Arkansas Waterfowl Report: Dec. 3, 2015

Duck Hunting, Featured, Hunting | December 3, 2015 by Sporting Life Arkansas | 0 Comments

First segment of youth duck hunt this weekend

LITTLE ROCK – The first segment of Arkansas’s 2015-2016 duck season closed Sunday, Nov. 29, with the second segment looming Dec. 10-23. But hunters less than 16 years old will have a special season Saturday during the first segment of this season’s two-part youth waterfowl season.

Unlike in past years, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission enacted a two-part youth waterfowl hunt for the 2015-2016 season. The second youth waterfowl hunting day will be Feb. 6, 2016.

Conditions for Saturday’s youth hunt bode well, with cooler temperatures in place after heavy last weekend.

Waterfowl habitat is abundant across The Natural State, with most waterfowl hunting impoundments flooded to capacity on AGFC wildlife management areas.

Special regulations apply to Saturday’s youth hunt: Youth 15 and under may harvest ducks, geese, coots and mergansers. Youth who have completed a hunter education course must be accompanied by a mentor 18 years or older, and youth who have not completed a hunter education class must be accompanied by a mentor 21 or older.

Mentors may not hunt but may call waterfowl. Shooting hours and bag limits are the same as the regular duck season, although youth hunters may hunt on AGFC WMAs from 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset. Sweet 16 WMA permits aren’t required for youth hunters.

Below is the Arkansas waterfowl report:

Northeast Arkansas

Earl Buss Bayou DeView WMA

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

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

South Oliver GTR

Habitat: Mast production has been good.

Water Level: 100% flooded with a current gauge reading of over 3.0 feet.

Thompson Tract GTR

Habitat: Mast production has been good.

Water Level: 100% flooded with a gauge reading of over 3.0 feet.

Lake Hogue WRA

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

Water Level: 100%. 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: Bo Doc gauge currently reads 239.0 Target level is 235.5. 100% flooded.

South Woods GTR

Habitat: Mast production is good.

Water Level: The 7-Mile gauge is currently at 238.5 feet. Target level is 234.5 feet with 100% flooded.

Simmons Field

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

Water Level: 100%.

St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

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 215.4 MSL. The huntable area is 100% flooded.

Snowden WRA

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

Water Level: 100%

Payneway WRA

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

Water Level: Pool A is at 90%. Pool B is at 100%, Pool C is at 100% and Pool D is at 100%.

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 240.4 MSL with a target level of 240.0 MSL. 100% flooded.

Rainey Brake GTR

Habitat: Good mast crop within the GTR.

Water Level: 100%

Eagle Pond GTR

Habitat: Good mast crop.

Water Level: 100%

Phase III Moist-soil Unit

Habitat: Average wetland-type vegetation.

Water Level: 90%.

Charles Crisp Moist-soil Unit

Habitat: Good wetland-type vegetation.

Water Level: 100%.

Ward Field Moist-soil Unit

Habitat: Average wetland-type vegetation.

Water Level: 100%

River Field Moist-soil Unit

Habitat: Good wetland-type vegetation.

Water Level: 80%

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 270.9. Target level is 269.5 MSL. 100% flooded.

Lower Island GTR

Habitat: Good abundance of mast crop within the GTRs.

Water Level: Water level is 270.45. 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 268.55. 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 268.25. Target level is 266.3 MSL. 100% flooded.

Winchester GTR

Habitat: Good abundance of mast crop within the GTRs.

Water Level: Water level is 265.65. Target level is 263.7 MSL. 100% flooded.

East Central Arkansas

Sheffield Nelson Dagmar WMA

Map | Cache River Water Gauge | Bayou DeView 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: 100%

Apple Lake WRA

Habitat: Good mast crop.

Water Level: 100%

Conway George Waterfowl Unit A

Habitat: Excellent stand of millet and native vegetation.

Water Level: 30%

Conway George Waterfowl Unit B

Habitat: Natural slough area with beneficial wetland plants

Water Level: 100%

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: 100%.

Wyeville Unit

Habitat: Good stand of millet and native vegetation.

Water Level: 100%

Lee LeBlanc Unit

Habitat: Good stand of native vegetation.

Water Level: 100%

Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Unit A

Habitat: Excellent stand of millet and native vegetation.

Water Level: 100%

Unit B

Habitat: Excellent stand of millet and native vegetation.

Water Level: 100%

Unit C

Habitat: Excellent stand of millet and native vegetation.

Water Level: 100%

Unit D

Habitat: Good stand of millet and native vegetation.

Water Level: 100%

Unit E

Habitat: Good stand of millet and native vegetation.

Water Level: 100%

Unit F (Youth blind)

Habitat: Excellent stand of millet and native vegetation.

Water Level: 100%.

Unit G

Habitat: Habitat conditions are poor.

Water Level: 100%

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: 60%

Unit J

Habitat: Good stand of millet and native vegetation.

Water Level: 50%

Unit K

Habitat: Good stand of native vegetation.

Water Level: 50%

Unit L

Habitat: Good stand of native vegetation.

Water Level: 60%

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: 100%. The guage at Mitchell Corner is at 194.0. The target level is 191.5.

South GTR

Habitat: Good mast crop.

Water Level: 100%. The gauge at Mitchell Corner exceeds 194.0. The target level is 191.5.

Southwest Arkansas

Sulphur River WMA

Map | Weather Report

Mercer Bayou

Habitat: Habitat conditions are good.

Water Level: The area is six inches above normal.

Henry Moore WRA

Habitat: Closed to hunting.

Water Level: 60%

Millwood Lake

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Habitat: Habitat conditions are good.

Water Level: 260.06 MSL.

Dr. Lester Sitzes III Bois d’ Arc WMA

Map | Weather Report

Bois d’Arc Lake WRA

Habitat: Closed to hunting.

Water Level: Normal

Red Slough WRA

Habitat: Closed to hunting.

Water Level: Low

GTR

Habitat: Good mast production.

Water Level: 100%

Little Grassy

Habitat: Habitat is fair.

Water Level: 90%

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: 100%

Holland Bottoms WMA

Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area

Habitat: Good mast crop.

Water Level: 40%

Lake Pickthorne WRA

Habitat: Good stand of millet and native vegetation.

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

Bell Slough WMA

Map | Weather Report

Bell Slough GTR

Habitat: Fair mast crop.

Water Level: 100%

Palarm Creek WRA

Habitat: Natural vegetation and Japanese millet.

Water Level: 100%

Southeast Arkansas

Beryl Anthony Lower Ouachita WMA

Map | Weather Report

There has been fair soft and hard mast crop production on the WMA. Water is mostly in sloughs and oxbow lakes.

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 21.51 feet and rising on the Arkansas City gauge (11-30-15).

Trusten Holder WMA

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Habitat conditions are good. Variable flooding on the WMA. Arkansas River is at 28.8 feet on the Pendleton gauge (11-30-15). Variable flooding associated with White and Arkansas rivers.

Seven Devils Swamp WMA

Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area

Habitat: Habitat conditions are good.

Water Level: 100%.

Cut-Off Creek WMA

Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area

Habitat: Habitat conditions are good.

Water Level: 100%.

Pigeon Creek WRA

Habitat: Habitat conditions are good.

Water Level: 100%.

Bayou Meto WMA

Map | Weather Report

Upper Vallier GTR

Habitat: Good

Water Level: 180 feet (11-30-15). Full pool is 180 feet. 100% flooded.

Lower Vallier GTR

Habitat: Good

Water Level:180 feet (11-30-15). Full pool is 179 feet. 100%.

Government Cypress GTR

Habitat: Good

Water Level: 180 feet (11-30-15). Full pool is 179 feet. 100%.

Buckingham Flats GTR

Habitat: Good

Water Level: 100% (11-30-15).

Temple Island GTR

Habitat: Good

Water Level: 60%, pumping in progress.

Canon Brake

Habitat: Good

Water Level: Full pool is 177 feet. 100%.

Halowell WRA

Habitat: Excellent

Water Level: Staggered unit flooding.

Wrape Plantation WRA

Habitat: Excellent

Water Level: Staggered unit flooding.

Northwest Arkansas

Dardanelle WMA

Map | Weather Report

McKennon Bottoms

Habitat: Moist soil.

Water Level: 100%

Potter’s Pothole Hartman Waterfowl Unit

Habitat: Native vegetation.

Water Level: 100%

Ozark Pool

Weather Report

Dyer Lake Cells

Habitat: Millet, toothcup, barnyard grass and sprangletop grass.

Water Level: Cells 1, 2 and 4 are at 100%.

Lloyd Millwood Nimrod WMA

Map | Weather Report

Nimrod GTR

Habitat: Good mast crop and native grasses.

Water Level: 100%

Frog Bayou WMA

Map | Weather Report

Unit 1

Habitat: Excellent stand of wild millet, toothcup and sprangletop grass.

Water Level: 100%.

Unit 2

Habitat: Good stand of barnyard grass and sprangletop grass.

Water Level: 100%.

Unit 3

Habitat: Excellent stand of barnyard grass and sprangletop grass.

Water Level: 100%.

Unit 4

Habitat: Poor stand of planted millet.

Water Level: 100%.

Unit 5

Habitat: Late maturing stand of barnyard grass.

Water Level: 100%.

Unit 6

Habitat: Very little vegetation due to construction improvements.

Water Level: 100%

Unit 7

Habitat: Poor moist soil response.

Water Level: 100%

Galla Creek WMA

Map | Weather Report

Galla Creek GTR

Habitat: Natural vegetation inluding a mixutre of barnyard grass, Japanese millet and smartweed.

Water Level: 100%

Petit Jean River WMA

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Santa Fe GTR

Habitat: Good mast crop.

Water Level: 100%

Olin Cain Moist-soil Unit

Habitat: Native grasses.

Water Level: 50%

Black Lands Moist-soil Unit

Habitat: Native vegetation.

Water Level: 100%

Slaty Crossing Moist-soil Unit

Habitat: Native vegetation.

Water Level: 50%

Pullen Pond

Habitat: Some native vegetation.

Water Level: 100%

Pond Creek GTR

Habitat: Good mast crop and millets.

Water Level: 100%

Slaty Pond GTR

Habitat: Good mast crop.

Water Level: 50%

Black Lands Duck Area

Habitat: Mix of millets and native grasses.

Water Level: 100%

Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA

Map | Weather Report

Due to the area’s heavy rainfall, all waterfowl impoundments on the WMA are currently flooded to capacity. Duck use on the area has been low and hunter success has generally been poor.

Willow Island

Habitat: Natural vegetation.

Water Level: 100%

Little Hole

Habitat: Natural vegetation.

Water Level: 100%

Red Gate

Habitat: Natural vegetation.

Water Level: 100%

Pig Trough

Habitat: Natural vegetation.

Water Level: 100%