Aerial Survey Shows Above-Average Numbers for Early Duck Season

Duck Hunting, Featured, Hunting | November 28, 2014 by Sporting Life Arkansas | 0 Comments

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas duck abundance is higher than average for the early part of the season, and the season’s first aerial waterfowl survey also revealed an above-average number of mallards for November. Snow goose and greater white-fronted goose numbers also are high.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission biologists conducted the 2014-15 wintering period’s first aerial waterfowl survey Nov. 17-20 in the Arkansas River Valley, Mississippi Alluvial Valley (Delta) and southwest Arkansas. Observers estimated 993,249 ducks in the Delta, including 547,560 mallards, and a total of 105,682 ducks in the Arkansas River Valley, including 44,271 mallards. The southwest Arkansas duck population estimate was nearly 30,000, almost 16,000 of which were mallards. Observers in the Delta encountered particularly high numbers of arctic geese, including over 2.1 million snow geese and about 446,000 greater white-fronted geese (specklebellies).

The Delta mallard population estimate is nearly double the 2013 November estimate and the 2009-2014 long-term November average. The November total duck population estimate is similar to 2013 and about 100,000 ducks higher than the long-term average. Nearly 50 percent of mallards in the Delta were in the Bayou Meto-Lower Arkansas and Little River Ditches watersheds. The Little River Ditches watershed contains Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge, where biologists encountered high numbers of mallards. Duck concentrations not reflected in this survey include Lake Ashbaugh at Dave Donaldson Black River Wildlife Management Area. The Arkansas River Valley estimates for all ducks and mallards were the highest since formal surveys began in January 2013. The majority of mallards in southwest Arkansas were along the Red River corridor.

About 30 percent of mallards in the Delta were observed in rice fields, and another 24 percent in aquaculture reservoirs, with 14 percent in buttonbush (buckbrush), 8 percent in moist-soil habitat and 7 percent in bottomland-hardwood wetlands. In the Arkansas River Valley, 25 percent of mallards were in rivers, bayous and sloughs, and 23 percent were in moist-soil habitat.

Dry conditions are typical in November, and the landscape was noticeably dry during this survey period with the exception of sheet water in agricultural fields following rainfall in the Delta south of Pine Bluff. Most other habitat was a result of active management by private landowners and public agencies. Duck distribution was patchy, which is typical in dry conditions, but these survey results suggest the unusually cold conditions preceding the survey period brought good numbers of ducks – particularly mallards – to the state.

Additional details about the aerial survey, including graphs and duck density maps, are available at www.AGFC.com.

Northeast Arkansas

Earl Buss Bayou DeView WMA

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Due to the long-term effects associated with extended periods of flooding on timber, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will not be pumping the Thompson Tract Greentree Reservoir on Earl Buss Bayou DeView Wildlife Management Area.

South Oliver GTR

Habitat: Mast production has been good.

Water Level: The only water is within the natural slough located on the north end of the GTR and the south end of the North Oliver Tract.

Thompson Tract GTR

Habitat: Mast production has been good.

Water Level: No water.

Lake Hogue WRA

Habitat: A small amount of beneficial wetland plants is located along the east side of the lake.

Water Level: Normal pool level.

Big Lake WMA

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

When the Ditch 81 extension gauge near Manilla (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: Mast production is good.

Water Level: Bois d’Arc gauge currently reads 234.2 Target level is 235.5. 20% flooded.

South Woods GTR

Habitat: Mast production is good.

Water Level: The 7-Mile gauge is currently at 233.4 feet. Target level is 234.5 feet with 40% flooded.

Simmons Field

Habitat: A fair amount of millet, smartweed and sedge is present. Seed production is fair.

Water Level: 5%

St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Low water levels along the river channel are making boat navigation difficult. Please exercise caution when accessing the area.

Hunt Area

Habitat: Mast production is above average within the timber and floodways.

Water Level: Water levels in the huntable areas are dependent on the St. Francis River. The water level at Oak Donnick is 206.86 feet with 25% of the huntable area flooded.

Snowden WRA

Habitat: There is a small amount of beneficial wetland plants within the borrow areas.

Water Level: No water.

Payneway WRA

Habitat: There is a small amount of beneficial wetland plants within the borrow areas. Pools A, B, C, Pool D have no water.

Water Level: No water.

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’s Brake GTR

Habitat: Good mast crop within the GTR.

Water Level: Water level is 238.2 MSL with a target level of 240.0 MSL. 70% flooded.

Rainey Brake GTR

Habitat: Good mast crop within the GTR.

Water Level: 90%

Eagle Pond GTR

Habitat: Good mast crop.

Water Level: 85%

Phase III Moist-soil Unit

Habitat: Average wetland-type vegetation.

Water Level: No water.

Charles Crisp Moist-soil Unit

Habitat: Good wetland-type vegetation.

Water Level: No water.

Ward Field Moist-soil Unit

Habitat: Average wetland-type vegetation.

Water Level: No water.

River Field Moist-soil Unit

Habitat: Good wetland-type vegetation.

Water Level: No water.

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 on parking areas.

Upper Island GTR

Habitat: Good abundance of mast crop within the GTRs.

Water Level: Water level is 269.2. Target level is 269.5 MSL. 95% flooded.

Lower Island GTR

Habitat: Good abundance of mast crop within the GTRs.

Water Level: Water level is 268.2. Target level is 268.0 MSL. 100% flooded.

Upper Reyno GTR

Habitat: Good abundance of mast crop within the GTRs.

Water Level: Water level is 267.1. Target level is 266.9 MSL. 100% flooded.

Lower Reyno GTR

Habitat: Good abundance of mast crop within the GTRs.

Water Level: Water level is 265.8. Target level is 266.3 MSL. 90% flooded.

Winchester GTR

Habitat: Good abundance of mast crop within the GTRs.

Water Level: Water level is 263.3. Target level is 263.7 MSL. 80% flooded.

East Central Arkansas

Sheffield Nelson Dagmar WMA

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

The Conway George units are available by applying for online permits. Permit hunts are on Wednesday and Saturday. 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.

Mud Slough GTR

Habitat: Good mast crop.

Water Level: No water.

Apple Lake WRA

Habitat: Good mast crop.

Water Level: 80%

Conway George Waterfowl Unit A

Habitat: Excellent stand of millet and native vegetation.

Water Level: No water.

Conway George Waterfowl Unit B

Habitat: Natural slough area with beneficial wetland plants

Water Level: 45%

Conway George Waterfowl Unit C

Habitat: Excellent stand of millet and native vegetation.

Water Level: 100%

Rex Hancock Black Swamp WMA

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

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

Main WMA

Habitat: Good mast crop.

Water Level: No water.

Wyeville Unit

Habitat: Good stand of millet and native vegetation.

Water Level: 100%

Lee LeBlanc Unit

Habitat: Good stand of native vegetation.

Water Level: 0%

Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Holes 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 22 and 28 have huntable water. All are easily accessible by boat (except for hole 4 and 7) although a surface drive would be ideal. For the most part, holes 11 and 14 will be restricted to hunting the boat lane near the big willows . Holes 29 and 30 on Heathscott Road only have water in the potholes within the units. Holes 1, 2, 3, 5, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25 and 26 do not have huntable water. Hole 27 has water in the potholes around the hole sign and there have been ducks in this area.

Unit A

Habitat: Excellent stand of millet and native vegetation.

Water Level: No water.

Unit B

Habitat: Excellent stand of millet and native vegetation.

Water Level: 40%

Unit C

Habitat: Excellent stand of millet and native vegetation.

Water Level: No water.

Unit D

Habitat: Good stand of millet and native vegetation.

Water Level: 65%

Unit E

Habitat: Good stand of millet and native vegetation.

Water Level: 50%

Unit F

Habitat: Excellent stand of millet and native vegetation.

Water Level: No water.

Unit G

Habitat: Habitat conditions are poor.

Water Level: 5%

Unit H (Mobility-impaired blind)

Habitat: Excellent stand of millet and native vegetation.

Water Level: 100%

Unit I

Habitat: Good stand of millet and native vegetation.

Water Level: 15%

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 GTR

Habitat: Good mast crop.

Water Level: No water.

South GTR

Habitat: Good mast crop.

Water Level: No water.

Southwest Arkansas

Sulphur River WMA

Map | Weather Report

Mercer Bayou

Habitat: Habitat conditions are good.

Water Level: The area is three inches below normal.

Henry Moore WRA

Habitat: Closed to hunting.

Water Level: 80%

Millwood Lake

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Habitat: Habitat conditions are good.

Water Level: 259.67 MSL.

Dr. Lester Sitzes III Bois d’ Arc WMA

Map | Weather Report

The water level in the GTR is still increasing.

Bois d’Arc Lake WRA

Habitat: Closed to hunting.

Water Level: Low

Red Slough WRA

Habitat: Closed to hunting.

Water Level: 15%

GTR

Habitat: Good mast production.

Water Level: 60%

Little Grassy

Habitat: Habitat is fair.

Water Level: 5%

Central Arkansas

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir

Map | Weather Report

Habitat and water levels are normal on both Pierce and Dix Creeks.

Harris Brake WMA

Map | Weather Report

Harris Brake GTR

Habitat: Good mast crop.

Water Level: 95%

Holland Bottoms WMA

Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area

Habitat: Good mast crop.

Water Level: No water.

Lake Pickthorne WRA

Habitat: Excellent.

Water Level: East cell is 100%. West cell is dry.

Bell Slough WMA

Map | Weather Report

Bell Slough GTR

Habitat: Fair mast crop.

Water Level: 100%

Palarm Creek WRA

Habitat: Vegetation is limited due to recent construction projects within the rest area.

Water Level: 50%

Southeast Arkansas

Beryl Anthony Lower Ouachita WMA

Map | Weather Report

There has been good soft and hard mast crop production on the WMA. There is minor flooding on the area, mostly in sloughs and oxbow lakes. Less than 10% of the area is flooded.

Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA Deer Research Area

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Habitat conditions are good. There is variable flooding associated with the Mississippi River. Mississippi River is at 6.3 feet and rising on the Arkansas City gauge.

Trusten Holder WMA

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Habitat conditions are good. Variable flooding on the WMA. Arkansas River is at 26.4 feet on the Pendleton gauge. Variable flooding associated with the White and Arkansas rivers.

Seven Devils Swamp WMA

Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area

Habitat: Habitat conditions are good.

Water Level: No water.

Cut-Off Creek WMA

Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area

Habitat: Habitat conditions are good.

Water Level: 20%

Pigeon Creek WRA

Habitat: Habitat conditions are good.

Water Level: Pumping will begin as creek levels allow.

Bayou Meto WMA

Map | Weather Report

Upper Vallier GTR

Habitat: Good

Water Level: 177.4 feet. Full pool is 180 feet. No water.

Lower Vallier GTR

Habitat: Good

Water Level: 177.4 feet. Full pool is 179 feet. Some water is in the lower sloughs. Use caution around water control structures.

Government Cypress GTR

Habitat: Good

Water Level: 177.4 feet. Full pool is 179 feet. Some water is in the lower sloughs.

Buckingham Flats GTR

Habitat: Good

Water Level: 100%

Temple Island GTR

Habitat: Good

Water Level: 100%

Canon Brake

Habitat: Good

Water Level: 169 feet. Full pool is 177 feet. No water. Use caution around water control structures.

Halowell WRA

Habitat: Good

Water Level: Staggered unit flooding.

Wrape Plantation WRA

Habitat: Good

Water Level: Staggered unit flooding.

Northwest Arkansas

Dardanelle WMA

Map | Weather Report

The green tree area of the Johnson County WRA is not being flooded this year.

Johnson County WRA

Habitat: Moist soil and green trees.

Water Level: 50%

McKennon Bottoms

Habitat: Moist soil.

Water Level: 100%

Potter’s Pothole Hartman Waterfowl Unit

Habitat: Corn and millet.

Water Level: 100%

Ozark Pool

Weather Report

Dyer Lake Cells

Habitat: Millet and moist soil.

Water Level: Unit 1 has no water because of a leak and Unit 2 is at 100% of capacity.

Lloyd Millwood Nimrod WMA

Map | Weather Report

Nimrod GTR

Habitat: Good mast crop. The fields have native grasses.

Water Level: 5%

Frog Bayou WMA

Map | Weather Report

Unit 1

Habitat: Under renovation.

Water Level: 100%.

Unit 2

Habitat: Under renovation.

Water Level: No water.

Unit 3

Habitat: Under renovation.

Water Level: No water.

Unit 4

Habitat: Under renovation.

Water Level: No water.

Unit 5

Habitat: Good stand of native millet.

Water Level: 100%.

Unit 6

Habitat: Good stand of smartweed and native millet.

Water Level: 100%

Unit 7

Habitat: Good stand of smartweed and native millet.

Water Level: 100%

Galla Creek WMA

Map | Weather Report

Galla Creek GTR

Habitat: Natural vegetation inluding a mixutre of barnyard and smartweed.

Water Level: No water. Flooding is planned to begin on Dec. 1.

Petit Jean River WMA

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Santa Fe GTR

Habitat: Good mast crop.

Water Level: 10%

Olin Cain Moist-soil Unit

Habitat: Mix of millets and native grasses.

Water Level: 100%

Black Lands Moist-soil Unit

Habitat: Mix of millets and native grasses.

Water Level: 90%

Slaty Crossing Moist-soil Unit

Habitat: Mix of millets and native grasses.

Water Level: 5%

Pullen Pond

Habitat: Mostly sedges.

Water Level: 5%

Pond Creek GTR

Habitat: Good mast crop and millets.

Water Level: 5%

Slaty Pond GTR

Habitat: Good mast crop.

Water Level: 5%

Black Lands Duck Area

Habitat: Mix of millets and native grasses.

Water Level: 100%

Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA

Map | Weather Report

About half of all waterfowl impoundments are near or at capacity. Nearly all impoundments have good to excellent stands of natural vegetation, including smartweed and wild millet. Duck use on the area is currently low to moderate and hunter success on the area has been poor to fair. Pumping of additional acreage will continue as water levels in Point Remove Creek permit.

Willow Island