J. Jackson
Extension Wildlife Specialist
Reprinted April 1997
Ponds and other wetlands provide habitat for ducks and other wildlife seldom seen elsewhere. Simple management methods can change a barren pond to one that produces several good duck hunts a year. Habitats which can be managed for waterfowl are embankment ponds, beaver ponds, green tree reservoirs, or natural marshes. Ponds with very shallow, tapering edges are the easiest to manage. There are more opportunities with ponds or areas where the water level can be regulated at will. Certain natural wetlands, especially very old ones like cypress ponds, Carolina bays, and some other types of unusual ponds may be best managed by leaving them as they are.