Bell Slough WMA

Zone: 022

2019-2020 Crow: Sept. 1, 2019-Feb. 21, 2020. Open Thursdays through Mondays. No limit.

2019-2020 Quail: Nov. 1, 2019-Feb. 3, 2020. Daily limit - 6, possession limit -12. Bird dogs allowed.

2019-20 Deer

Deer Archery: Sept. 28, 2019-Feb. 29, 2020.

WMA Deer Bag Limit: Four deer, which may include:

Deer Notes:

2019-20 Rabbit: Sept. 1, 2019-Feb. 29, 2020. Daily limit - 8, possession limit - 16. Dogs allowed.

2019-20 Squirrel: May 15, 2019-Feb. 29, 2020. Dogs allowed except during firearms deer hunts. Daily limit - 12, possession limit - 48.

2019-20 Waterfowl

Nonresidents need a 5-day Nonresident WMA Waterfowl Hunting Permit (NW5) to hunt waterfowl on this WMA. The permit costs $30.50 and is valid only Nov. 23-Dec.2, Dec. 27-Jan. 5 and Jan. 22-Jan. 31.
See Area Notes for Access Regulations. Click here for Statewide Waterfowl Regulations.

2019 Bear

Bear Archery: Sept. 28-Nov. 30, 2019.

Bear Notes:

2019 Turkey Permit: A WMA Turkey Hunt Permit is required to hunt turkeys on this WMA. Click here for details.

Access: Access to Bell Slough is available from Grassy Lake Road and from the backside of the Lake Conway Dam.

Description: Bell Slough WMA consists of 2,040 acres of woodlands and wetlands nestled between Little Rock and the growing city of Conway. Palarm Creek Rest Area offers birders a chance to view waterfowl, shorebirds and Neotropical migrants, and provides feeding and loafing habitat for migrating waterfowl.

Hunting Opportunities: Waterfowl hunting is available at Bell Slough. Mallards, gadwall and wood ducks are the primary waterfowl species seen on the area during winter. Bowhunting for deer and squirrel hunting are available on the area as well.

Notes

Palarm Creek Waterfowl Rest Area closes to access Nov. 1 and reopens Feb. 16.
Firearms are restricted to shotguns and rimfire rifles.
It is unlawful to use any device that simulates wing movement or movement of any kind through electrical or mechanical means, except traditional jerk strings.
Waterfowl hunters may not possess shot shells containing shot larger than No. 2 and may possess no more than 15 shells unless hunters are in camping, parking or boat launching areas or during the Special Youth Waterfowl Hunt.
No boats allowed from 1 p.m. until 4 a.m., Nov. 23-Jan. 31. Exception - boats allowed from 1 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., Dec. 7, Jan. 29-31 and Feb. 8.
Closed to all access (except in designated campsites, parking areas, boat launch ramps and boat staging areas) from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m., Nov. 23-Jan. 31 and Feb. 8. Boats may only be launched in boat staging areas after 2 a.m. and must remain occupied at all times between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.
Non-motorized boat access to water trails in afternoon during duck season is allowed.
Airboats may not be operated within Bell Slough WMA during duck season.
Nonresidents need a Nonresident Wildlife Management Area Waterfowl Hunting Permit to hunt waterfowl.
Hunters gaining access to Grassy Lake from Bell Slough are not required to have a sportsman's pass, but must stay in or on the water. For information on the sportsman's pass, call 501-212-5230 or 501-212-5111.

Recreation Other Than Hunting: The area is home to Kenny Vernon Nature Trail and Bell Slough Water Trail. These trails offer excellent bird-watching and the hiking trail boasts an observation area with mounted binoculars near Palarm Creek Waterfowl Rest Area.

Restaurants and Other Facilities: Restaurants are available in Mayflower, Conway and Little Rock, all less than a 15-minute drive from the area.

Safety: Because the area is home to a nature trail, hunters should pay particular attention to hikers and birdwatchers who may not be wearing safety orange. Hikers and birdwatchers are strongly encouraged to wear safety orange during hunting seasons.

Detailed Interactive Map Public Use Maps