Bell Slough WMA

Zone: 022

Counties: Faulkner, Pulaski

2022-23 Waterfowl

Waterfowl Notes:

No boats allowed Nov. 12-18, 2022, Nov. 28-Dec. 9, 2022 and Dec. 24-25, 2022.
Closed to all access (except in designated campsites, parking areas and boat launch ramps) from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m., Nov. 19, 2022-Jan. 31, 2023 and Feb. 4, 2023.
The Palarm Creek Waterfowl Rest Area is closed to all access from Nov. 1, 2022-Feb. 15, 2023.
It is unlawful to use any device that simulates wing movement or movement of any kind through electrical or mechanical means, except jerk strings. See exact code.
Waterfowl hunters may not possess shotgun 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 Hunts and Special Military Hunts, Dec. 3, 2022 and Feb. 4, 2023.
No boats allowed from 1 p.m. to 4 a.m., Nov. 19, 2022-Jan. 31, 2023.
Exception – Boats allowed from 1 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., Dec. 3, 2022 and Jan. 31, 2023.
See Page 44 for boating restrictions.
Airboats may not be operated within Bell Slough WMA during duck season.
Non-motorized boat access to water trails in the afternoon during duck season is allowed.
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 501-212-4090.

2023-24 Closed Seasons

Alligator
Bear Modern Gun

2023-24 Crow: Sept. 1, 2023-Feb. 19, 2024. Open Thursdays through Mondays only. No limit.

2023-24 Deer

Deer Archery: Sept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024
Deer Muzzleloader (Permit Hunt): Oct. 21-25, 2023
Deer Modern Gun: Closed
Deer Modern Gun Special Youth Hunt: Nov. 4-5, 2023

WMA Deer Bag Limit: Four deer, no more than two antlered bucks, which may include:

Two antlered bucks with archery, muzzleloader or modern gun,
Four antlerless with archery
Two antlerless with muzzleloader or modern gun,
During youth hunt, youths may take four deer, two antlered bucks and two antlerless.

Deer Notes:

Three-point rule.
No dogs.

2023-24 Quail

Nov. 1, 2023-Feb. 5, 2024. 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.

2023-24 Rabbit: Sept. 1, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024. Daily limit - 8, possession limit - 16.

2023-24 Squirrel: May 15, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024. Dogs allowed. Daily limit - 12, possession limit - 48.

2023 Bear

Bear Archery: Sept. 13-Nov. 30, 2023
Bear Muzzleloader: Oct. 21-29, 2023
Bear Modern Gun: Closed

Bear Notes:

Statewide limit.
No dogs.
Bear seasons close earlier if bear zone quota is reached.

2024 Turkey

Includes Camp Robinson WMA
Firearms Hunt (permit required): April 15-17, 2024, April 22-24, 2024 and April 29-May 1, 2024. One legal turkey.

Turkey Notes:

A WMA Turkey Hunt Permit is required to hunt turkeys on this WMA. Click here for details.
All hunters including permit holders are required to apply for and obtain a Recreational Pass from the Deaprtment of the Army at Robinson Maneuver Training Center prior to entry. For questions regarding the Recreational Pass please call 501-212-4090 or visit https://arkansas.nationalguard.mil/Home/Camp-Robinson-Maneuver-Training-Center/. Vehicular access is limited to designated improved surface roads. Military activities take precedence over recreational activities and may cause changes to access requirements, dates and available training areas without notice.

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

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.
The Palarm Creek Waterfowl Rest Area closes to access Nov. 1 and reopens to access Feb. 16.
For access restrictions that affect all users during waterfowl season, check the waterfowl guidebook.

Description: Bell Slough WMA consists of 2,366 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.

Location: Bell Slough WMA lies just south of Mayflower off Interstate 40.

Ownership: AGFC

Phone: 833-356-0879

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