| Name | Caney Creek WMA | | WMA Zone | 120 | | Region | 6 | | County Coverage | Howard, Montgomery, Pike, Polk | | Location |
The area is in the Ouachita Mountains, about 12 miles southeast of Mena.
| | Phone | 877-478-1043 | | Seasons and Regulations | Turkey:Youth Hunt: April 13-14, 2013. Two bearded turkeys, no more than one jake.
Firearms Hunt: April 20-May 5, 2012. Two bearded turkeys, no jakes (Youths may take one jake as part of their statewide seasonal bag limit).
Deer:
Deer Archery: Sept. 15-Feb. 28.
Deer Muzzleloader: Oct. 20-28 and Dec. 15-17.
Deer Modern Gun: Nov. 10-Dec. 2 and Dec. 26-28.
Deer Modern Gun Special Youth Hunt: Nov. 3-4 and Jan. 5-6.
WMA Deer Bag Limit:
Three deer, no more than two bucks, which may include:
• Two bucks with archery, muzzleloader or modern gun,
• Three does with archery,
• One doe with muzzleloader and modern gun combined.
Deer Notes: Three-point rule. No dogs. A Caney Creek WMA doe permit is required to harvest a doe with firearms. Limit during the modern gun special youth hunt is three deer: no more than two bucks (no antler restrictions) and one doe (a WMA doe permit is not required).
Bear:Bear Archery: Oct. 1-Nov. 30, 2013.
Bear Muzzleloader: Oct. 19-27, 2013.
Bear Modern Gun: Nov. 4-30, 2013.
Bear Modern Gun Youth Hunt: Nov. 2-3, 2013.
Bear Notes: Statewide bag limit. Season closes early if bear harvest quota is met.
Quail:Nov. 1, 2013-Feb. 2, 2014. Daily limit - 6, possession limit -12. Bird dogs allowed.
Rabbit:Sept. 1, 2013-Feb. 28, 2014. Daily limit - 8, possession limit - 16. Dogs allowed except during firearms deer hunts.
Squirrel:May 15, 2013-Feb. 28, 2014. Dogs allowed except during firearms deer hunts. Daily limit - 12, possession limit - 48.
Crow:Sept. 1, 2013-Feb. 21,2014. Open Thursdays through Mondays. No limit.
| | Leased Land Permit Required | No | | About the Name |
The name was derived from a creek located on the southwest portion of the management area.
| | Ownership | Primary ownership is by the USDA Forest Service although there is some privately owned land within the management area boundary.
| | Age | The area was established in 1968 as a result of a "memorandum of understanding" between the USDA Forest Service and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
| | Purpose |
The area was created to enhance management of all wildlife species in west central Arkansas.
| | Description |
Caney Creek consists of 85,000 acres of rugged mountain terrain and narrow valleys which form the headwaters of the Little Missouri and Cossatot Rivers. The predominant timber types on the area are upland hardwoods, shortleaf pine and mixed hardwood. Typical of the Ouachitas, the ridges run in an east-west fashion. Hardwoods are generally found on the north and east aspects of the mountains while pine occupies the south and west aspects. In addition to the Little Missouri and Cossatot rivers, there are several smaller streams on the management area. These include Caney Creek, Short Creek, Sugar Creek, Mine Creek, Straight Creek, Crooked Creek, Long Creek, Blaylock Creek and East Saline Creek. One man-made lake, Shady Lake, is located on the south side of the management area.
| | Access |
The area can be reached from Mena via Ark. 375 south for ten miles. From Glenwood, follow Ark. 8 west 25 miles until you see the sign announcing "Little Missouri Falls and Albert Pike Recreation Areas." From US 71 at Vandervoot the area can be reached via Ark. 246 (10 miles).
| | Hunting Opportunities |
Many hunting opportunities exist on the WMA, including deer, turkey, squirrel, bear, furbearers, rabbits, bobwhite, raccoon, mourning dove, coyote, woodcock, snipe and ducks. The area is noted for its high-quality deer potential. Squirrel hunting can be outstanding following a year of good hard mast production.
| | Management Practices |
Several practices are used on the area to enhance wildlife habitat. These include approximately 100 food plots, several hundred acres of controlled burns, overstory mast development to increase acorn production, honeysuckle planting, timber harvesting, waterhole development, midstory thinning and bushhogging.
| | Recreation Other Than Hunting |
Of special interest is the Caney Creek Wilderness Area (14,433 acres). One has a choice of a couple of trails to hike depending on time allotted. Whitewater kayaking is available on the Cossatot River for those with considerable experience in white water. The Cossatot is not a river for beginners, however. "Cossatot" is derived from American Indian words meaning "skullcrusher."
| | Camping |
Camping opportunities are endless. The Forest Service allows unrestricted camping. Albert Pike Recreational Area, Bard Springs Recreational Area and Shady Lake Recreational Area all have developed camping areas with restroom facilities and drinking water. Camping is free at Bard Springs, but a nominal fee is charged at Albert Pike and Shady Lake. Camping with electricity and cabins is available at a private campground at Albert Pike. For more information call 870-356-3964.
| | Restaurants and Other Facilities |
The nearest restaurant and motel will be found at Mena, but groceries can be purchased at Albert Pike or in the community of Langley.
| | Safety |
There is the possibility of becoming lost. The area is home to many bears, so use common sense dealing with garbage and cooking materials.
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