Bayou Des Arc WMA
| Zone | County |
|---|---|
| 005 | Prairie |
- Acres: 953
- 2024-25 Closed Seasons
-
- Bear
- Alligator
- 2024-25 Crow
- Sept. 1, 2024-Feb. 17, 2025. Open Thursdays through Mondays only. No limit.
- 2024-25 Deer
- Deer Archery: Sept. 7-9 (one buck only); Sept. 28-Feb. 28.
Deer Alternative Firearms: Oct. 19-27.
Deer Modern Gun: Nov. 9-Dec. 15 and Dec. 26-28.
Deer Modern Gun Special Youth Hunt: Nov. 2-3 and Jan. 4-5. - WMA Deer Bag Limit: Three deer, no more than two bucks, which may include:
- Two bucks with archery, alternative firearms or modern gun,
- Three does with archery,
- Two does with alternative firearms and modern gun combined.
- During youth hunt, youths may take three deer, no more than two bucks (no antler restrictions) or up to two does.
Deer Notes:
- This WMA is in Flood Prone Region B. Click here for details.
- Three-point rule.
- No dogs.
- 2024-25 Quail
- Nov. 1, 2024-Feb. 2, 2025. Daily limit – 6, possession limit – 12.
- 2024-25 Rabbit
Sept. 1, 2024-Feb. 28, 2025. Daily limit – 8, possession limit – 16.
-
- 2024-25 Squirrel
- May 15, 2024-Feb. 28, 2025. Dogs allowed. Daily limit – 12, possession limit – 48.
- 2025 Turkey
- Youth Hunt: April 12-13, 2025. One legal turkey.
Firearms Hunt: April 21-29, 2025. One legal turkey.
- About the Name
- This 953-acre wildlife management area received its name from the city of Des Arc, a historical river town on the White River in Prairie County.
- Access
- Access to the WMA is limited to walk-in visitors. Parking is available at lake parking facilities.
- Age
- Des Arc WMA was created in 1966 after the acquisition of property for the construction of a 320-acre public fishing lake. After the creation of Lake Des Arc, bottomland hardwood habitat remained outside the levee system, providing an opportunity for development of this small management area.
- Area Notes
-
- A free annual General Use Permit (WMP) is required to hunt or trap on WMAs. Permits are available online by clicking “Buy Licenses” at agfc.com or by calling 833-345-0325 or any regional office.
- Area Type
- WMA
- Camping
- Primitive camping is available.
- Description
- The 300-acre area is a bottomland hardwood overflow tract.
- Hunting Opportunities
- Swamp rabbits, deer, ducks and squirrels are the most frequently hunted species. Raccoons may be taken and hunting is good to excellent depending upon water levels.
- Location
- Bayou Des Arc is 5 miles north of the city of Des Arc on Highway 11.
- Management Practices
- The hardwood habitat is managed as other typical bottomland areas. Timber inventories evaluate the vigor and quality of the habitat for wildlife. The 320-acre lake is managed by an AGFC fisheries biologist.
- Ownership
- The AGFC owns the lake and Wildlife Management Area.
- Phone
- 833-345-0283
- Purpose
- This tract provides additional public use opportunities close to a public fishing lake.
- Recreation Other Than Hunting
- This management area provides an opportunity to observe many species of wetland birds and Neotropical migrants for bird enthusiasts and photographers.
- Restaurants and Other Facilities
- The nearest facilities are in Des Arc and Hazen. Several restaurants provide various types of food and small grocery stores provide camp foods.
- Safety
- When accessing the WMA by boat across Lake Des Arc, make sure proper personal flotation devices for all members are aboard the vessel.