This is an opportunity to hunt waterfowl at Dameron Marsh and Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserves in Northumberland County, Virginia. Hunters will be selected by lottery. Hunting will be on Mondays only during the general duck season beginning in November 2026 and ending in January 2027. See the application for more information. The deadline for applications is close of business (5:00 PM) on Friday September 25, 2026..
Click the application form for information on the 2026-2027 waterfowl lottery hunt.
SITE DESCRIPTION:
Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve contains several excellent examples of tidal and non-tidal wetlands, as well as exemplary undeveloped beaches, dunes, and upland forests. The preserve supports the federally threatened northeastern beach tiger beetle (Habroscelimorpha dorsalis dorsalis) and other rare invertebrates. Hughlett Point is an important wintering area for migrating waterfowl and songbirds, and provides habitat for bald eagles, osprey and northern harriers.
VISITATION:
Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. The site includes hiking-only trails, a woodland boardwalk, wildlife viewing platforms,
and interpretive signs. Please stay on designated trails and minimize your impacts to the natural resources.
The preserve includes an 11 car parking area. If the parking area is full, the preserve is full. Vehicles parked on Balls Neck Road are subject to ticketing or towing by
the Northumberland County Sheriff's Office. It is recommended that you have alternate plans when visiting. Dameron Marsh Natural Area Preserve (4 mi) has an elevated
platform that offers views across a mile of salt marsh. Kilmarnock (8 mi) is home to several restaurants and locally-owned businesses, as well as Kilmarnock Town Centre
Park. Belle Isle State Park (19 mi) in Lancaster County offers multi-use trails, a playground, boardwalk, and fishing pier. Bicycle, canoe, and kayak rentals are also
available.
Seasonal shoreline closures at Hughlett Point and Dameron Marsh natural area preserves
Hughlett Point and Dameron Marsh natural area preserves contain some of the most significant Chesapeake Bay wetlands for marsh birds, and also support pristine sandy shorelines that provide habitat for the federally threatened northeastern beach tiger beetle and nesting sites for rare shore birds. To protect these species and their significant habitats, designated sections of preserve shorelines may be closed during specific periods of the year to both land (walking) and water (boat landing) access. Thank you for your help in conserving some of Virginia's rarest wildlife by observing the posted seasonal closings of designated shorelines at these two Northern Neck preserves.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
From Kilmarnock, go north on VA 200 towards Burgess. Turn right onto VA 606. Turn right at the Shiloh schoolhouse onto VA 605. Follow VA 605 to the preserve.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Initial interpretive signs at this preserve were funded by the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program at the Department of Environmental Quality through Grant #NA57OZ0561-01 of the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended.
CONTACT:
Zach Bradford, Chesapeake Bay Region Steward
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Division of Natural Heritage
Richmond, VA
(804)-225-2303.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
