Bayou Des Arc WMA
Zone: 005
County: Prairie
- 2022-23 Closed Seasons
- Alligator
- Bear
- 2022-23 Crow
Sept. 1, 2022-Feb. 20, 2023. Open Thursdays through Mondays. No limit.
- 2022-23 Deer
Deer Archery: Sept. 24, 2022- Feb. 28, 2023
Deer Muzzleloader: Oct. 15-23 2022 and Dec. 29-31, 2022
Deer Modern Gun: Nov. 12-Dec. 18, 2022 and Dec. 26-28, 2022.
Deer Modern Gun Special Youth Hunt: Nov. 5-6, 2022 and Jan. 7-8, 2023.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,
- Two does with muzzleloader and modern gun combined.
- During youth hunt, youths may take three deer, no more than two bucks (no antler restrictions) or up to two does.
Deer Notes:
- This WMA is in Flood Prone Region B. Click here for details.
- Three-point rule.
- No dogs.
- 2022-23 Quail
Nov. 1, 2022-Feb. 5, 2023. Daily limit - 6, possession limit - 12.
While training bird dogs, you may use handguns or shotguns with blank ammunition. Pen-raised quail may be taken with a Shoot-To-Kill Bird Dog Field Training Permit. This permit is available from your local wildlife officer.
- 2022-23 Rabbit
Sept. 1, 2022-Feb. 28, 2023. Daily limit - 8, possession limit - 16. Dogs allowed except during firearms deer hunts.
- 2022-23 Squirrel
May 15, 2022-Feb. 28, 2023. Dogs allowed except during firearms deer hunts. Daily limit - 12, possession limit - 48.
- 2022 Turkey
Youth Hunt: April 9-10, 2022. One legal turkey.
Firearms Hunt: April 18-26, 2022. One legal turkey.
- About the Name
This 953-acre wildlife management area received its name from the city of Des Arc, a historical river town on the White River in Prairie County.
- Access
Access to the WMA is limited to walk-in visitors. Parking is available at lake parking facilities.
- Age
Des Arc WMA was created in 1966 after the acquisition of property for the construction of a 320-acre public fishing lake. After the creation of Lake Des Arc, bottomland hardwood habitat remained outside the levee system, providing an opportunity for development of this small management area.
- Area Notes
A free annual General Use Permit (WMP) is required to hunt or trap on WMAs. Permits are available online by clicking "Buy Licenses" at agfc.com or by calling 800-364-4263 or any regional office.
- Area Type
WMA
- Camping
Primitive camping is available.
- Description
The 300-acre area is a bottomland hardwood overflow tract.
- Hunting Opportunities
Swamp rabbits, deer, ducks and squirrels are the most frequently hunted species. Raccoons may be taken and hunting is good to excellent depending upon water levels.
- Location
Bayou Des Arc is 5 miles north of the city of Des Arc on Highway 11.
- Management Practices
The hardwood habitat is managed as other typical bottomland areas. Timber inventories evaluate the vigor and quality of the habitat for wildlife. The 320-acre lake is managed by an AGFC fisheries biologist.
- Ownership
The AGFC owns the lake and Wildlife Management Area.
- Phone
877-734-4581
- Purpose
This tract provides additional public use opportunities close to a public fishing lake.
- Recreation Other Than Hunting
This management area provides an opportunity to observe many species of wetland birds and Neotropical migrants for bird enthusiasts and photographers.
- Restaurants and Other Facilities
The nearest facilities are in Des Arc and Hazen. Several restaurants provide various types of food and small grocery stores provide camp foods.
- Safety
When accessing the WMA by boat across Lake Des Arc, make sure proper personal flotation devices for all members are aboard the vessel.