Bayou Des Arc WMA
| Zone | County |
|---|---|
| 005 | Prairie |
Flood Prone Region
Three-point Rule
Acres: 953
2024-25 Closed Seasons
- Bear
- Alligator
2024-25 Crow
Sept. 1, 2024-Feb. 17, 2025. Open Thursdays through Mondays only. No limit.
2024-25 Deer
Deer Archery: Sept. 7-9 (one buck only); Sept. 28-Feb. 28.
Deer Alternative Firearms: Oct. 19-27.
Deer Modern Gun: Nov. 9-Dec. 15 and Dec. 26-28.
Deer Modern Gun Special Youth Hunt: Nov. 2-3 and Jan. 4-5.
WMA Deer Bag Limit: Three deer, no more than two bucks, which may include:
- Two bucks with archery, alternative firearms or modern gun,
- Three does with archery,
- Two does with alternative firearms 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.
2024-25 Quail
Nov. 1, 2024-Feb. 2, 2025. Daily limit – 6, possession limit – 12.
2024-25 Rabbit
Sept. 1, 2024-Feb. 28, 2025. Daily limit – 8, possession limit – 16.
2024-25 Squirrel
May 15, 2024-Feb. 28, 2025. Dogs allowed. Daily limit – 12, possession limit – 48.
2025 Turkey
Youth Hunt: April 12-13, 2025. One legal turkey.
Firearms Hunt: April 21-29, 2025. 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 833-345-0325 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
833-345-0283
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.