The Cross Timbers is not traditional duck country, except for those Texans who learned long ago that this region of North-Central Texas offers some of the greatest - and most overlooked—waterfowl hunting in America.

Modern dairies must build hundreds of dairy "lagoons" to catch runoff water. And these waterholes, combined with thousands of conservation lakes, give Cross Timbers ducks countless places to loaf and rest.

The peanut country around DeLeon, in Eastland County, draws thousands of ducks each fall.

The variety of ducks is amazing. Mallards, widgeons, gadwalls, teal, plus the lesser shovelers and diving ducks are all there.

There are a growing number of quality guides in the region. This includes a number of long-time quail outfitters who have shifted more and more to waterfowl hunting during the past two very marginal quail seasons.

Most lakes which allow hunting also limit building permanent blinds, so be sure to check the rules first.

While there are a growing number of duck hunters in the region, duck hunting is not as popular as deer or quail hunting. Thus there's often land available for duck hunting where other hunting opportunities don't exist.

Regardless of how you plan to hunt small waters in this area, scout the lake or pond before you hunt it.