Poison Springs WMA

Zone: 530

Counties: Nevada, Ouachita

2018-19 Closed Seasons

• Alligator
• Bear

2018-19 Deer

Deer Archery: Sept. 22, 2018-Feb. 28, 2019.
Deer Muzzleloader: Oct. 20-28 and Dec. 29-31, 2018.
Deer Modern Gun: Nov. 10-Dec. 16 and Dec. 26-28, 2018.
Deer Modern Gun Special Youth Hunt: Nov. 3-4, 2018 and Jan. 5-6, 2019.
WMA Deer Bag Limit: Six deer, no more than two bucks, which may include: 

• Two bucks with archery, muzzleloader or modern gun,
• Six does with archery, muzzleloader and modern gun combined.
• During youth hunt, youths may take six deer, two bucks (no antler restrictions) or up to six does.

Deer Notes:

• Three-point rule.
• No dogs.

2018 Crow

Sept. 1, 2018-Feb. 21, 2019. Open Thursdays through Mondays. No limit.

2018 Quail

Nov. 1, 2018-Feb. 3, 2019. Daily limit - 6, possession limit -12. Bird dogs allowed.

2018 Rabbit

Sept. 1, 2018-Feb. 28, 2019. Daily limit - 8, possession limit - 16. Dogs allowed except during firearms deer hunts.

2018 Squirrel

May 15, 2018-Feb. 28, 2019. Dogs allowed except during firearms deer hunts. Daily limit - 12, possession limit - 48.

2019 Turkey

Youth Hunt: April 6-7, 2019. Two legal turkeys, no more than one jake.
Firearms Hunt: April 8-23, 2019. Two legal turkeys, no jakes (youths may take one jake as part of their statewide seasonal limit).

Access

The area is located 25 miles west of Camden on state hwy 24. There are green WMA signs posted at the entrance of the larger tracts.

Age

Poison Springs WMA was established in 1972.

Camping

The Arkansas Forestry Commission has designated several areas as primitive campsites. A free permit must be obtained from them in order to use these campsites.

Description

Poison Springs WMA is located entirely in the West Gulf Coastal Plain Physiographic Region. Most of the tracts are of an Upland habitat type and are characterized by pine and upland oaks, rolling hills, sandy soils, and small streams.

Hunting Opportunities

Deer and turkey hunting is good to excellent throughout the area. Quail hunting is fair near old fields, clearcuts and wildlife openings. Rabbit hunting is fair in old fields and clearcuts. Squirrel hunting is fair to good.

Location

The tracts that make up Poison Springs WMA are located in Ouachita and Nevada Counties and are widely dispersed.

Management Practices

The area is managed intensively for pine by the Arkansas Forestry Commission. Hardwood species are retained in draws and along streams. Some pine stands are subjected to prescribed fire to reduce fuel loads and control woody brush. The AGFC manages approximately 75 wildlife openings that are well dispersed throughout the area.

Notes

• Free permit from the Arkansas Forestry Commission is required to camp or collect firewood. Call 870-836-5882 to reserve a campsite and obtain a camping/firewood permit.
• Horses and mules are allowed for legal hunting activities during specific hunting seasons and at night during furbearer season.

Ownership

22,162 acres, includes Arkansas Oak Natural Area (Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission; Poison Spring State Forest Sand Barren (Arkansas Forestry Commission) and Oak-Pine Forest Preserve Natural Area (Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission).

Phone

877-836-4612

Purpose

The purpose of the cooperative effort between the AGFC, Natural Heritage Commission and the Arkansas Forestry Commission is to provide hunting and other outdoor opportunities in south Arkansas.

Recreation Other Than Hunting

White Oak Lake provides excellent fishing opportunities. The lake is noted for its bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish. Eagles and many other interesting migratory bird species may be seen around the lake in the fall and winter. Poison Spring State Park.

Restaurants and Other Facilities

Chidester: food and supplies. Camden: motels, restaurants and supplies. Prescott: motels, restaurants and supplies.

Safety

There are few hazards on the area. Some roads require 4WD or ATV but most are in fair shape.

Detailed Interactive Map Public Use Maps