The management area was named for the creek and tributaries that dominated the property prior to the 1960's and for Steve N. Wilson, former director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Raft Creek was a natural overflow hardwood bottomland and backwater area until the late 1960's and early 1970's when it was cleared for soybean farming.

In 2000, Morrison Farms enrolled the area in the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) a voluntary program offering landowners a chance to receive payments for restoring and protecting wetlands on their property. The AGFC acquired the 4063-acre property later that same year.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service and the AGFC are in the process of restoring the area's hydrology and native vegetation. This includes creating approximately 1400 acres of shallow water areas and about 11 miles of restored channels (Raft Creek and tributaries), which can be utilized as boat lanes. Restored channels, sloughs and breaks are fringed with Cypress/Overcup plantings. The remainder of the site (above flood pool) is planted in Nuttall Oak, Cherrybark Oak, Willow and Water Oak, Sweet Pecan and Green Ash. The escarpment to the south, as well as the area around the headquarters will be seeded to native prairie plants.

Raft Creek has played an important role in providing wetland habitat for thousands of wintering migratory birds. Placing this gem under public ownership has secured a perpetual guarantee in providing this unique wildlife management complex for generations to enjoy.

From Searcy:
Take HWY 36 to West Point, at West Point, take HWY 323 south approximately 8 miles to Showalters Corner. At Showalters Corner turn east onto Jones Island Road. Go approximately 5 3/4 miles to the second Raft Creek WMA project sign. Turn south on Cypert Road, go 1/2 mile to WMA Headquarters

From DesArc:
Take HWY 11 North approximately 14 miles to Showalters Corner. At Showalters Corner turn east onto Jones Island Road. Go approximately 5 3/4 miles to the second Raft Creek WMA project sign. Turn south on Cypert Road, go 1/2 mile to WMA Headquarters.

Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA will be open for a permit waterfowl hunt on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays during waterfowl season. The permit drawing will take place at the area headquarters two hours before official shooting begins. There will also be five permits along with one mobility-impaired blind permit (a valid Mobility-Impaired Access Permit is required to apply) drawn online each day the area is open for waterfowl hunting. (The permit application period ended Dec. 26, 2009.) The permit is required to enter any flooded or inundated area during waterfowl season. Computer drawn permit holders must check in prior to the official draw (two hours before legal shooting hours) at area headquarters to claim their computer drawn duck hole. If a drawn hunter does not check-in, their hole number will become available for hunting and added to the list for on-site drawings.

Waterfowl hunters may not enter inundated areas before 4 a.m.

Goose season opens the day after duck season closes.

Nonresidents need a Nonresident Wildlife Management Area Waterfowl Hunting Permit in addition to their permit acquired through the daily drawing to hunt waterfowl.

Boat motors larger than 25 horsepower may not be used.