| Name & Zone: |
Shirey Bay/Rainey Brake
WMA Zone 580 |
PDF Map
|
| County: |
Lawrence |
AGFC
Interactive Map
|
| Location: |
This 10,711 acres WMA is located southwest of Walnut Ridge on Highway 25 west, approximately 20 miles from Walnut Ridge. |
| Phone: |
1-877-972-5438 |
| |
| About the Name: |
Was appropriately named for the two large bodies of water located on the area. The East Side of the area known as Shirey Bay got its name from an old oxbow off Black River.
The Rainey Brake located on the West Side is so called due to a large pond or brake,
as it is sometimes called.
|
| Ownership: |
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission |
| Age: |
The area was purchased beginning in the early 1950’s and continuing through the 1970’s. |
| Purpose: |
The area was purchased to provide wildlife habitat and public hunting opportunity. |
| Description: |
The area consists of 10,711 acres and is divided by the Black River. Approximately 3,000 is located on the east side of the Black River adjacent to an ox bow named Shirey Bay, near the Community of Portia, in Lawrence County. The remaining 7000 plus acres lie directly across Black River to the west near the Community of Lynn in Lawrence County. The western edge of the WMA lies in the Ozark Foothills region, however the majority of the acreage is comprised of bottomland Hardwood Forrest. Over 1000 acres of old field systems add an open land component. These are maintained by a combination of prescribed fire, mechanical vegetation control, and specialized farming and moist soil management. Over half the area is subject to overflow by the Black River with at least one flood event per year on the average. |
| Access: |
Follow highway 25 to Black Rock and turn right under the Black River Bridge following highway 25 to Lynn. Turn left in Lynn at the directional sign indicating the project location. |
Hunting
Opportunities: |
Over 3,000 acres of green tree reservoir attracts large numbers of ducks and provides some of the finest timber hunting opportunity in the state.
Squirrel hunting is very popular on the area and is second only to duck hunting with regards to hunter participation. Field edges and stream banks offer good rabbit hunting.
Deer hunting is limited to archery/crossbow and muzzleloader seasons by limited permit. A huntable population of turkeys is found on the area. Check the current regulations guide for details regarding special permit hunts for deer and turkey.
|
Recreation
Other Than
Hunting: |
Horseshoe Lake and Hill Slough offer good fishing. The area offers excellent opportunities for bird watching and wildlife photography. Four newly developed moist soil management units attract large numbers of ducks and shorebirds during late fall through February. Black River is very scenic and offers excellent fishing at times. A concrete boat ramp is available on the West side of the area near Horseshoe Lake. |
| Camping: |
Camping is permitted in designated areas only. Numerous primitive campsites are located on both sides of the area. Mosquitoes and biting flies are a major nuisance to campers during warm weather. Large numbers of campers occupy the campsites every fall at the beginning of squirrel season. Campers enjoy the combination of squirrel hunting and fishing in the area lakes or in Black River |
Restaurants
and Other
Facilities: |
Restaurants and overnight lodging is available in Walnut Ridge, Newport and Hoxie, as well as sporting goods and other necessities.
Boat ramps are available on Black River, Horseshoe Lake and Hill Slough. Handicapped access trails are marked with signs.
|
| Helpful Hints: |
The Shirey Bay-Rainey Brake Flood prone region may be closed anytime an emergency exists due to high water. For information, refer to the current regulations guide or call the Jonesboro Regional office (870) 972-5438. Maps of the area are available from the area headquarters or regional office in Jonesboro. Topographic maps are Eaton and Strangers Home Quadrangles, available from the Arkansas Geological Survey (501) 296-1877. |
| Safety: |
Boating safety laws and regulations should be closely observed. Boat traffic is heavy at times, especially during duck season.
Mosquitoes and biting flies are a nuisance and insect repellent is a necessity. Poison ivy grows profusely in all wooded areas. Venomous snakes including Timber Rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths are abundant. Caution is advised when sportsmen are in known snake habitats. Snakes are protected and should not be indiscriminately killed. They are not generally considered to be a significant safety hazard so long as common sense is used in dealing with them.
|
| Other Points of Interest: |
Black River has several recreation activities to offer. Lake Charles is located about 10 miles north of the area, which has modern camping sites within Lake Charles State Park. Also provides good fishing. |