MONROE COUNTY, Ga. — December marks Georgia’s hunting season for various game animals, including ducks.
While hunters gear up for the season, state wildlife agencies are busy preparing habitats for the upcoming nesting season, ensuring that species like the wood duck continue to thrive.
At the Rum Creek Wildlife Management Area east of Forsyth near Lake Juliette, Benjamin "BJ" Frank's the one and only wildlife technician working the property.
"6,000 acres to myself," he said. "It's always something."
Frank is helping in leading efforts to maintain dozens of duck boxes around Lake Juliette.
These simple yet essential structures provide female wood ducks with safe spaces to nest and raise their young.
Frank explains that duck boxes were introduced in the 1980s when natural habitats were scarce, and wood duck populations were declining.
“Somebody came up with this nesting structure, and they found out it worked really well,” Frank says.
Each box is designed to mimic natural tree cavities that the ducks would otherwise use for nesting, creating an alternative when those natural spaces are unavailable.
It's basically a first-come-first-serve type of structure, Frank added, so sometimes other animals like squirrells, owls and other types of ducks will occupy the box.
However, the wildlife technician added, the intended use of wood duck boxes are specifically designed for Wood Ducks.
The process is straightforward: each box is made from a few pieces of cypress or cedar wood, assembled with a hole for ducks to enter and metal mesh inside to help ducklings climb out.
A latch allows for easy maintenance, such as replacing old cedar shavings to prepare for the next nesting season.
“Nesting season typically starts in late January or early February,” says Frank. “Once the mother lays her eggs, it takes about 28 days for them to hatch. On their first day, the mother leads her fledglings out of the box, and they take the leap one by one.”
Frank emphasizes that these boxes are critical for the species' survival, especially as the wood duck population continues to recover.
He also encourages homeowners with ponds or nearby streams to install duck boxes on their property.
“If you’re seeing ducks around your water source, having one of these boxes could be really beneficial,” he says.
For those interested in visiting Rum Creek Wildlife Management Area, the property is open to anyone with a hunting license, fishing license or land use pass.
Visitors can hike the trails, enjoy the scenic beauty, or participate in hunting during permitted hours—30 minutes before sunrise to noon, Wednesday through Sunday during hunting season.
Duck boxes are a simple yet impactful way to preserve Georgia’s wildlife, ensuring future generations can enjoy the sight of these magnificent birds. They’re also a great opportunity to connect with nature and support conservation efforts.
Want to help? Install a duck box or visit Rum Creek to see the efforts in action—Georgia’s wood ducks will thank you.