McCRORY – Flooding on the Cache River has river levels above the flood zone closing level of the Rex Hancock Black Swamp Wildlife Management Area. The flooding has forced the cancellation of the deer muzzleloader permit hunt on the WMA in eastern Arkansas. The hunt was scheduled to begin on Oct. 17 and continue through Oct. 21. Until water levels on the Cache River recede, archery deer hunting also is closed on the WMA.

Hunters who were drawn for permits through the AGFC’s permit draw will receive refunds for the permit fees. In the coming weeks, the AGFC will mail refunds to all hunters who won permits and paid permit fees for the cancelled hunts. All permit recipients of any cancelled permit hunt will receive one preference point in addition to any previously accumulated WMA preference points.

In accordance with the current flood prone zone closure criteria for the WMA, when water on the Cache River gauge at Patterson exceeds 10 feet, deer hunting is immediately suspended until water levels fall below 8.5 feet on the gauge. The gauge at Patterson is presently reading in excess of 10.5 feet.

Other flood prone regions are also nearing closure status. For more information on the flood prone regions of the state, go to: http://www.agfc.com/hunting/misc_hunting/floodprone.aspx or call the Wildlife Management Hotline toll-free at (800) 440-1477.