Jan. 31, 2024

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

This marks the final waterfowl habitat report of the 2023-24 season. Regular hunting ended as of sunset Jan. 31. Youth 15 and under, veterans and active military may hunt Saturday, Feb. 3, from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset throughout Arkansas. Regular bag limits and other regulations apply. The Light Goose Conservation Order (hunting of snow, blue and Ross’s geese with liberal regulations and no limits) runs Feb. 1-2 and Feb. 4-April 25.

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• Southwest Arkansas
• Central Arkansas
• East-Central Arkansas
• Northwest Arkansas
• Northeast Arkansas
• Southeast Arkansas

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Big Lake WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

When the Ditch 81 extension gauge near Manila (upstream of the Big Lake north-end control structure) reads 17.5 feet, water is beginning to come over the north levee degrade on Big Lake WMA. When the Ditch 81 Extension gauge reads 18.0 feet or higher, the water level on the WMA will rise quickly and hunters should exercise caution while on the area. Be aware of underwater logs in boat runs and hangers in trees. 

North Woods GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: Gauge reading at BoDoc is unavailable due to the gauge being underwater; target level is 235.5 feet; 100% flooded.

South Woods GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: Gauge reading at 7-Mile is 237.94 feet msl; target level is 234.5 feet; 100% flooded.

Simmons Field
Habitat: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100% coverage.

 

Dave Donaldson Black River WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Waterfowl hunters should be aware of hangers and submerged logs within the boat runs and GTRs. Please exercise caution when accessing the area. Please remember to keep boats off the levees so AGFC personnel can access the area. Boats blocking access will be moved. Unattended trailers are not to be left overnight in parking areas. As of Jan. 29, the Black River level at Corning was 12.13 feet and holding.

Upper Island GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Gauge is not accessible due to high water. Target level is 269.5 feet msl; 100% flooded.

Lower Island GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Gauge is not accessible due to high water. Target level is 268.0 feet; 100% flooded.

Upper Reyno GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is 268.7 feet msl. Target level is 266.9 feet; 100% flooded.

Lower Reyno GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is 268.65 feet msl. Target level is 266.3 feet; 100% flooded.

Winchester GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop
Water Level: Current level is 265.5 feet msl. Target level is 263.7 feet; 100% flooded.

 

Earl Buss Bayou DeView WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Boaters should use caution while using the Thompson Tract boat lane.

South Oliver GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Current gauge reading is 2.9 feet. 100% flooded.

Thompson Tract GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Current gauge reading is 3.3 feet, 100% flooded. 

Lake Hogue WRA
Habitat Type: Primarily deep open water
Water Level: Normal pool level

 

Shirey Bay Rainey Brake WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Waterfowl hunters should be aware of hangers and submerged logs within the boat runs and GTRs. Please exercise caution when accessing the area. In addition, hunters should allow safe passage when parking vehicles along roadsides. Vehicles blocking access will be moved.

Adam Brake GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: Water level is 239.9 feet msl with a target level of 240.0 feet. 100% flooded.

Rainey Brake GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: 100% flooded.

Eagle Pond GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: 100% flooded.

Phase III Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet.
Water Level: 100% flooded.

Charles Crisp Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet
Water Level: 100% flooded.

Ward Field Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100% flooded.

River Field Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet
Water Level: 100% flooded.

 

St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods within the hunt area
Water Level: Water levels on St. Francis Sunken Lands for waterfowl season are dependent on flows from the St. Francis River. The target level for providing huntable timber is 212.0 feet msl at the Oak Donnick gauge. Current reading is 216.94 feet msl.

Snowden WRA
Habitat Type: Mixed grasses
Water Level: 20% flooded

Payneway WRA
Habitat Type: A, B, C and D pools have mixed smartweed and barnyard grasses. Moderate hardwoods within pools A, B and C as well.
Water Level: Pool A is at 10% coverage. Pool B is at 30%. Pool C is at 80%. Pool D is at 100%.

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Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Hunters should call the Wildlife Hotline at 800-440-1477 for current road closures.

North Unit
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: The White River at Augusta as of Jan. 31 is at 31.09 feet (flood stage is 26 feet). The water level at Glaise Creek is at 194.52 feet msl and rising. All structures on the North GTR will remain open during the 2023-24 season.

South Unit
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: The White River at Augusta as of Jan. 31 is at 24.36 feet (flood stage is 26 feet). The water level at Glaise Creek is at 194.52 feet msl and rising. The South Unit now has no structures to close; water will flow freely throughout the unit.

 

Rex Hancock Black Swamp WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Hunters should call the Wildlife Hotline at 800-440-1477 for current road closures.

Gregory GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: Cache River at Patterson was at 11.09 feet and steady on Jan. 31.

Wiville Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90% flooded 

 

Sheffield Nelson Dagmar WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Please visit www.agfc.com for maps, special regulations, permit application and draw dates. Hunters should call the Wildlife Hotline at 800-440-1477 for current road closures. The AGFC will not be putting boards in at Dagmar. Water coverage is dependent on river level.

Mud Slough GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: 35% coverage

Apple Lake WRA (no hunting)
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: 50% coverage.

Conway George Waterfowl Unit A
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90% coverage

Conway George Waterfowl Unit B
Habitat Type: Natural slough area with beneficial native wetland plants
Water Level: 90% coverage

Conway George Waterfowl Unit C
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90% coverage

Dark Corner Waterfowl Unit 1
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 95% 

Dark Corner Waterfowl Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90% 

Dark Corner Waterfowl Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 50%

 

Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Permits ARE required (via online application) on weekends, Tuesdays and Thursdays for the youth and mobility-impaired blinds and for the Magellan Tract. Visit agfc.com to apply for the online draw. There are no designated holes.

The White River gauge at Georgetown on Wednesday, Jan. 31, was 19.91 feet and rising.

Unit A
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100% coverage.

Unit B
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit C
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit D
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit E
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit F (Youth Area)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit G
Habitat Type: Native vegetation.
Water Level: 50%

Unit H (Mobility-impaired blind)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit I
Habitat Type: Native vegetation.
Water Level: 50%

Unit J (Cypert Tract)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit K (Cypert Tract)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 35%

Unit L (Cypert Tract)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 30%

Unit M (Magellan Tract)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

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Bell Slough WMA
Map | Weather Report

Bell Slough GTR
Flooding of the Bell Slough GTR is rainfall dependent. Gates were lowered in the GTR water control structure Nov. 17. 

Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood/cypress-tupelo
Water Level: 100%

Palarm Creek WRA
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

 

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir
Map | Weather Report

Due to planned renovation work to Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir, water levels remain 3-3.5 feet below normal pool on both Pierce and Dix creeks.

 

Cypress Bayou WMA
Map| Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Good mast crop
Water Level: 100% coverage.

Red Cut Slough Tract

Unit 1
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 30%

Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 30%

Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 4
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 5
Habitat Type: Native vegetation.
Water Level: 100%

Unit 6
Habitat Type: Open water reservoir
Water Level: 80%

 

Harris Brake WMA
Map | Weather Report

Upper GTR
Habitat Type: Good mast crop
Water Level: 100% coverage 

Lower GTR
Habitat Type: Good mast crop.
Water Level: 15% coverage. Damage to one of the Lower GTRs water control structures is allowing water to drain from the Lower GTR and can’t currently be fixed. Sloughs and ditches within the Lower GTR unit will continue to hold water. However, the majority of the Lower GTR unit will stay drained due to the water control structure damage.

 

Holland Bottoms WMA
Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Mast crop
Water Level: Recent rainfall has filled low-lying depressions and sloughs on the WMA.

Lake Pickthorne WRA (no hunting)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation and millet
Water Level: Both the East Unit and West Unit are 100% flooded. 

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Dardanelle WMA
Map | Weather Report

McKennon Bottoms (half-day hunting)
Habitat Type: Native moist soil
Water Level: 100% coverage

Potter’s Pothole Hartman Waterfowl Unit (half-day hunting)
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100% coverage

 

Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA
Map | Weather Report

All waterfowl impoundments are now at full pool. 

Little Hole (Unit 1)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100% flooded

Willow Island (Unit 2)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Red Gate (Unit 3)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Pig Trough (Units 4 and 5)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation and Japanese millet
Water Level: 100%

Cedar Ridge (Unit 6)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 7a
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 7b
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Duck Trap (Units 8a, 8b and 8c)

8a
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

8b
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

8c
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 9
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Controversy Corner (Unit 10)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation and Japanese millet
Water Level: 100%

Remmel Marsh
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Mud Pond (Unit 12)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Turkey Pond (Units 13a, 13b and 13c)

13a
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

13b
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

13c
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Teeny Pond (Unit 14)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Salt Lick (Unit 15)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Bobby’s Pond (Unit 16)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Race Track (Unit 17)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

 

Frog Bayou WMA
Map | Weather Report

Unit 1
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation. Unit is rainfall dependent.
Water Level: 90%. 

Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%. 

Unit 4
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 5
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 6
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%. 

Unit 7
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

 

Galla Creek WMA
Map | Weather Report

Galla Creek
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation and Japanese millet.
Water Level: 100%

 

Nimrod Lloyd Millwood WMA
Map | Weather Report

Nimrod GTR
Habitat Type: The red oak mast crop is moderate this year as well as the desirable native vegetation growth.
Water Level: 90% flooded. Flooding of the area is rainfall dependent.

 

Ozark Lake WMA/Dyer Lake Water Unit
Weather Report

Dyer Lake Cells

Unit 1 Dyer main cell
Habitat Type: Japanese millet
Water Level: 100% coverage for both units

Unit 2 Dyer Road Cell
Habitat Type: Native moist soil
Water Level: 100% coverage

Unit 3 South Cell
Habitat Type: Chiwapa and Japanese millet
Water Level: 25% coverage

Unit 4 West Cell (rainfall dependent)
Habitat Type: Fallow disked
Water Level: 0% coverage

 

Petit Jean River WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Sorehead Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Blacklands Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation. The red oak trees within the unit produced a moderate mast crop this year. Pumping of this unit is dictated by river levels.
Water Level: 100% 

Slaty Crossing Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Blacklands Duck Area
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Pullen Pond Marsh
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%. Flooding of the area is rainfall dependent.

Pond Creek GTR
Habitat Type: The red oak mast crop is moderate this year as well as the desirable native vegetation growth.
Water Level: 90%. Flooding of this area is rainfall dependent.

Slaty GTR
Habitat Type: The red oak mast crop is moderate this year as well as the desirable native vegetation growth.
Water Level: 30%. Flooding of this area is rainfall dependent.

Santa Fe GTR
Habitat Type: The red oak mast crop is moderate this year as well as the desirable native vegetation growth.
Water Level: 100%. Flooding of this area is rainfall dependent.

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Dr. Lester Sitzes III Bois d’Arc WMA
Map | Weather Report

Bois d’Arc Lake WRA
Habitat Type: Closed to hunting.
Water Level: Normal

Red Slough WRA
Habitat Type: Closed to hunting.
Water Level: 80% coverage

GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: 95%

Little Grassy
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 80%

 

Millwood Lake
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Habitat Type: Natural vegetation
Water Level: Millwood is at 260.20 feet msl as of Jan. 31; 1 feet above the normal pool of 259.2 feet msl.

 

Ozan WMA
Map | Weather Report

Flooding of all units is rainfall dependent.

Unit 1
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 70%

Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 40%

Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 30%

Unit 4
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 50%

Unit 5
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 20%

 

Sulphur River WMA
Map | Weather Report

Mercer Bayou
Habitat Type: Natural vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Henry Moore WRA
Habitat Type: Closed to hunting.
Water Level: 60%

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Beryl Anthony Lower Ouachita WMA
Map | Weather Report

Water Level: No water

 

Cut-Off Creek WMA
Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Water in lower areas and sloughs.

Pigeon Creek WRA

Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Pumping as conditions allow.

 

Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA Deer Research Area
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Flooding is river dependent. Click on the Water Gauge link above for current Mississippi River levels. Use extreme caution when boating in the river.

The Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA West Unit allows weekend permit hunting for youths (one adult per youth hunter). 

 

George H. Dunklin Jr. Bayou Meto WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

The UGSG is reporting real-time water gauge readings at the headwater at each GTR within the George H. Dunklin Bayou Meto WMA. Click the Water Gauge link above for the WMA, and search for the particular GTR as noted. 

NOTE: During the 2023-24 wintering period, all intentional flooding will be held at 178.5 feet msl, an elevation that will relieve stress on many trees such as red oaks that are showing signs of distress. Rain and increased flow into the WMA will allow water to rise above that level periodically. A good rule of thumb for comparing water levels to access into Bayou Meto: 176 feet msl – water breaking into sloughs and lower ditches; 177-177.5 feet msl – water beginning to break out of sloughs and lower ditches; 178 feet msl – water in most sloughs and ditches and entering into lower elevations in woods; 178.5 feet msl – most ditches and sloughs deep enough to boat and most boat ramps become serviceable; 179 feet msl or above – water expands to the higher elevations.

Upper Vallier GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 180.28 feet msl and steady as of Jan. 31. See Gauge Link (Upper Vallier Headwater) for updated info.

Lower Vallier GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 179.07 feet msl and falling as of Jan. 31. See Gauge Link (Lower Vallier Headwater) for updated info. 

Government Cypress GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 180.37 feet msl and falling as of Jan. 31. See Gauge Link (Government Cypress Headwater) for updated info.

Buckingham Flats GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 177.88 feet and steady as of Jan. 31. See Gauge Link (Buckingham Flats Headwater) for updated info.

Temple Island GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 184.52 feet msl and falling as of Jan. 31. See Gauge Link (Temple Island Headwater) for updated info. 

Canon Brake
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood
Water Level: 178.16 feet msl and steady as of Jan. 31. See Gauge Link (Canon Brake Headwater) for updated info. 

Halowell WRA
Habitat Type: Moist soil
Water Level: Staggered flooding of units

Wrape Plantation WRA
Habitat Type: Moist soil
Water Level: Staggered flooding of units

 

Seven Devils WMA
Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Huntable water is available.

 

Trusten Holder WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Flooding is river dependent. Click on the Water Gauge link above for current Arkansas River levels.

Jan. 24, 2024

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Conditions Turn Right in Nick of Time

The water and frigid weather arrive for strong finish to waterfowl season.

It was nearly a season-long wait, but the habitat conditions that Arkansas waterfowlers were waiting for finally arrived. The snow cover to the north (not to mention all over Arkansas for a few days) and bitterly cold weather, the thaw that followed, plus the heavy rain of the past several days around the state all have made waterfowl conditions perfect to conclude the state’s 60-day hunting season next Wednesday.

Anecdotal reports received by AGFC staff at midweek were that hunting was wrapping up exceptionally well throughout the state. In two aerial surveys, one in early December and another in the first week of January, mallards and total duck numbers in the Arkansas Delta were at significantly low levels, partly because of the extreme dry conditions seen throughout the region over fall and early winter. That changed drastically beginning with the winter storm that arrived on Jan. 15.

The duck hunting success was not only in the Delta but even in southwest Arkansas and on Millwood Lake, where a report said that while hunters were having to break ice to launch and load up earlier this week, they reported a fair amount of wood ducks, few mallards and teal.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s plans to fly its third and final aerial waterfowl survey has run into some roadblocks with the weather of the past week and a half.

The weather hasn’t been cooperative for flying our aerial surveys but (the biologists) were able to start getting up in the air at the end of last week,” Brett Leach, the AGFC’s waterfowl program coordinator, said Wednesday. “Birds were concentrated with how frozen we were, and during that time, those hunters who scouted and braved the elements did very well where they could find open water. 

“We are finally getting favorable conditions across the state with all the rain we are getting and should have a strong finish to the season. With the warm up and additional water across the landscape, birds will start dispersing into the new habitat being provided.”

Webb’s Sporting Goods in DeWitt reported, “Looks like we are going to finish out a strong duck season for 2023-2024. We have a lot of migratory birds in the area of DeWitt. Got a little bit of a rise on both the Arkansas and White rivers; plenty of ducks (are) being killed and limits reached. Geese are still abundantly available in the area as well.”

Youth under 16, veterans and active military will have a special waterfowl hunt day on Saturday, Feb. 3.

Also, the Light Goose Conservation Order, which allows for hunting for snow and Ross’s geese with liberal regulations (no limit, no slugs for shotguns, electronic calls, etc.), begins Thursday, Feb. 1; breaks for the special hunt day on Feb. 3; and resumes on Sunday Feb. 4. That will coincide with what has become an annual affair based out of Mack’s Prairie Wings in Stuttgart: The 6th Annual World Championship Snow Goose Conservation Hunt, which is run by the Arkansas Waterfowl Association and Mack’s on Feb. 4. Click on the previous sentence for all the details.

For waterfowl hunting on national wildlife refuges run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through Jan. 31, please refer to the 2023-24 Arkansas Waterfowl Hunting Guidebook.

Youth planning to hunt Feb. 3 may apply for a variety of permitted hunts for their special day. Permits on private rice fields are available to youths for that Saturday through the AGFC’s Waterfowl Rice Incentive Conservation Enhancement program. Also, the youth blind at Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA and the three blinds at Sheffield Nelson Dagmar WMA Conway George Tracts are available, along with the Red Cut Slough units at Cypress Bayou WMA near Beebe and the blinds at Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA West Unit in southeast Arkansas. Youth who win a WRICE permit may bring three other youths to hunt, or a mentor 16 years of age or older may accompany the youth to call and retrieve ducks. The application period runs from 3 p.m. Thursday to midnight Sunday this week.

Veterans and active military hunters will not be eligible for the WRICE permits, but they can hunt Raft Creek Bottoms or Red Cut Slough (pick up a permit at the visitor kiosk) or any other WMA, as well as other public or private lands, from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset on Feb. 3.

Arkansas’s regular waterfowl season will conclude at sunset Wednesday, Jan. 31. Hunting in the state’s Wildlife Management Areas will last all day Jan. 31, and areas such as Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA and Red Cut Slough of Cypress Bayou WMA that typically do not offer Wednesday hunting during the season will be open to hunt on the final day until sunset. Hunters will still need to pick up permits at those locations on Wednesday at the access areas or visitor kiosks. They’ll also be required to complete the data cards on the permits and turn them in at the conclusion of their hunt.

Visit https://www.agfc.com/en/hunting/where-hunt for a clickable map of WMAs available to hunt in Arkansas.

Youth under 16, veterans and active military will have a special waterfowl hunt day on Saturday, Feb. 3.

Also, the Light Goose Conservation Order, which allows for hunting for snow and Ross’s geese with liberal regulations (no limit, no slugs for shotguns, electronic calls, etc.), begins Thursday, Feb. 1; breaks for the special hunt day on Feb. 3; and resumes on Sunday Feb. 4. That will coincide with what has become an annual affair based out of Mack’s Prairie Wings in Stuttgart: The 6th Annual World Championship Snow Goose Conservation Hunt, which is run by the Arkansas Waterfowl Association and Mack’s on Feb. 4. Click on the previous sentence for all the details.

For waterfowl hunting on national wildlife refuges run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through Jan. 31, please refer to the 2023-24 Arkansas Waterfowl Hunting Guidebook.

Youth planning to hunt Feb. 3 may apply for a variety of permitted hunts for their special day. Permits on private rice fields are available to youths for that Saturday through the AGFC’s Waterfowl Rice Incentive Conservation Enhancement program. Also, the youth blind at Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA, the three blinds at Sheffield Nelson Dagmar WMA Conway George Tract, and Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA and Deer Research Area West Unit are available, along with hunting in all other WMAs managed for waterfowl.

Youth who win a WRICE permit may bring three other youths to hunt, or a mentor 21 years age or older may accompany the youth to call and retrieve ducks (if the youth has a Hunter Education card, the mentor may be 18 years old).

The application period runs from 3 p.m. Thursday to midnight Sunday this week.

Veterans and active military hunters will not be eligible for the WRICE permits, but they can hunt Raft Creek Bottoms or Red Cut Slough (pick up a permit at the visitor kiosk) or any other WMA, as well as other public or private lands, from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset on Feb. 3.

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• Southwest Arkansas
• Central Arkansas
• East-Central Arkansas
• Northwest Arkansas
• Northeast Arkansas
• Southeast Arkansas

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Big Lake WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

When the Ditch 81 extension gauge near Manila (upstream of the Big Lake north-end control structure) reads 17.5 feet, water is beginning to come over the north levee degrade on Big Lake WMA. When the Ditch 81 Extension gauge reads 18.0 feet or higher, the water level on the WMA will rise quickly and hunters should exercise caution while on the area. Be aware of underwater logs in boat runs and hangers in trees. 

North Woods GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: Gauge reading at BoDoc is 237.8 feet msl; target level is 235.5 feet; 100% flooded.

South Woods GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: Gauge reading at 7-Mile is 236.46 feet msl; target level is 234.5 feet; 100% flooded.

Simmons Field
Habitat: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100% coverage.

 

Dave Donaldson Black River WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Waterfowl hunters should be aware of hangers and submerged logs within the boat runs and GTRs. Please exercise caution when accessing the area. Please remember to keep boats off the levees so AGFC personnel can access the area. Boats blocking access will be moved. Unattended trailers are not to be left overnight in parking areas. As of Jan. 22, the Black River level at Corning was 5.68 feet and falling.

Upper Island GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Gauge is not accessible due to high water. Target level is 269.5 feet msl; 100% flooded.

Lower Island GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Gauge is not accessible due to high water. Target level is 268.0 feet; 100% flooded.

Upper Reyno GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is 267.75 feet msl. Target level is 266.9 feet; 100% flooded.

Lower Reyno GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is 267.45 feet msl. Target level is 266.3 feet; 100% flooded.

Winchester GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop
Water Level: Current level is 264.6 feet msl. Target level is 263.7 feet; 100% flooded.

 

Earl Buss Bayou DeView WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Boaters should use caution while using the Thompson Tract boat lane.

South Oliver GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Current gauge reading is 1.7 feet. 100% flooded.

Thompson Tract GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Current gauge reading is 2.1 feet, 100% flooded. 

Lake Hogue WRA
Habitat Type: Primarily deep open water
Water Level: Normal pool level

 

Shirey Bay Rainey Brake WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Waterfowl hunters should be aware of hangers and submerged logs within the boat runs and GTRs. Please exercise caution when accessing the area. In addition, hunters should allow safe passage when parking vehicles along roadsides. Vehicles blocking access will be moved.

Adam Brake GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: Water level is 240.0 feet msl with a target level of 240.0 feet. 100% flooded.

Rainey Brake GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: 100% flooded.

Eagle Pond GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: 100% flooded.

Phase III Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet.
Water Level: 100% flooded.

Charles Crisp Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet
Water Level: 100% flooded.

Ward Field Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100% flooded.

River Field Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet
Water Level: 100% flooded.

 

St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods within the hunt area
Water Level: Water levels on St. Francis Sunken Lands for waterfowl season are dependent on flows from the St. Francis River. The target level for providing huntable timber is 212.0 feet msl at the Oak Donnick gauge. Current reading is 214.82 feet msl.

Snowden WRA
Habitat Type: Mixed grasses
Water Level: 15% flooded

Payneway WRA
Habitat Type: A, B, C and D pools have mixed smartweed and barnyard grasses. Moderate hardwoods within pools A, B and C as well.
Water Level: Pool A is at 10% coverage. Pool B is at 20%. Pool C is at 40%. Pool D is at 100%.

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Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Hunters should call the Wildlife Hotline at 800-440-1477 for current road closures.

North Unit
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: The White River at Augusta as of Jan. 24 is at 24.36 feet (flood stage is 26 feet). The water level at Glaise Creek is at 191.52 feet msl and falling. All structures on the North GTR will remain open during the 2023-24 season.

South Unit
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: The White River at Augusta as of Jan. 24 is at 24.36 feet (flood stage is 26 feet). The water level at Glaise Creek is at 191.52 feet msl and falling. The South Unit now has no structures to close; water will flow freely throughout the unit.

 

Rex Hancock Black Swamp WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Hunters should call the Wildlife Hotline at 800-440-1477 for current road closures.

Gregory GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: Cache River at Patterson was at 9.81 feet and falling on Jan. 24.

Wiville Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90% flooded 

 

Sheffield Nelson Dagmar WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

The Conway George units are currently available for hunting by applying for online permits. Youths may apply for Saturday and Sunday hunts, with one adult hunter allowed per one youth, up to four hunters in the blind. Wednesday permit hunts are available for adults (up to four hunters per party, three blinds available). Please visit www.agfc.com for maps, special regulations, permit application and draw dates. Hunters should call the Wildlife Hotline at 800-440-1477 for current road closures. The AGFC will not be putting boards in at Dagmar. Water coverage is dependent on river level.

Mud Slough GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: 35% coverage

Apple Lake WRA (no hunting)
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: 50% coverage.

Conway George Waterfowl Unit A
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90% coverage

Conway George Waterfowl Unit B
Habitat Type: Natural slough area with beneficial native wetland plants
Water Level: 90% coverage

Conway George Waterfowl Unit C
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90% coverage

Dark Corner Waterfowl Unit 1
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 95% 

Dark Corner Waterfowl Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90% 

Dark Corner Waterfowl Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 50%

 

Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Hunting in Raft Creek Bottoms WMA requires participation on the online draw a week before the following weekend’s hunt. There is no online draw on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and permits are available at the boat accesses. Permits ARE required (via online application) on weekends, Tuesdays and Thursdays for the youth and mobility-impaired blinds and for the Magellan Tract. Visit agfc.com to apply for the online draw. There are no designated holes.

The White River gauge at Georgetown on Wednesday, Jan. 24, was 14.5 feet and rising.

Unit A
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100% coverage.

Unit B
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit C
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit D
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit E
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit F (Youth Area)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit G
Habitat Type: Native vegetation.
Water Level: 50%

Unit H (Mobility-impaired blind)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit I
Habitat Type: Native vegetation.
Water Level: 50%

Unit J (Cypert Tract)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit K (Cypert Tract)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 35%

Unit L (Cypert Tract)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 30%

Unit M (Magellan Tract)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

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Bell Slough WMA
Map | Weather Report

Bell Slough GTR
Flooding of the Bell Slough GTR is rainfall dependent. Gates were lowered in the GTR water control structure Nov. 17. 

Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood/cypress-tupelo
Water Level: 100%

Palarm Creek WRA
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

 

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir
Map | Weather Report

Due to planned renovation work to Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir, water levels remain 3-3.5 feet below normal pool on both Pierce and Dix creeks.

 

Cypress Bayou WMA
Map| Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Good mast crop
Water Level: 100% coverage.

Red Cut Slough Tract

Unit 1
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 30%

Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 30%

Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 4
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 5
Habitat Type: Native vegetation.
Water Level: 100%

Unit 6
Habitat Type: Open water reservoir
Water Level: 80%

 

Harris Brake WMA
Map | Weather Report

Upper GTR
Habitat Type: Good mast crop
Water Level: 100% coverage 

Lower GTR
Habitat Type: Good mast crop.
Water Level: 15% coverage. The Harris Brake Lake valve was opened on Nov. 15 to begin supplemental flooding of both the Lower and Upper GTRs. Damage to one of the Lower GTRs water control structures is allowing water to drain from the Lower GTR and can’t currently be fixed. Sloughs and ditches within the Lower GTR unit will continue to hold water. However, the majority of the Lower GTR unit will stay drained due to the water control structure damage.

 

Holland Bottoms WMA
Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Mast crop
Water Level: Recent rainfall has filled low-lying depressions and sloughs on the WMA.

Lake Pickthorne WRA (no hunting)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation and millet
Water Level: Both the East Unit and West Unit are 100% flooded. 

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Dardanelle WMA
Map | Weather Report

McKennon Bottoms (half-day hunting)
Habitat Type: Native moist soil
Water Level: 100% coverage

Potter’s Pothole Hartman Waterfowl Unit (half-day hunting)
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100% coverage

 

Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA
Map | Weather Report

All waterfowl impoundments are now at or near full pool. 

Little Hole (Unit 1)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 95% flooded

Willow Island (Unit 2)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 95%

Red Gate (Unit 3)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 95%

Pig Trough (Units 4 and 5)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation and Japanese millet
Water Level: 100%

Cedar Ridge (Unit 6)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 95%

Unit 7a
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 7b
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Duck Trap (Units 8a, 8b and 8c)

8a
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 95%

8b
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 95%

8c
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 95%

Unit 9
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 95%

Controversy Corner (Unit 10)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation and Japanese millet
Water Level: 100%

Remmel Marsh
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Mud Pond (Unit 12)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 90%

Turkey Pond (Units 13a, 13b and 13c)

13a
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

13b
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

13c
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Teeny Pond (Unit 14)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Salt Lick (Unit 15)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Bobby’s Pond (Unit 16)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Race Track (Unit 17)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

 

Frog Bayou WMA
Map | Weather Report

Unit 1
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation. Unit is rainfall dependent.
Water Level: 90%. 

Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%. 

Unit 4
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 5
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 6
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%. 

Unit 7
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

 

Galla Creek WMA
Map | Weather Report

Galla Creek
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation and Japanese millet.
Water Level: 100%

 

Nimrod Lloyd Millwood WMA
Map | Weather Report

Nimrod GTR
Habitat Type: The red oak mast crop is moderate this year as well as the desirable native vegetation growth.
Water Level: 90% flooded. Flooding of the area is rainfall dependent.

 

Ozark Lake WMA/Dyer Lake Water Unit
Weather Report

Dyer Lake Cells

Unit 1 Dyer main cell
Habitat Type: Japanese millet
Water Level: 100% coverage for both units

Unit 2 Dyer Road Cell
Habitat Type: Native moist soil
Water Level: 100% coverage

Unit 3 South Cell
Habitat Type: Chiwapa and Japanese millet
Water Level: 25% coverage

Unit 4 West Cell (rainfall dependent)
Habitat Type: Fallow disked
Water Level: 0% coverage

 

Petit Jean River WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Sorehead Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Blacklands Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation. The red oak trees within the unit produced a moderate mast crop this year. Pumping of this unit is dictated by river levels.
Water Level: 100% 

Slaty Crossing Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Blacklands Duck Area
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Pullen Pond Marsh
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%. Flooding of the area is rainfall dependent.

Pond Creek GTR
Habitat Type: The red oak mast crop is moderate this year as well as the desirable native vegetation growth.
Water Level: 90%. Flooding of this area is rainfall dependent.

Slaty GTR
Habitat Type: The red oak mast crop is moderate this year as well as the desirable native vegetation growth.
Water Level: 30%. Flooding of this area is rainfall dependent.

Santa Fe GTR
Habitat Type: The red oak mast crop is moderate this year as well as the desirable native vegetation growth.
Water Level: 100%. Flooding of this area is rainfall dependent.

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Dr. Lester Sitzes III Bois d’Arc WMA
Map | Weather Report

Bois d’Arc Lake WRA
Habitat Type: Closed to hunting.
Water Level: Normal

Red Slough WRA
Habitat Type: Closed to hunting.
Water Level: 80% coverage

GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: 95%

Little Grassy
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 80%

 

Millwood Lake
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Habitat Type: Natural vegetation
Water Level: Millwood is at 261.53 feet msl as of Jan. 24; more than 2 feet above the normal pool of 259.2 feet msl.

 

Ozan WMA
Map | Weather Report

Flooding of all units is rainfall dependent.

Unit 1
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 70%

Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 40%

Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 30%

Unit 4
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 50%

Unit 5
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 20%

 

Sulphur River WMA
Map | Weather Report

Mercer Bayou
Habitat Type: Natural vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Henry Moore WRA
Habitat Type: Closed to hunting.
Water Level: 60%

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Beryl Anthony Lower Ouachita WMA
Map | Weather Report

Water Level: No water

 

Cut-Off Creek WMA
Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Water in lower areas and sloughs.

Pigeon Creek WRA
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Pumping as conditions allow.

 

Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA Deer Research Area
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Flooding is river dependent. Click on the Water Gauge link above for current Mississippi River levels. Use extreme caution when boating in the river.

The Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA West Unit allows weekend permit hunting for youths (one adult per youth hunter); on Wednesdays, all ages may apply for a permit to hunt the blinds in the West Unit. 

 

George H. Dunklin Jr. Bayou Meto WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

The UGSG is reporting real-time water gauge readings at the headwater at each GTR within the George H. Dunklin Bayou Meto WMA. Click the Water Gauge link above for the WMA, and search for the particular GTR as noted. 

NOTE: During the 2023-24 wintering period, all intentional flooding will be held at 178.5 feet msl, an elevation that will relieve stress on many trees such as red oaks that are showing signs of distress. Rain and increased flow into the WMA will allow water to rise above that level periodically. A good rule of thumb for comparing water levels to access into Bayou Meto: 176 feet msl – water breaking into sloughs and lower ditches; 177-177.5 feet msl – water beginning to break out of sloughs and lower ditches; 178 feet msl – water in most sloughs and ditches and entering into lower elevations in woods; 178.5 feet msl – most ditches and sloughs deep enough to boat and most boat ramps become serviceable; 179 feet msl or above – water expands to the higher elevations.

Upper Vallier GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 179.55 feet msl and rising as of Jan. 24. See Gauge Link (Upper Vallier Headwater) for updated info.

Lower Vallier GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 179.57 feet msl and rising as of Jan. 24 See Gauge Link (Lower Vallier Headwater) for updated info. 

Government Cypress GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 179.76 feet msl and rising as of Jan. 24. See Gauge Link (Government Cypress Headwater) for updated info.

Buckingham Flats GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 176.66 feet and steady as of Jan. 24. See Gauge Link (Buckingham Flats Headwater) for updated info.

Temple Island GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 184.48 feet msl and rising as of Jan. 24. See Gauge Link (Temple Island Headwater) for updated info. 

Canon Brake
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood
Water Level: 177.47 feet msl and rising as of Jan. 24. See Gauge Link (Canon Brake Headwater) for updated info. 

Halowell WRA
Habitat Type: Moist soil
Water Level: Staggered flooding of units

Wrape Plantation WRA
Habitat Type: Moist soil
Water Level: Staggered flooding of units

 

Seven Devils WMA
Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Huntable water is available.

 

Trusten Holder WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Flooding is river dependent. Click on the Water Gauge link above for current Arkansas River levels.

Jan. 17, 2024

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Midwinter Survey Reveals Continued Poor Mallard Totals in Delta

The mallard population estimate in the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s annual Midwinter Aerial Survey of the state’s Delta region was more than a half-million birds below the 2009-2024 long-term surveys for the similar period, according to Brett Leach, the AGFC’s waterfowl program coordinator.

The AGFC’s aerial survey team of biologists Jason Carbaugh, Jason Jackson, Cameron Tatom and Alex Zachary flew the survey on Jan. 1-4, covering the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (or Delta), the Arkansas River Valley and southwest Arkansas. Transect surveys in the Delta showed an estimated 269,693 mallards — 510,000 mallards below the 2009-2024 long-term survey average — the first week of January and 682,089 total ducks in that region. The river valley estimate via transect surveying was 21,347 total ducks (3,841 were mallards). Cruise surveys in the southwest region reported an estimated 28,200 ducks (2,980 mallards). 

Arctic good population estimates continued to rival duck totals in the Delta — the estimate of lesser snow and Ross’s geese totaled 645,607, and 189,406 greater white-fronted geese were estimated.
During the survey, much of the state was still experiencing moderate to extreme drought. Since the last survey period in mid-December, most of the state received a 1-inch rain on Christmas Day, but not near the widespread rainfall and flooding needed to boost available habitat across the landscape. The vast majority of the state remained well below normal precipitation for December. Shortly after this survey period most of the state received a couple inches of rain, which provided some overbank flooding, leading to some additional habitat just before the deep freeze that arrived last weekend.

Lowest Mallard Count
The Delta mallard population estimate was the lowest Midwinter Survey estimate on record since transect-based surveys began. The total duck population estimate was nearly 560,000 birds below the long-term average and the lowest total duck population estimate since 2013. Arkansas on average would expect 1.24 million total ducks in the Delta region in early January.
On average, mallards account for about 64 percent of all ducks in the Delta during Midwinter surveys. During this survey period, mallards made up only 40 percent of the total duck estimate.
Biologists estimated over 40,000 mallards in three survey zones: Bayou Meto-Lower Arkansas River, Black River-Upper White River, and Cache River zones. These survey zones accounted for 58 percent of the mallard estimate throughout the Delta and 65 percent of the total duck estimate. The highest total duck estimates came from the Black-Upper White and Cache survey zones. 

Hotspot maps indicated several key duck concentration areas primarily in the northern half of the Delta, but also good distribution throughout the central portion.

Arkansas River Valley mallard and total duck estimates were well below long-term averages. During the Midwinter Survey, mallards typically make up 51 percent of the total duck estimate, but only accounted for 18 percent this survey period. A majority of the mallards were estimated in the Holla Bend and Petit Jean survey zones (56 percent).Total duck estimates were highest in the Point Remove-Plumerville, Holla Bend and East Dardanelle Reservoir survey zones.
Although no mallards were recorded in the Frog Bayou survey zone, total duck estimates are the highest observed since the 2018 midwinter survey. Hotspot maps highlight key concentration areas in these survey zones and show a much better distribution of birds than the December aerial survey.
Southwest Arkansas cruise survey counts showed slightly above average number of ducks and below average number of mallards, with about two-thirds of all mallards observed along the Red River from U.S. Highway 82 to the Sulphur River.

Time Running Short
Fifteen days remain in the Arkansas waterfowl season (as of Jan. 17), but only one more application period is left to obtain a permit for hunting through the AGFC’s WRICE program, providing a two-day flooded rice field hunting on private land for any hunters, or for permits available on certain wildlife management areas. Youth hunters will still have another chance for their permit applications to hunt on Feb. 3, but all other hunters need to apply between 3 p.m. this Thursday and midnight Sunday for a permit for the Jan. 27-31 period.
For Waterfowl Rice Incentive Conservation Enhancement program permits, each hunter winning a permit can bring three guests for Saturday and Sunday and may hunt from 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset both days. The cost $5 per applicant, and an applicant may only apply for one WRICE field each application period. Winners are contacted by email on Monday before the weekend hunt.
For GIS interactive maps, the first-choice application chart that shows each fields’ popularity (via total applications) and more information on the WRICE program, visit https://www.agfc.com/education/arkansas-waterfowl-rice-program-wrice/ .

WMA Permits
Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA received a boost from the precipitation of the past week along with a rise in the White River, and it has more water spread out among its waterfowl hunting areas (see the habitat numbers below). They are available by online permit only Saturdays and Sundays. Hunting will also be available (online permits are only required for the youth and mobility-impaired blinds and the Magellan Tract) on Tuesday, Jan. 30. Online permits are required for youth hunting Sheffield Nelson Dagmar WMA Conway George Tract blinds on Jan. 27-28, but all hunters may apply for one of the three blinds to hunt Jan. 31. Cypress Bayou Red Cut Slough units require an online permit for hunting on Saturday and Sunday, and will be open on Jan. 30 (no online application is needed, but like at Raft Creek Bottoms, hunters should pick up a permit at the visitor kiosk on-site). Youth blinds are available at Freddie Black Choctaw Island West Unit for Saturday and Sunday, and the unit will also be open on Jan. 30.

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• Southwest Arkansas
• Central Arkansas
• East-Central Arkansas
• Northwest Arkansas
• Northeast Arkansas
• Southeast Arkansas

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Big Lake WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

When the Ditch 81 extension gauge near Manila (upstream of the Big Lake north-end control structure) reads 17.5 feet, water is beginning to come over the north levee degrade on Big Lake WMA. When the Ditch 81 Extension gauge reads 18.0 feet or higher, the water level on the WMA will rise quickly and hunters should exercise caution while on the area. Be aware of underwater logs in boat runs and hangers in trees. 

North Woods GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: Gauge reading at BoDoc is unavailable because the gauge is under water; target level is 235.5 feet; 100% flooded.

South Woods GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: Gauge reading at 7-Mile is 238.30 feet; target level is 234.5 feet; 100% flooded.

Simmons Field
Habitat: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100% coverage.

 

Dave Donaldson Black River WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Waterfowl hunters should be aware of hangers and submerged logs within the boat runs and GTRs. Please exercise caution when accessing the area. Please remember to keep boats off the levees so AGFC personnel can access the area. Boats blocking access will be moved. Unattended trailers are not to be left overnight in parking areas. As of Jan. 16, the Black River level at Corning was 11.1 feet and falling.

Upper Island GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Gauge is not accessible due to high water. Target level is 269.5; 100% flooded.

Lower Island GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Gauge is not accessible due to high water. Target level is 268.0; 100% flooded.

Upper Reyno GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is 268.2 feet msl. Target level is 266.9; 100% flooded.

Lower Reyno GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is 267.8 feet msl. Target level is 266.3; 100% flooded.

Winchester GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop
Water Level: Current level is 264.85 feet msl. Target level is 263.7; 100% flooded.

 

Earl Buss Bayou DeView WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Boaters should use caution while using the Thompson Tract boat lane.

South Oliver GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Current gauge reading is 2.9 feet. 100% flooded.

Thompson Tract GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Current gauge reading is 2.8 feet, 100% flooded. 

Lake Hogue WRA
Habitat Type: Primarily deep open water
Water Level: Normal pool level

 

Shirey Bay Rainey Brake WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Waterfowl hunters should be aware of hangers and submerged logs within the boat runs and GTRs. Please exercise caution when accessing the area. In addition, hunters should allow safe passage when parking vehicles along roadsides. Vehicles blocking access will be moved.

Adam Brake GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: Water level is 240.0 feet msl with a target level of 240.0 feet msl. 100% flooded.

Rainey Brake GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: 100% flooded.

Eagle Pond GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: 100% flooded.

Phase III Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet.
Water Level: 100% flooded.

Charles Crisp Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet
Water Level: 100% flooded.

Ward Field Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100% flooded.

River Field Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet
Water Level: 100% flooded.

 

St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods within the hunt area
Water Level: Water levels on St. Francis Sunken Lands for waterfowl season are dependent on flows from the St. Francis River. The target level for providing huntable timber is 212.0 feet msl at the Oak Donnick gauge. Current reading is 216.16 feet msl.

Snowden WRA
Habitat Type: Mixed grasses
Water Level: 15% flooded

Payneway WRA
Habitat Type: A, B, C and D pools have mixed smartweed and barnyard grasses. Moderate hardwoods within pools A, B and C as well.
Water Level: Pool A is at 0% coverage. Pool B is at 0%. Pool C is at 0%. Pool D is at 40%.

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Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Hunters should call the Wildlife Hotline at 800-440-1477 for current road closures.

North Unit
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: The White River gauge at Augusta as of Jan. 16 is still not reading accurately and is experiencing technical difficulties. The water level at Glaise Creek is at 189.80 feet msl and falling. All structures on the North GTR will remain open during the 2023-24 season.

South Unit
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: The White River gauge at Augusta is still not reading accurately and is experiencing technical difficulties. The water level at Glaise Creek is at 189.80 feet msl and falling. The South Unit now has no structures to close; water will flow freely throughout the unit.

 

Rex Hancock Black Swamp WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Hunters should call the Wildlife Hotline at 800-440-1477 for current road closures.

Gregory GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: Cache River at Patterson was at 10.77 feet and rising on Jan. 16.

Wiville Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90% flooded 

 

Sheffield Nelson Dagmar WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

The Conway George units are currently available for hunting by applying for online permits. Youths may apply for Saturday and Sunday hunts, with one adult hunter allowed per one youth, up to four hunters in the blind. Wednesday permit hunts are available for adults (up to four hunters per party, three blinds available). Please visit www.agfc.com for maps, special regulations, permit application and draw dates. Hunters should call the Wildlife Hotline at 800-440-1477 for current road closures. The AGFC will not be putting boards in at Dagmar. Water coverage is dependent on river level.

Mud Slough GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: 35% coverage

Apple Lake WRA (no hunting)
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: 50% coverage.

Conway George Waterfowl Unit A
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90% coverage

Conway George Waterfowl Unit B
Habitat Type: Natural slough area with beneficial native wetland plants
Water Level: 90% coverage

Conway George Waterfowl Unit C
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90% coverage

Dark Corner Waterfowl Unit 1
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 95% 

Dark Corner Waterfowl Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90% 

Dark Corner Waterfowl Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 50%

 

Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Hunting in Raft Creek Bottoms WMA requires participation on the online draw a week before the following weekend’s hunt. There is no online draw on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and permits are available at the boat accesses. Permits ARE required (via online application) on weekends, Tuesdays and Thursdays for the youth and mobility-impaired blinds and for the Magellan Tract. Visit agfc.com to apply for the online draw. There are no designated holes.

The White River gauge at Georgetown on Tuesday, Jan. 16, was 14.5 feet and rising to the crest of 15 feet.

Unit A
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100% coverage.

Unit B
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit C
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit D
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit E
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit F (Youth Area)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit G
Habitat Type: Native vegetation.
Water Level: 50%

Unit H (Mobility-impaired blind)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit I
Habitat Type: Native vegetation.
Water Level: 50%

Unit J (Cypert Tract)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit K (Cypert Tract)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 35%

Unit L (Cypert Tract)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 30%

Unit M (Magellan Tract)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

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Bell Slough WMA
Map | Weather Report

Bell Slough GTR
Flooding of the Bell Slough GTR is rainfall dependent. Gates were lowered in the GTR water control structure Nov. 17.
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood/cypress-tupelo
Water Level: 100%

Palarm Creek WRA
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

 

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir
Map | Weather Report

Due to planned renovation work to Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir, water levels remain 3-3.5 feet below normal pool on both Pierce and Dix creeks.

 

Cypress Bayou WMA
Map| Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Good mast crop
Water Level: 100% coverage.

Red Cut Slough Tract

Unit 1
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 20%

Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 20%

Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 4
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 5
Habitat Type: Native vegetation.
Water Level: 100%

Unit 6
Habitat Type: Open water reservoir
Water Level: 80%

 

Harris Brake WMA
Map | Weather Report

Upper GTR
Habitat Type: Good mast crop
Water Level: 100% coverage 

Lower GTR
Habitat Type: Good mast crop.
Water Level: 15% coverage. The Harris Brake Lake valve was opened on Nov. 15 to begin supplemental flooding of both the Lower and Upper GTRs. Damage to one of the Lower GTRs water control structures is allowing water to drain from the Lower GTR and can’t currently be fixed. Sloughs and ditches within the Lower GTR unit will continue to hold water. However, the majority of the Lower GTR unit will stay drained due to the water control structure damage.

 

Holland Bottoms WMA
Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Mast crop
Water Level: Recent rainfall has begun to fill low-lying depressions and sloughs on the WMA.

Lake Pickthorne WRA (no hunting)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation and millet
Water Level: Both the East Unit and West Unit are 100% flooded. 

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Dardanelle WMA
Map | Weather Report

McKennon Bottoms (half-day hunting)
Habitat Type: Native moist soil
Water Level: 100% coverage

Potter’s Pothole Hartman Waterfowl Unit (half-day hunting)
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100% coverage

 

Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA
Map | Weather Report

Flooding of waterfowl impoundments on Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA began Oct. 27, 2023, and most waterfowl impoundments are now at or near full pool. 

Little Hole (Unit 1)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 95% flooded

Willow Island (Unit 2)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 95%

Red Gate (Unit 3)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 95%

Pig Trough (Units 4 and 5)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation and Japanese millet
Water Level: 90%

Cedar Ridge (Unit 6)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 85%

Unit 7a
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 90%

Unit 7b
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 30%

Duck Trap (Units 8a, 8b and 8c)

8a
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 95%

8b
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 85%

8c
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 90%

Unit 9
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 95%

Controversy Corner (Unit 10)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation and Japanese millet
Water Level: 100%

Remmel Marsh
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Mud Pond (Unit 12)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 90%

Turkey Pond (Units 13a, 13b and 13c)

13a
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 90%

13b
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 80%

13c
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 80%

Teeny Pond (Unit 14)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 40%

Salt Lick (Unit 15)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Bobby’s Pond (Unit 16)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Race Track (Unit 17)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

 

Frog Bayou WMA
Map | Weather Report

Unit 1
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation. Unit is rainfall dependent.
Water Level: 90% 

Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 4
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 5
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 6
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%. 

Unit 7
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

 

Galla Creek WMA
Map | Weather Report

Galla Creek
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation and Japanese millet. The gate was raised to begin the final stage of flooding on Jan. 2 and the waterfowl impoundment is now at full pool.
Water Level: 100%

 

Nimrod Lloyd Millwood WMA
Map | Weather Report

Nimrod GTR
Habitat Type: The red oak mast crop is moderate this year as well as the desirable native vegetation growth. The water control structures were closed on Nov. 15.
Water Level: 90% flooded. Flooding of the area is rainfall dependent.

 

Ozark Lake WMA/Dyer Lake Water Unit
Weather Report

Dyer Lake Cells

Unit 1 Dyer main cell
Habitat Type: Japanese millet
Water Level: 100% coverage for both units

Unit 2 Dyer Road Cell
Habitat Type: Native moist soil
Water Level: 100% coverage

Unit 3 South Cell
Habitat Type: Chiwapa and Japanese millet
Water Level: 25% coverage

Unit 4 West Cell (rainfall dependent)
Habitat Type: Fallow disked
Water Level: 0% coverage

 

Petit Jean River WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Sorehead Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Blacklands Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation. The red oak trees within the unit produced a moderate mast crop this year. Pumping of this unit is dictated by river levels. Due to the constant river level fluctuations, there is not a set date that this unit will be at full pool.
Water Level: 100% 

Slaty Crossing Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Blacklands Duck Area
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Pullen Pond Marsh
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%. Flooding of the area is rainfall dependent.

Pond Creek GTR
Habitat Type: The red oak mast crop is moderate this year as well as the desirable native vegetation growth. The water control structures were closed Nov. 15.
Water Level: 90%. Flooding of this area is rainfall dependent.

Slaty GTR
Habitat Type: The red oak mast crop is moderate this year as well as the desirable native vegetation growth. The water control structures were closed Nov. 15.
Water Level: 30%. Flooding of this area is rainfall dependent.

Santa Fe GTR
Habitat Type: The red oak mast crop is moderate this year as well as the desirable native vegetation growth. The water control structures were closed Nov. 15.
Water Level: 100%. Flooding of this area is rainfall dependent.

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Dr. Lester Sitzes III Bois d’Arc WMA
Map | Weather Report

Bois d’Arc Lake WRA
Habitat Type: Closed to hunting.
Water Level: Normal

Red Slough WRA
Habitat Type: Closed to hunting.
Water Level: 80% coverage

GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: 95%

Little Grassy
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 80%

 

Millwood Lake
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Habitat Type: Natural vegetation
Water Level: Millwood is at 260.39 feet msl as of Jan. 17; 259.2 is normal pool.

 

Ozan WMA
Map | Weather Report

Flooding of all units is rainfall dependent.

Unit 1
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 70%

Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 40%

Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 30%

Unit 4
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 50%

Unit 5
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 20%

 

Sulphur River WMA
Map | Weather Report

Mercer Bayou
Habitat Type: Natural vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Henry Moore WRA
Habitat Type: Closed to hunting.
Water Level: 60%

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Beryl Anthony Lower Ouachita WMA
Map | Weather Report

Water Level: No water

 

Cut-Off Creek WMA
Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Water in lower areas and sloughs.

Pigeon Creek WRA
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Pumping as conditions allow.

 

Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA Deer Research Area
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Flooding is river dependent. Click on the Water Gauge link above for current Mississippi River levels. Use extreme caution when boating in the river.

The Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA West Unit allows weekend permit hunting for youths (one adult per youth hunter); on Wednesdays, all ages may apply for a permit to hunt the blinds in the West Unit. 

 

George H. Dunklin Jr. Bayou Meto WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

The UGSG is reporting real-time water gauge readings at the headwater at each GTR within the George H. Dunklin Bayou Meto WMA. Click the Water Gauge link above for the WMA, and search for the particular GTR as noted. 

NOTE: During the 2023-24 wintering period, all intentional flooding will be held at 178.5 feet msl, an elevation that will relieve stress on many trees such as red oaks that are showing signs of distress. Rain and increased flow into the WMA will allow water to rise above that level periodically. A good rule of thumb for comparing water levels to access into Bayou Meto: 176 feet msl – water breaking into sloughs and lower ditches; 177-177.5 feet msl – water beginning to break out of sloughs and lower ditches; 178 feet msl – water in most sloughs and ditches and entering into lower elevations in woods; 178.5 feet msl – most ditches and sloughs deep enough to boat and most boat ramps become serviceable; 179 feet msl or above – water expands to the higher elevations.

Upper Vallier GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 179.18 feet msl and steady as of Jan. 17. See Gauge Link (Upper Vallier Headwater) for updated info.

Lower Vallier GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 179.08 feet msl and steady as of Jan. 17. See Gauge Link (Lower Vallier Headwater) for updated info. 

Government Cypress GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 179.40 feet msl and steady as of Jan. 17. See Gauge Link (Government Cypress Headwater) for updated info.

Buckingham Flats GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 176.40 feet as of Jan. 17. See Gauge Link (Buckingham Flats Headwater) for updated info.

Temple Island GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 184.18 feet msl and steady as of Jan. 17. See Gauge Link (Temple Island Headwater) for updated info.

Canon Brake
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood
Water Level: 164.54 feet msl and rising as of Jan. 17. See Gauge Link (Canon Brake Headwater) for updated info. 

Halowell WRA
Habitat Type: Moist soil
Water Level: Staggered flooding of units

Wrape Plantation WRA
Habitat Type: Moist soil
Water Level: Staggered flooding of units

 

Seven Devils WMA
Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Huntable water is available.

 

Trusten Holder WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Flooding is river dependent. Click on the Water Gauge link above for current Arkansas River levels.

Jan. 10, 2024

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Winter Weather, Rain Help Move Ducks Around

Last Friday’s wintry weather in the Midwest that dipped into Arkansas, along with rainfall later Friday in many parts of the state’s Delta area, provided The Natural State with some needed water in its popular duck hunting areas. It’s still a far cry from the heavy, extended rain that water biologists want to see for Arkansas by this time of the waterfowl season, but it appeared to spark some pulses of movement in areas that had been seeing mostly stale ducks for weeks.

Observations by this writer in the Arkansas County area last weekend can testify to many more mallards being seen moving, particularly later in the day Saturday. Activity was a little slower (and so too was the prairie shooting) on Sunday, however, despite a bluebird day that started in the mid-30s but reached into the 50s by midafternoon.

Four Arkansas Game and Fish Commission waterfowl biologists participated in the AGFC’s annual Midwinter Aerial Survey last week, though the complete data was not available for publication for this report or on the agfc.com website by publication time this week.

AGFC biologist Jason Carbaugh, who surveys northeast Arkansas, said Wednesday, “I did see more ducks in this survey. Lake Ashbaugh, (an area) north of Earl Buss Bayou DeView WMA, and southwest of Cherry Valley were my top three concentrations of ducks. Hopefully this cold front will push more in. Unfortunately, it will most likely freeze solid next week with single digits at night.”

Heavy snow blanketed central and eastern Missouri on Friday, and central and eastern Iowa and northern Missouri got another heavy dousing of snow on Monday, which should cover waterfowl food sources above Arkansas. The Natural State should see more rainfall Thursday and Friday, but a big drop in temperature is expected throughout the midwest and into Arkansas over the weekend and through next Monday’s holiday.

Increase in surface water is evident this week at George H. Dunklin Jr. Bayou Meto WMA, where both Upper Vallier and Lower Valliera areas had topped the 178.5 feet msl mark this week. Board go in at those locations when the water hits 178.5 feet this year, with 178.5 feet indicating that most ditches and sloughs are deep enough to boat and most boat ramps are serviceable. Another half-foot rise in water in Bayou Meto would be ideal.

Popular WRICE
While Arkansas hunters, particularly in public hunting areas where water has been scarce in many places, have lamented the apparent fall-off in waterfowl hunting this season, the demand for permits for the public availability of private rice field hunts through the AGFC’s WRICE program are at an all-time high.

Applications last weekend for this Saturday and Sunday’s WRICE hunts hit an all-time mark of 605 for the 61 fields that were made available. The most popular field among applicants is the Altheimer A field in southeast Arkansas near Pine Bluff, with 50 applications for the single permit available. This individual field has been the most in demand by average this season, with more than 40 applications on average each weekend.

The two fields on property near Humphrey, up U.S. Highway 79 from Altheimer, drew a combined 54 applications for two winning hunters this week. These two fields also have been extremely popular among applicants. So have a couple of fields at Georgetown, near Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA.

Each hunter can bring three guests for Saturday and Sunday and may hunt from 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset both days. Application fees are $5 per hunter, and a hunter may only apply for one WRICE field each application period (which runs 3 p.m. Thursday to midnight Sunday, with winners contacted by email on Monday before the weekend hunt).

The AGFC’s WRICE program is under the auspices of the new Public Lands Habitat Division and was formerly under the Wildlife Management Division, of which public lands was a part. Public Lands was able to line up 78 fields for WRICE this season, but dry conditions and no nearby surface water to pump and flood fields have kept 20 or so fields out of the rotation, though that number is gradually shrinking with recent rainfall.

The popularity of the program — offering a private-land rice field hunt for anyone — is quite evident this season. Including the weekends where two days of hunting were available (the weekend before Christmas only provided one weekend hunting day), WRICE applications have averaged 477 hunters, well above previous years. Another 358 applied for permits for Dec. 23. Thirty youth hunters took advantage of the program on the first special youth hunt, Dec. 2, and several youths were the only applicants for certain fields, guarantee them and their party a rice field hunt. Youth will get another chance Feb. 3.

WRICE stands for Waterfowl Rice Incentive Conservation Enhancement. The program was developed by AGFC biologists to help keep waste rice available for ducks, geese and other migrating birds when they pass through each winter. It was expanded five years ago to allow weekend permitted public waterfowl hunting opportunities on participating rice fields. Farmers may still operate and harvest their rice fields as normal, but can receive added income by leaving stubble and flooding fields during waterfowl migration, and allowing permitted public hunting opportunities.

For GIS interactive maps, the first-choice application chart that shows each fields’ popularity (via total applications) and more information on the WRICE program, visit https://www.agfc.com/education/arkansas-waterfowl-rice-program-wrice/ .

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• Southwest Arkansas
• Central Arkansas
• East-Central Arkansas
• Northwest Arkansas
• Northeast Arkansas
• Southeast Arkansas

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Big Lake WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

When the Ditch 81 extension gauge near Manila (upstream of the Big Lake north-end control structure) reads 17.5 feet, water is beginning to come over the north levee degrade on Big Lake WMA. When the Ditch 81 Extension gauge reads 18.0 feet or higher, the water level on the WMA will rise quickly and hunters should exercise caution while on the area. Be aware of underwater logs in boat runs and hangers in trees. 

North Woods GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: Gauge reading at BoDoc is 236.10 feet; target level is 235.5 feet; 100% flooded.

South Woods GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: Gauge reading at 7-Mile is 234.92 feet; target level is 234.5 feet; 100% flooded.

Simmons Field
Habitat: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100% coverage.

 

Dave Donaldson Black River WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Waterfowl hunters should be aware of hangers and submerged logs within the boat runs and GTRs. Please exercise caution when accessing the area. Please remember to keep boats off the levees so AGFC personnel can access the area. Boats blocking access will be moved. Unattended trailers are not to be left overnight in parking areas. As of Jan. 10, the Black River level at Corning was 4.93 feet and rising, up almost 3 feet from Sunday, Jan. 8.

Upper Island GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is 269.55. Target level is 269.5; 100% flooded.

Lower Island GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is 268.5 feet msl. Target level is 268.0; 100% flooded.

Upper Reyno GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is 266.85 feet msl. Target level is 266.9; 95% flooded.

Lower Reyno GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is 266.5 feet msl. Target level is 266.3; 100% flooded.

Winchester GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop
Water Level: Current level is 263.45 feet msl. Target level is 263.7; 80% flooded.

 

Earl Buss Bayou DeView WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Boaters should use caution while using the Thompson Tract boat lane.

South Oliver GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Current gauge reading is 0.4 feet, 40% flooded, with most water found in the natural slough on the north end. The GTR is slowly on the rise.

Thompson Tract GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Current gauge reading is 0.85 feet, 60% flooded.

Lake Hogue WRA
Habitat Type: Primarily deep open water
Water Level: Normal pool level

 

Shirey Bay Rainey Brake WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Waterfowl hunters should be aware of hangers and submerged logs within the boat runs and GTRs. Please exercise caution when accessing the area. In addition, hunters should allow safe passage when parking vehicles along roadsides. Vehicles blocking access will be moved.

Adam Brake GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: Water level is 239.5 feet msl with a target level of 240.0 feet msl. 70% flooded.

Rainey Brake GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: 100% flooded.

Eagle Pond GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: 100% flooded.

Phase III Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet.
Water Level: 70% flooded.

Charles Crisp Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet
Water Level: 100% flooded.

Ward Field Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100% flooded.

River Field Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet
Water Level: 100% flooded.

 

St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods within the hunt area
Water Level: Water levels on St. Francis Sunken Lands for waterfowl season are dependent on flows from the St. Francis River. The target level for providing huntable timber is 212.0 feet msl at the Oak Donnick gauge. Current reading is 213.21 feet msl.

Snowden WRA
Habitat Type: Mixed grasses
Water Level: 10% flooded

Payneway WRA
Habitat Type: A, B, C and D pools have mixed smartweed and barnyard grasses. Moderate hardwoods within pools A, B and C as well.
Water Level: Pool A is at 0% coverage. Pool B is at 0%. Pool C is at 0%. Pool D is at 10%.

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Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Hunters should call the Wildlife Hotline at 800-440-1477 for current road closures.

North Unit
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: The White River at Augusta as of Jan. 10 was 14/.21 feet (flood stage is 26 feet) and rising. The water level at Glaise Creek is at 188.67 feet msl and rising. All structures on the North GTR will remain open during the 2023-24 season.

South Unit
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: The White River at Augusta is 14.21 feet and rising as of Jan. 10. The water level at Glaise Creek is at 188.67 feet msl and rising. The South Unit now has no structures to close; water will flow freely throughout the unit.

 

Rex Hancock Black Swamp WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Hunters should call the Wildlife Hotline at 800-440-1477 for current road closures.

Gregory GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: Cache River at Patterson was at 5.35 feet and rising on Jan. 9.

Wiville Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90% flooded 

 

Sheffield Nelson Dagmar WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

The Conway George units are currently available for hunting by applying for online permits. Youths may apply for Saturday and Sunday hunts, with one adult hunter allowed per one youth, up to four hunters in the blind. Wednesday permit hunts are available for adults (up to four hunters per party, three blinds available). Please visit www.agfc.com for maps, special regulations, permit application and draw dates. Hunters should call the Wildlife Hotline at 800-440-1477 for current road closures. The AGFC will not be putting boards in at Dagmar. Water coverage is dependent on river level.

Mud Slough GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: 20% coverage

Apple Lake WRA (no hunting)
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: 35% coverage.

Conway George Waterfowl Unit A
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90% coverage

Conway George Waterfowl Unit B
Habitat Type: Natural slough area with beneficial native wetland plants
Water Level: 90% coverage

Conway George Waterfowl Unit C
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90% coverage

Dark Corner Waterfowl Unit 1
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 95% 

Dark Corner Waterfowl Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90% 

Dark Corner Waterfowl Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 50%

 

Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Hunting in Raft Creek Bottoms WMA requires participation on the online draw a week before the following weekend’s hunt. There is no online draw on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and permits are available at the boat accesses. Permits ARE required (via online application) on weekends, Tuesdays and Thursdays for the youth and mobility-impaired blinds and for the Magellan Tract. Visit agfc.com to apply for the online draw. There are no designated holes.

The White River gauge at Georgetown on Wednesday Jan. 10, was 3.08 feet and rising (up almost a foot in 24 hours).

Unit A
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100% coverage.

Unit B
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 65%

Unit C
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 60%

Unit D
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 75%

Unit E
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 80%

Unit F (Youth Area)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit G
Habitat Type: Native vegetation.
Water Level: 0%

Unit H (Mobility-impaired blind)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit I
Habitat Type: Native vegetation.
Water Level: 0%

Unit J (Cypert Tract)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 75%

Unit K (Cypert Tract)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 5%

Unit L (Cypert Tract)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 0%

Unit M (Magellan Tract)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 97%

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Bell Slough WMA
Map | Weather Report

Bell Slough GTR
Flooding of the Bell Slough GTR is rainfall dependent. Gates were lowered in the GTR water control structure Nov. 17. 

Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood/cypress-tupelo
Water Level: 0%

Palarm Creek WRA
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 95%

 

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir
Map | Weather Report

Due to planned renovation work to Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir, water levels remain 4.5-5 feet below normal pool on both Pierce and Dix creeks.

 

Cypress Bayou WMA
Map| Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Good mast crop
Water Level: 25% coverage.

Red Cut Slough Tract

Unit 1
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 0%

Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 0%

Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90%

Unit 4
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 50%

Unit 5
Habitat Type: Native vegetation.
Water Level: 100%

Unit 6
Habitat Type: Open water reservoir
Water Level: 65%

 

Harris Brake WMA
Map | Weather Report

Upper GTR
Habitat Type: Good mast crop
Water Level: 100% coverage 

Lower GTR
Habitat Type: Good mast crop.
Water Level: 15% coverage. The Harris Brake Lake valve was opened on Nov. 15 to begin supplemental flooding of both the Lower and Upper GTRs. Damage to one of the Lower GTRs water control structures is allowing water to drain from the Lower GTR and can’t currently be fixed. Sloughs and ditches within the Lower GTR unit will continue to hold water. However, the majority of the Lower GTR unit will stay drained due to the water control structure damage.

 

Holland Bottoms WMA
Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Mast crop
Water Level: Recent rainfall has begun to fill low-lying depressions and sloughs on the WMA.

Lake Pickthorne WRA (no hunting)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation and millet
Water Level: Both the East Unit and West Unit are 100% flooded.

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Dardanelle WMA
Map | Weather Report

McKennon Bottoms (half-day hunting)
Habitat Type: Native moist soil
Water Level: 100% coverage

Potter’s Pothole Hartman Waterfowl Unit (half-day hunting)
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100% coverage

 

Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA
Map | Weather Report

Flooding of waterfowl impoundments on Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA began Oct. 27 and will continue as long as water levels in Point Remove Creek allow. 

Little Hole (Unit 1)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 90% flooded

Willow Island (Unit 2)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 90%

Red Gate (Unit 3)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 95%

Pig Trough (Units 4 and 5)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation and Japanese millet
Water Level: 80%

Cedar Ridge (Unit 6)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 85%

Unit 7a
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 80%

Unit 7b
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 0%

Duck Trap (Units 8a, 8b and 8c)

8a
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 90%

8b
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 85%

8c
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 90%

Unit 9
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 95%

Controversy Corner (Unit 10)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation and Japanese millet
Water Level: 90%

Remmel Marsh
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 90%

Mud Pond (Unit 12)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 90%

Turkey Pond (Units 13a, 13b and 13c)

13a
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 75%

13b
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 70%

13c
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 80%

Teeny Pond (Unit 14)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 20%

Salt Lick (Unit 15)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Bobby’s Pond (Unit 16)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 60%

Race Track (Unit 17)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 70%

 

Frog Bayou WMA
Map | Weather Report

Unit 1
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation. Unit is rainfall dependent.
Water Level: 90%. 

Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%. 

Unit 4
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 5
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 6
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%. 

Unit 7
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

 

Galla Creek WMA
Map | Weather Report

Galla Creek
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation and Japanese millet. The gate was raised to begin the final stage of flooding on Jan. 2.
Water Level: 80%

 

Nimrod Lloyd Millwood WMA
Map | Weather Report

Nimrod GTR
Habitat Type: The red oak mast crop is moderate this year as well as the desirable native vegetation growth. The water control structures were closed on Nov. 15.
Water Level: 25% flooded. Flooding of the area is rainfall dependent.

 

Ozark Lake WMA/Dyer Lake Water Unit
Weather Report

Dyer Lake Cells

Unit 1 Dyer main cell
Habitat Type: Japanese millet
Water Level: 100% coverage for both units

Unit 2 Dyer Road Cell
Habitat Type: Native moist soil
Water Level: 100% coverage

Unit 3 South Cell
Habitat Type: Chiwapa and Japanese millet
Water Level: 25% coverage

Unit 4 West Cell (rainfall dependent)
Habitat Type: Fallow disked
Water Level: 0% coverage

 

Petit Jean River WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Sorehead Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Blacklands Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation. The red oak trees within the unit produced a moderate mast crop this year. Pumping of this unit is dictated by river levels. Due to the constant river level fluctuations, there is not a set date that this unit will be at full pool.
Water Level: 100% 

Slaty Crossing Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Blacklands Duck Area
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Pullen Pond Marsh
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 30%. Flooding of the area is rainfall dependent.

Pond Creek GTR
Habitat Type: The red oak mast crop is moderate this year as well as the desirable native vegetation growth. The water control structures were closed Nov. 15.
Water Level: 40%. Flooding of this area is rainfall dependent.

Slaty GTR
Habitat Type: The red oak mast crop is moderate this year as well as the desirable native vegetation growth. The water control structures were closed Nov. 15.
Water Level: 20%. Flooding of this area is rainfall dependent.

Santa Fe GTR
Habitat Type: The red oak mast crop is moderate this year as well as the desirable native vegetation growth. The water control structures were closed Nov. 15.
Water Level: 40%. Flooding of this area is rainfall dependent.

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Dr. Lester Sitzes III Bois d’Arc WMA
Map | Weather Report

Bois d’Arc Lake WRA
Habitat Type: Closed to hunting.
Water Level: Normal

Red Slough WRA
Habitat Type: Closed to hunting.
Water Level: 80% coverage

GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: 95%

Little Grassy
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 80%

 

Millwood Lake
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Habitat Type: Natural vegetation
Water Level: Millwood is at 259.75 feet msl as of Jan. 10, 259.2 is normal pool.

 

Ozan WMA
Map | Weather Report

Flooding of all units is rainfall dependent.

Unit 1
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 70%

Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 40%

Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 30%

Unit 4
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 50%

Unit 5
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 20%

 

Sulphur River WMA
Map | Weather Report

Mercer Bayou
Habitat Type: Natural vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Henry Moore WRA
Habitat Type: Closed to hunting.
Water Level: 60%

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Beryl Anthony Lower Ouachita WMA
Map | Weather Report

Water Level: No water

 

Cut-Off Creek WMA
Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: No water

Pigeon Creek WRA
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: No water

 

Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA Deer Research Area
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Flooding is river dependent. Click on the Water Gauge link above for current Mississippi River levels. Use extreme caution when boating in the river.

The Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA West Unit allows weekend permit hunting for youths (one adult per youth hunter); on Wednesdays, all ages may apply for a permit to hunt the blinds in the West Unit. 

 

George H. Dunklin Jr. Bayou Meto WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

The UGSG is reporting real-time water gauge readings at the headwater at each GTR within the George H. Dunklin Bayou Meto WMA. Click the Water Gauge link above for the WMA, and search for the particular GTR as noted. 

NOTE: During the 2023-24 wintering period, all intentional flooding will be held at 178.5 feet msl, an elevation that will relieve stress on many trees such as red oaks that are showing signs of distress. Rain and increased flow into the WMA will allow water to rise above that level periodically. A good rule of thumb for comparing water levels to access into Bayou Meto: 176 feet msl – water breaking into sloughs and lower ditches; 177-177.5 feet msl – water beginning to break out of sloughs and lower ditches; 178 feet msl – water in most sloughs and ditches and entering into lower elevations in woods; 178.5 feet msl – most ditches and sloughs deep enough to boat and most boat ramps become serviceable; 179 feet msl or above – water expands to the higher elevations.

Upper Vallier GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 178.77 feet msl and rising as of Jan. 10. See Gauge Link (Upper Vallier Headwater) for updated info.

Lower Vallier GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 178.68 feet msl and rising as of Jan. 10 See Gauge Link (Lower Vallier Headwater) for updated info. 

Government Cypress GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 178.86 feet msl and rising as of Jan. 10. See Gauge Link (Government Cypress Headwater) for updated info.

Buckingham Flats GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 176.44 feet and steady as of Jan. 10. See Gauge Link (Buckingham Flats Headwater) for updated info.

Temple Island GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 184.15 feet msl and steady as of Jan. 10. See Gauge Link (Temple Island Headwater) for updated info. Water too low for pumping.

Canon Brake
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood
Water Level: 164.16 feet msl as of Jan. 10. See Gauge Link (Canon Brake Headwater) for updated info. 

Halowell WRA
Habitat Type: Moist soil
Water Level: Staggered flooding of units

Wrape Plantation WRA
Habitat Type: Moist soil
Water Level: Staggered flooding of units

 

Seven Devils WMA
Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: No water

 

Trusten Holder WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Flooding is river dependent. Click on the Water Gauge link above for current Arkansas River levels.

Jan. 3, 2024

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Waiting for the Rain

Arkansas Needs a Gully Washer for Ducks to Rush In

Information for the Weekly Waterfowl Report seems to have become monotonous: It’s been the refrain for weeks, but in Arkansas (and pretty much all the states within the Mississippi Flyway), we keep waiting for the rain — the heavier the better.

The good news is that Friday calls for a great chance of rainfall across Arkansas, followed up by rain expected for Monday. The first rain is part of a front that national weather forecasters say will help create a winter storm in the eastern midwest and into the northeast states. Maybe next week, the midwestern U.S. will see more wintry weather.

But for all the states abutting the Mississippi River and experiencing everything from abnormally dry conditions to extraordinary drought, it’s going to take a BIG gully washer over a few days time to bring about conditions that traditionally, according to waterfowl biologists, move ducks along their usual flyway routes.

That much has been obvious in Arkansas since the waterfowl season began Nov. 18.

Arkansas is in the third “segment” of its 60-day season, running uninterrupted now until Jan. 31. The AGFC’s December Aerial Waterfowl Survey showed a significant drop in overall ducks as well as mallards in the Delta area of the state from previous samples of the same period, resulting in the lowest counts since the aerial survey began in 2009. The AGFC survey team is flying this week for the annual Midwinter Survey, and there’s little indication that numbers will be much different than last month.

“It’s been pretty quiet lately,” Brett Leach, the AGFC’s waterfowl program coordinator, said Wednesday of any duck reports. “I haven’t really heard much other than just waiting on rain.” 

Anecdotal reports indicated a nice abundance of ducks seen on Halowell Reservoir in the past week. Trey Reid, AGFC assistant chief of communications and host of Arkansas Wildlife TV, was in George H. Dunklin Bayou Meto Wildlife Management Area last week and in other nearby publicly accessible hunting areas of south-central Arkansas, and said hunters were using Lower Vallier, with some others in Upper Vallier, of Bayou Meto, but the limited amount of water in the WMA had hunters bunched in a smaller-than-usual area to hunt. There is little to no water in Bayou Meto topping 178 feet on U.S. Geological Survey gauges to indicate that water is in most sloughs and ditches and beginning to enter lower elevations in woods. Most areas need a half-foot or more of water to fill most ditches and sloughs to be deep enough for most boat ramps to become serviceable.

In other AGFC public areas managed for waterfowl, such as Frog Bayou WMA and Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA, water coverage of the moist-soil units is good, according to this week’s report from WMA managers and biologists (see below). However, according to Luke Naylor, the AGFC chief of wildlife management and Leach’s predecessor in charge of the waterfowl program, the Arkansas River Valley would see a boost in ducks if Point Remove Creek were overflowing its banks thanks to usual winter flooding. He also notes that a flooding of the White River bottoms always seems to instinctively turn on the duck migration from northern climes. As it stands now, the USGS White River gauge at Georgetown, near Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA, is at a mere 1.8 feet. The White River gauge at Augusta, which indicates the amount of water that would flow into Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA, is below 14 feet (26 feet is flood level). Glaise Creek, which traditionally needed to top 192 feet for flooding of Hurricane WMA to be realized, is almost 4 feet below that number.

Lest the blame for fewer-than-normal ducks only be placed on drought conditions, Naylor and Leach both remind waterfowlers of one fact that seems to be neglected in recent weeks: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s breeding population count from the Dakotas and Canada last spring were the lowest seen since 1993. Much of that was blamed on extreme drought conditions in those areas last year. 

Arkansas is not lacking on the geese front, according to both anecdotal reports and observations by this reporter in the past week. Snow geese and greater white-fronted geese continue to dominate the waterfowl landscape in east-central, southeast and east Arkansas. In fact, in our observations, snow geese are now significantly outnumbering the specks in areas of east-central Arkansas that were speck heavy just three weeks ago. The December aerial survey of the state’s Delta region also reflected a big rush of snow geese early in December, too, with more than 600,000 snows and blues estimated in the waterfowl count, compared to just below 200,000 specks. Combined, total geese were well ahead of total ducks throughout the Delta in the early days of December.

WRICE and Water
Arkansas hunters can enjoy a private land rice field-style hunt with pumped surface water at several sites around the state thanks to the AGFC’s Waterfowl Rice Incentive Conservation Enhancement program. Sixty-one fields were available for this weekend’s online draw, with 502 hunters applying for spots.

The heaviest interest among hungers for a WRICE field were in the Georgetown, Slovak, Altheimer and Longbell areas — this information is available to the public weekly as part of the WRICE field information provided by the AGFC at https://www.agfc.com/education/arkansas-waterfowl-rice-program-wrice/

The fields available have been pumped, and most provide ample cover for hunters through pit blinds or sled blinds. All are available for scouting from the road before the weekend hunts. Hunting parties (the winner of the draw and up to three other hunters) may hunt from 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset both Saturday and Sunday.

GIS interactive maps of the sites are available on the WRICE program’s page on agfc.com. Other special permit hunts via online draw — at Cypress Bayou WMA Red Cut Slough, Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA, Sheffield Nelson Dagmar WMA Conway George Tract and Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA and Deer Research Area West Unit Youth Hunts — are available on weekends (Dagmar Conway George Units are available by permit to all ages on Wednesdays). These areas are open until noon for hunting. Visit https://www.agfc.com/hunting/waterfowl/special-waterfowl-permit-hunts/ for more information. 

Unrestricted permits for hunting are available at Raft Creek Bottoms and Red Cut Slough on Tuesdays and Thursdays only, in addition to the online draw permits for the weekends. Online permits are still required for the Magellan Tract, youth blind and mobility-impaired blind on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Raft Creek Bottoms WMA.

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• Southwest Arkansas
• Central Arkansas
• East-Central Arkansas
• Northwest Arkansas
• Northeast Arkansas
• Southeast Arkansas

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Big Lake WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

When the Ditch 81 extension gauge near Manila (upstream of the Big Lake north-end control structure) reads 17.5 feet, water is beginning to come over the north levee degrade on Big Lake WMA. When the Ditch 81 Extension gauge reads 18.0 feet or higher, the water level on the WMA will rise quickly and hunters should exercise caution while on the area. Be aware of underwater logs in boat runs and hangers in trees. 

North Woods GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: Gauge reading at BoDoc is 236.08 feet; target level is 235.5 feet; 100% flooded.

South Woods GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: Gauge reading at 7-Mile is 234.75 feet; target level is 234.5 feet; 100% flooded.

Simmons Field
Habitat: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100% coverage.

 

Dave Donaldson Black River WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Waterfowl hunters should be aware of hangers and submerged logs within the boat runs and GTRs. Please exercise caution when accessing the area. Please remember to keep boats off the levees so AGFC personnel can access the area. Boats blocking access will be moved. Unattended trailers are not to be left overnight in parking areas. As of Jan. 3, the Black River level at Corning was 2.3 feet and holding.

Upper Island GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is 269.55. Target level is 269.5; 100% flooded.

Lower Island GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is 268.45 feet msl. Target level is 268.0; 100% flooded.

Upper Reyno GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is 266.8 feet msl. Target level is 266.9; 95% flooded.

Lower Reyno GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is 266.45 feet msl. Target level is 266.3; 100% flooded.

Winchester GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop
Water Level: Current level is 263.45 feet msl. Target level is 263.7; 80% flooded.

 

Earl Buss Bayou DeView WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Boaters should use caution while using the Thompson Tract boat lane.

South Oliver GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Current gauge reading is 0.0 feet. 0% flooded.

Thompson Tract GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Current gauge reading is 0.0 feet. 0% flooded. The Thompson Tract GTR will be allowed to rise and fall naturally without the gates being operated later and partially this season. This action is an effort to help the next generation of forest.

Lake Hogue WRA
Habitat Type: Primarily deep open water
Water Level: Normal pool level

 

Shirey Bay Rainey Brake WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Waterfowl hunters should be aware of hangers and submerged logs within the boat runs and GTRs. Please exercise caution when accessing the area. In addition, hunters should allow safe passage when parking vehicles along roadsides. Vehicles blocking access will be moved.

Adam Brake GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: Water level is 239.5 feet msl with a target level of 240.0 feet msl. 70% flooded.

Rainey Brake GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: 100% flooded.

Eagle Pond GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: 100% flooded.

Phase III Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet.
Water Level: 70% flooded.

Charles Crisp Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet
Water Level: 100% flooded.

Ward Field Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100% flooded.

River Field Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet
Water Level: 100% flooded.

 

St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods within the hunt area
Water Level: Water levels on St. Francis Sunken Lands for waterfowl season are dependent on flows from the St. Francis River. The target level for providing huntable timber is 212.0 feet msl at the Oak Donnick gauge. Current reading is 212.71 feet msl.

Snowden WRA
Habitat Type: Mixed grasses
Water Level: 10% flooded

Payneway WRA
Habitat Type: A, B, C and D pools have mixed smartweed and barnyard grasses. Moderate hardwoods within pools A, B and C as well.
Water Level: Pool A is at 0% coverage. Pool B is at 0%. Pool C is at 0%. Pool D is at 10%.

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Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Hunters should call the Wildlife Hotline at 800-440-1477 for current road closures.

North Unit
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: The White River at Augusta as of Dec. 28 was 13.62 feet (flood stage is 26 feet) and slightly rising. The water level at Glaise Creek is at 187.91 feet msl and falling. All structures on the North GTR will remain open during the 2023-24 season.

South Unit
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: The White River at Augusta is 13.62 feet and slightly rising as of Jan. 3. The water level at Glaise Creek is at 187.91 feet msl and falling. The South Unit now has no structures to close; water will flow freely throughout the unit.

 

Rex Hancock Black Swamp WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Hunters should call the Wildlife Hotline at 800-440-1477 for current road closures.

Gregory GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: Cache River at Patterson was at 4.2 feet and on a slight fall on Jan. 3.

Wiville Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90% flooded 

 

Sheffield Nelson Dagmar WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

The Conway George units are currently available for hunting by applying for online permits. Youths may apply for Saturday and Sunday hunts, with one adult hunter allowed per one youth, up to four hunters in the blind. Wednesday permit hunts are available for adults (up to four hunters per party, three blinds available). Please visit www.agfc.com for maps, special regulations, permit application and draw dates. Hunters should call the Wildlife Hotline at 800-440-1477 for current road closures. The AGFC will not be putting boards in at Dagmar. Water coverage is dependent on river level.

Mud Slough GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: 10% coverage

Apple Lake WRA (no hunting)
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: 25% coverage.

Conway George Waterfowl Unit A
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90% coverage

Conway George Waterfowl Unit B
Habitat Type: Natural slough area with beneficial native wetland plants
Water Level: 90% coverage

Conway George Waterfowl Unit C
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90% coverage

Dark Corner Waterfowl Unit 1
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 95% 

Dark Corner Waterfowl Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90% 

Dark Corner Waterfowl Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: No coverage

 

Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Hunting in Raft Creek Bottoms WMA requires participation on the online draw a week before the following weekend’s hunt. There is no online draw on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and permits are available at the boat accesses. Permits ARE required (via online application) on weekends, Tuesdays and Thursdays for the youth and mobility-impaired blinds and for the Magellan Tract. Visit agfc.com to apply for the online draw. There are no designated holes.

The White River gauge at Georgetown on Tuesday, Jan. 2, was 1.8 feet and holding.

Unit A
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100% coverage.

Unit B
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 65%

Unit C
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 60%

Unit D
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 75%

Unit E
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 80%

Unit F (Youth Area)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit G
Habitat Type: Native vegetation.
Water Level: 0%

Unit H (Mobility-impaired blind)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit I
Habitat Type: Native vegetation.
Water Level: 0%

Unit J (Cypert Tract)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 75%

Unit K (Cypert Tract)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 5%

Unit L (Cypert Tract)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 0%

Unit M (Magellan Tract)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 97%

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Bell Slough WMA
Map | Weather Report

Bell Slough GTR
Flooding of the Bell Slough GTR is rainfall dependent. Gates were lowered in the GTR water control structure Nov. 17.
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood/cypress-tupelo
Water Level: 0%

Palarm Creek WRA
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 95%

 

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir
Map | Weather Report

Due to planned renovation work to Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir, water levels remain 4-4.5 feet below normal pool on both Pierce and Dix creeks.

 

Cypress Bayou WMA
Map| Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Good mast crop
Water Level: 25% coverage.

Red Cut Slough Tract

Unit 1
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 0%

Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 0%

Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90%

Unit 4
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 50%

Unit 5
Habitat Type: Native vegetation.
Water Level: 100%

Unit 6
Habitat Type: Open water reservoir
Water Level: 65%

 

Harris Brake WMA
Map | Weather Report

Upper GTR
Habitat Type: Good mast crop
Water Level: 100% coverage 

Lower GTR
Habitat Type: Good mast crop.
Water Level: 15% coverage. The Harris Brake Lake valve was opened on Nov. 15 to begin supplemental flooding of both the Lower and Upper GTRs. Damage to one of the Lower GTRs water control structures is allowing water to drain from the Lower GTR and can’t currently be fixed. Sloughs and ditches within the Lower GTR unit will continue to hold water. However, the majority of the Lower GTR unit will stay drained due to the water control structure damage.

 

Holland Bottoms WMA
Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Mast crop
Water Level: Most of the low lying areas scattered around the WMA have a few inches of water or are completely dry.

Lake Pickthorne WRA (no hunting)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation and millet
Water Level: The East Unit is at 90%, and the West Unit 100% flooded. 

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Dardanelle WMA
Map | Weather Report

McKennon Bottoms (half-day hunting)
Habitat Type: Native moist soil
Water Level: 100% coverage

Potter’s Pothole Hartman Waterfowl Unit (half-day hunting)
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100% coverage

 

Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA
Map | Weather Report

Flooding of waterfowl impoundments on Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA began Oct. 27 and will continue as long as water levels in Point Remove Creek allow. 

Little Hole (Unit 1)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 90% flooded

Willow Island (Unit 2)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 90%

Red Gate (Unit 3)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 95%

Pig Trough (Units 4 and 5)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation and Japanese millet
Water Level: 80%

Cedar Ridge (Unit 6)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 85%

Unit 7a
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 80%

Unit 7b
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 0%

Duck Trap (Units 8a, 8b and 8c)

8a
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 90%

8b
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 85%

8c
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 90%

Unit 9
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 95%

Controversy Corner (Unit 10)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation and Japanese millet
Water Level: 90%

Remmel Marsh
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 90%

Mud Pond (Unit 12)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 60%

Turkey Pond (Units 13a, 13b and 13c)

13a
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 75%

13b
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 70%

13c
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 80%

Teeny Pond (Unit 14)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 20%

Salt Lick (Unit 15)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 60%

Bobby’s Pond (Unit 16)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 60%

Race Track (Unit 17)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 70%

 

Frog Bayou WMA
Map | Weather Report

Unit 1
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation. Unit is rainfall dependent.
Water Level: 90%. 

Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%. 

Unit 4
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 5
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 6
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%. 

Unit 7
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

 

Galla Creek WMA
Map | Weather Report

Galla Creek
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation and Japanese millet. The gate will be raised to begin the final stage of flooding on Jan. 4.
Water Level: 70%

 

Nimrod Lloyd Millwood WMA
Map | Weather Report

Nimrod GTR
Habitat Type: The red oak mast crop is moderate this year as well as the desirable native vegetation growth. The water control structures were closed on Nov. 15.
Water Level: 5% flooded. Flooding of the area is rainfall dependent.

 

Ozark Lake WMA/Dyer Lake Water Unit
Weather Report

Dyer Lake Cells

Unit 1 Dyer main cell
Habitat Type: Japanese millet
Water Level: 100% coverage for both units

Unit 2 Dyer Road Cell
Habitat Type: Native moist soil
Water Level: 100% coverage

Unit 3 South Cell
Habitat Type: Chiwapa and Japanese millet
Water Level: 25% coverage

Unit 4 West Cell (rainfall dependent)
Habitat Type: Fallow disked
Water Level: 0% coverage

 

Petit Jean River WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Sorehead Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Blacklands Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation. The red oak trees within the unit produced a moderate mast crop this year. Pumping of this unit is dictated by river levels. Due to the constant river level fluctuations, there is not a set date that this unit will be at full pool.
Water Level: 100% 

Slaty Crossing Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Blacklands Duck Area
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Pullen Pond Marsh
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 10%. Flooding of the area is rainfall dependent.

Pond Creek GTR
Habitat Type: The red oak mast crop is moderate this year as well as the desirable native vegetation growth. The water control structures were closed Nov. 15.
Water Level: 20%. Flooding of this area is rainfall dependent.

Slaty GTR
Habitat Type: The red oak mast crop is moderate this year as well as the desirable native vegetation growth. The water control structures were closed Nov. 15.
Water Level: 10%. Flooding of this area is rainfall dependent.

Santa Fe GTR
Habitat Type: The red oak mast crop is moderate this year as well as the desirable native vegetation growth. The water control structures were closed Nov. 15.
Water Level: 10%. Flooding of this area is rainfall dependent.

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Dr. Lester Sitzes III Bois d’Arc WMA
Map | Weather Report

Bois d’Arc Lake WRA
Habitat Type: Closed to hunting.
Water Level: Normal

Red Slough WRA
Habitat Type: Closed to hunting.
Water Level: 80% coverage

GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: 95%

Little Grassy
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 80%

 

Millwood Lake
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Habitat Type: Natural vegetation
Water Level: Millwood is at 259.93 feet msl as of Jan. 3, 259.2 is normal pool.

 

Ozan WMA
Map | Weather Report

Flooding of all units is rainfall dependent.

Unit 1
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 70%

Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 40%

Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 30%

Unit 4
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 50%

Unit 5
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 20%

 

Sulphur River WMA
Map | Weather Report

Mercer Bayou
Habitat Type: Natural vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Henry Moore WRA
Habitat Type: Closed to hunting.
Water Level: 60%

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