Arkansas Waterfowl Report – Pieces Coming Together for Duck Hunters

Duck Hunting, Featured, Hunting | January 8, 2015 by Sporting Life Arkansas | 0 Comments

LITTLE ROCK –Duck hunting conditions have improved dramatically in Arkansas, and the latest Arkansas waterfowl report shows the coming days are shaping up to be some of the best duck hunting conditions of the season.

Several inches of rain fell across many areas of the state this past weekend, providing additional waterfowl habitat and inundating more ground on many of the state’s wildlife management areas. Combined with a blast of Arctic air that’s moving across the state today, conditions over the next several days have the potential of providing some of the season’s most promising hunting conditions.

After remaining mostly dry throughout much of the year, several of the state’s more popular public hunting areas are now at or near full flood pool, including Bayou Meto WMA. Additionally, public hunting opportunities along eastern Arkansas rivers is increasing. The White River was at 19.4 feet earlier today on the Clarendon gauge, and is projected to reach near 24 feet this weekend. The Cache River at Patterson gauge is above flood stage and is expected to crest at around 10 feet this weekend.

The coldest air of the season will grip Arkansas for the next several days, with lows Thursday morning in the single digits across northern portions of the state and in the teens elsewhere. The combination of flooded bottomlands, additional sheet water in agricultural fields and the frigid temperatures typically bode well for Arkansas duck hunting.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission biologists are conducting the Midwinter Aerial Waterfowl survey this week, and results of the count should be available for next week’s waterfowl report.

Northeast ArkansasEarl 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: Bo Doc gauge currently reads 235.3. Target level is 235.5. 95% flooded.

South Woods GTR

Habitat: Mast production is good.

Water Level: The 7-Mile gauge is currently at 234.7 feet. Target level is 234.5 feet with 100% flooded.

Simmons Field

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

Water Level: 100%

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 210.36 MSL with 70% 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.

Water Level: Pools A, B, C and D have 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 242.2 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: 75%.

Charles Crisp Moist-soil Unit

Habitat: Good wetland-type vegetation.

Water Level: 30%

Ward Field Moist-soil Unit

Habitat: Average wetland-type vegetation.

Water Level: 20%

River Field Moist-soil Unit

Habitat: Good wetland-type vegetation.

Water Level: 20%

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 270.4. 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 268.6. 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 267.8. 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 267.0. Target level is 266.3 MSL. 100% flooded.

Winchester GTR

Habitat: Good abundance of mast crop within the GTRs.

Water Level: Water level is 263.8. 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: 10%

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: 100%.

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: 40% and rising.

Wyeville Unit

Habitat: Good stand of millet and native vegetation.

Water Level: 100%

Lee LeBlanc Unit

Habitat: Good stand of native vegetation.

Water Level: 60%

Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Unit A

Habitat: Excellent stand of millet and native vegetation.

Water Level: 10%

Unit B

Habitat: Excellent stand of millet and native vegetation.

Water Level: 55%

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: 40%

Unit E

Habitat: Good stand of millet and native vegetation.

Water Level: 20%

Unit F

Habitat: Excellent stand of millet and native vegetation.

Water Level: 60%

Unit G

Habitat: Habitat conditions are poor.

Water Level: 15%

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: 40% and rising.

South GTR

Habitat: Good mast crop.

Water Level: 10%

Southwest Arkansas

Sulphur River WMA

Map | Weather Report

Mercer Bayou

Habitat: Habitat conditions are good.

Water Level: Normal water level.

Henry Moore WRA

Habitat: Closed to hunting.

Water Level: 80%

Millwood Lake

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Habitat: Habitat conditions are good.

Water Level: 264.2 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: 35%

GTR

Habitat: Good mast production.

Water Level: 100%

Little Grassy

Habitat: Habitat is fair.

Water Level: 30%

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: 10%

Lake Pickthorne WRA

Habitat: Excellent.

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

Water Level: 100%

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.The WMA is up to 50% 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 16.6 feet and falling at 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 26.46 feet and rising on the Pendleton gauge.

Seven Devils Swamp WMA

Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area

Habitat: Habitat conditions are good.

Water Level: 100%. Higher than normal levels.

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: 179.2 feet. Full pool is 180 feet.

Lower Vallier GTR

Habitat: Good

Water Level: 179.3 feet. Full pool is 179 feet. Use caution around water control structures.

Government Cypress GTR

Habitat: Good

Water Level: 179.2 feet. Full pool is 179 feet.

Buckingham Flats GTR

Habitat: Good

Water Level: 100%

Temple Island GTR

Habitat: Good

Water Level: 100%

Canon Brake

Habitat: Good

Water Level: There is some water along the Little Bayou Meto corridtor, but no water against the overflow spillway in Wasteways Slough. 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%. The green tree portion of the WRA is not being flooded.

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 and Unit 2 are at 100% of capacity.

Lloyd Millwood Nimrod WMA

Map | Weather Report

Nimrod GTR

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

Water Level: 100%

Frog Bayou WMA

Map | Weather Report

Unit 1

Habitat: Under renovation.

Water Level: 100%.

Unit 2

Habitat: Under renovation.

Water Level: 20%.

Unit 3

Habitat: Under renovation.

Water Level: 100%.

Unit 4

Habitat: Under renovation.

Water Level: 100%.

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: 100%. The waterfowl impoundment is now full to capacity. Duck use on the area has been low and hunter success has been poor.

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: Mix of millets and native grasses.

Water Level: 100%

Black Lands Moist-soil Unit

Habitat: Mix of millets and native grasses.

Water Level: 100%

Slaty Crossing Moist-soil Unit

Habitat: Mix of millets and native grasses.

Water Level: 50%

Pullen Pond

Habitat: Mostly sedges.

Water Level: 100%

Pond Creek GTR

Habitat: Good mast crop and millets.

Water Level: 5%

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

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