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Name & Zone:
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Sulphur River - WMA Zone 610
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PDF Map 511 KB
8.5x11
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County:
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Miller
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PDF Map 547 KB
11x17
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PDF Map
15.6 MB
11x17 Detailed
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AGFC Interactive Map
Coming Soon!
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Flash Map Side 1 2.6 MB
Flash Map Side 2 4.20 MB
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Location:
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It is located in Miller County, 16 miles south of Texarkana.
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Phone:
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1-877-777-5580
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1
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Ownership:
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This 16,000-acre area is owned by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
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Age:
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he area was established in the 1950's.
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Purpose:
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The primary objective of this management area is to provide quality wildlife habitat and public hunting
opportunities. It is also managed for the protection and enhancement of the bottomland hardwood/wetland ecosystem that occurs there.
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Description:
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The area consists of one of the last remaining large tracts of bottomland hardwood habitat along the Red
River Valley. The Sulphur River runs for approximately 10 miles through the management area. Mercer Bayou (an old river channel) located on the west side of the area consists of approximately 1000 acres and is approximately 9 miles long. Days Creek is a major tributary on the northeast side of the area. Bottomland hardwoods, cypress breaks, and the associated oxbows and sloughs dominate this area. A small portion of the area contains rolling hills with mixed pine-hardwood adjacent to the floodplain.
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Access:
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Access to this area is very limited, except by boat. The west side may be accessed by traveling south on SH 71 from Texarkana for approximately 15 miles and taking SH 237east, crossing Sulphur River and
continuing 2 miles and turning left onto Canal Access road and traveling to the canal access boat ramp.
This is a major access point for Mercer Bayou. Using the same directions, turning right off SH 237 at the
Smith Park entrance, and traveling approximately 2 miles you can access Long Slough and the Sulphur
River (there are boat ramps at both locations). The east side may be accessed by traveling south on SH 71from Texarkana approximately 20 miles to the Sulphur River bridge crossing. There is a boat ramp located at the bridge. Continuing 2 miles south, turn right on CR 6 at the AGFC sign. Follow the county road, taking all rights, approximately 3 miles to the area.
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Hunting
Opportunities:
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Waterfowl, deer, turkey, small game, and furbearers. The area is known for it's remoteness and lack of
access; creating a challenging hunting environment. See current regulations for seasons and permit
requirements.
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Management
Practices:
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The primary objective of this management area is to protect and enhance the unique bottomland
hardwood/wetland habitats while providing recreational opportunities.
There are 2 moist-soil units comprising approximately 900 acres. These units are seasonally flooded to
stimulate the growth of naturally occurring wetland plants for waterfowl food and habitat. The Henry
Moore Waterfowl Rest Area (500 acres) is included within these units. Several fall and winter food plots
are also present.
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Recreation
Other Than
Hunting:
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Mercer Bayou provides excellent bass, crappie, and bream fishing. Sulphur River provides seasonal fishing opportunities. A tremendous variety of passerine and wetland bird species occurs on the area, resulting in excellent birdwatching opportunities.
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Other Points
of Interest:
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Spring Bank and Lafayette Co. WMA's are approximately 7 and 10 miles to the east, respectively. Also, the states of Texas and Louisiana are very close to the West and South, respectively.
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Camping:
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Camping is available at designated sites.
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Restaurants
and Other
Facilities:
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Facilities are located in Fouke and Texarkana.
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Special
Facilities:
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Boat ramps are located at Mercer Bayou (north and south) and at Smith Park (Long Slough and Sulphur
River).
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Special
Facts:
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Sulphur River WMA represents one of the last large tracts of bottomland hardwood habitat along the Red
River Valley. American alligators are abundant on the area.
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Safety:
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This area is very remote and access is limited. Maps and compass are needed for navigation and users
should be prepared for emergencies. Additionally, Sulphur River water levels can fluctuate drastically due to dam releases from Wright Patman Lake. Always wear a life jacket and check river levels.
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