Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Waterfowl Report

Nov. 22, 2023

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Waterfowl Season Moves Into Second Weekend

Arkansas’s first segment of its 60-day waterfowl season runs for nine days, and by sunset on Sunday, Nov. 26, the hunting will be done. With the exception of one day allocated for the Special Youth Hunt on Saturday, Dec. 2, the waterfowl in Arkansas will get a 12-day respite from hunters.
From anecdotal hunter reports and in-person experiences by AGFC staff, the first weekend of waterfowl hunting in The Natural State produced spotty results. If enough water and food sources were nearby, hunters reported fair to good success. Many hunters also noted success in east-central and south-central Arkansas with goose hunting (primarily greater white-fronted geese) over their duck hunting efforts, or at least on an even basis. Employees at Webb Sporting Goods in DeWitt say this has been the best year for specklebelly hunting in the southern portion of Arkansas County that they can remember.
Others related, however, that areas where they were used to annually finding success chasing ducks proved fruitless on the opening weekend.

The culprit for many who were hoping for a big opening day last Saturday was likely the dry conditions throughout much of the state. Many acres of public lands usually available for waterfowl hunting were without much needed moisture, and ducks avoided them. George H. Dunklin Bayou Meto WMA and Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA, two of the more popular destinations year-in and year-out for waterfowl hunters in Arkansas, had little or no water.
Temperatures also were mild last weekend, and conditions to the north of Arkansas aren’t much different.

The state did see some rainfall Monday, some of it heavy in spots, and a few areas that were reported dry a week ago in the AGFC’s Weekly Waterfowl Report showed an uptick in water, albeit slight in cases.

WRICE Picking Up

This week, 38 fields in the AGFC’s Waterfowl Rice Incentive Conservation Enhancement program were available for permits, allowing public-permitted hunts on private rice fields around the state. This was one more field than was available on opening weekend. As many as 40 other fields contracted with the program this year have had no nearby water source to pump the fields before the first two weeks of the season, which also points to the lack of rainfall seen around the state through late summer and into fall.
By next weekend, though, another 16 fields are expected to have enough water to be huntable — based on what is available in the permit application period this week — and all youths under 16 who plan to hunt on the Special Youth Hunt on Dec. 2 are eligible to apply for a permit to a WRICE field, as well as apply for permits for youth blinds at Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA and Sheffield Nelson Dagmar WMA Conway George Tract blinds. Youths do not need a permit to hunt Raft Creek Bottoms WMA in other places besides the youth blind, and they may also hunt all off Red Cut Slough in Cypress Bayou WMA. Go to https://www.agfc.com/hunting/waterfowl/special-waterfowl-permit-hunts/ for more information or to apply.
The second segment of Arkansas’s duck season will start up 30 minutes before sunrise Saturday, Dec. 9, and run through Saturday, Dec. 23. There is a three-day break between segments around Christmas Eve and Christmas Day before the season resumes for its third and last segment Dec. 27-Jan. 31.
Remember: For all hunters wanting to apply for a WRICE permit for the resumption of the season and the weekend of Dec. 9-10, you will begin applying at 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30 (through midnight Sunday, Dec. 3).

New This Year

As more water is sure to arrive in Arkansas via Mother Nature and as boating becomes easier, waterfowlers using public land should note some regulation changes this year compared with seasons past:

* Hunting on Bell Slough, Ed Gordon Point Remove and Galla Creek WMAs and the Dyer Lake Unit of Ozark Lake WMA is limited Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and the last day of regular duck season. No permits are required at these locales, but it’s important to note that there is no hunting Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (with the exception of Wednesday, Jan. 31).

* Many of the AGFC’s WMAs will require boats this year to have motors with ONLY FACTORY EXHAUST SYSTEMS INSTALLED. These WMAs are: Bell Slough, Beryl Anthony Lower Ouachita, Big Lake, Camp Robinson, Cut-Off Creek, Cypress Bayou, Dave Donaldson Black River, Dr. Lester Sitzes III Bois d’Arc, Earl Buss Bayou DeView, Ed Gordon Point Remove, Galla Creek, George H. Dunklin Bayou Meto, Harris Brake, Henry Gray Hurricane Lake, Petit Jean River, Rex Hancock Black Swamp, Seven Devils, Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms, Sheffield Nelson Dagmar, Shirey Bay Rainey Brake and Sulphur River. Also, Cache River, Dale Bumpers White River, FelsenThal and Overflow national wildlife refuges have the same regulation.

* Confusion for boaters on the Cache River has been alleviated with a regulation change allowing unrestricted boating on a portion of the river that runs through or is adjacent to Rex Hancock Black Swamp WMA. Because of the 4 a.m. rule on entering WMAs, hunters were not sure if they could boat the Cache River through the WMA outside of the hours allowed for WMA use during waterfowl season.

Also, nonresidents who are hunting in Arkansas this waterfowl season should note:

* A 30-day Nonresident WMA Waterfowl Permit ($200) was approved for this season by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commissioners in October, allowing for hunting on the days allowed for nonresident public hunting. The way the season fell this year, including with the nine-day first segment, nonresidents would have had to purchase seven $40 5-day permits to cover the 30 days available for nonresident hunting on public land.

* Also, nonresidents need to be aware of other new requirements and fees that were set during the offseason. These changes can be viewed on the website (agfc.com) or in the 2023-24 Waterfowl Hunting Guidebook, which can be found under “Regulations” on the agency’s newly revamped website, www.agfc.com.

Southwest Arkansas
Central Arkansas
East-Central Arkansas
Northwest Arkansas
Northeast Arkansas
Southeast Arkansas

Northeast Arkansas

Big Lake WMA

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

When the Ditch 81 extension gauge near Manila (upstream of the Big Lake north-end control structure) reads 17.5 feet, water is beginning to come over the north levee degrade on Big Lake WMA. When the Ditch 81 Extension gauge reads 18.0 feet or higher, the water level on the WMA will rise quickly and hunters should exercise caution while on the area. Be aware of underwater logs in boat runs and hangers in trees.

North Woods GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: Gauge reading at BoDoc is 234.2 feet; target level is 235.5 feet; 0% flooded.

South Woods GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: Gauge reading at 7-Mile is 233.2 feet; target level is 234.5 feet; 50% flooded.

Simmons Field
Habitat: Native production is good in the north middle and south fields.
Water Level: 0% coverage.

Dave Donaldson Black River WMA

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Waterfowl hunters should be aware of hangers and submerged logs within the boat runs and GTRs. Please exercise caution when accessing the area. Please remember to keep boats off the levees so AGFC personnel can access the area. Boats blocking access will be moved. Unattended trailers are not to be left overnight in parking areas. As of Nov. 13, the current Black River level is 1.75 feet and holding.

Upper Island GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is 269.45. Target level is 269.5; 95% flooded.

Lower Island GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is below readable gauge level. Target level is 268.0; 50% flooded.

Upper Reyno GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is 266.1 feet msl. Target level is 266.9; 30% flooded.

Lower Reyno GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is 265.55 feet msl. Target level is 266.3; 15% flooded.

Winchester GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop
Water Level: Current level is below readable gauge level. Target level is 263.7; 5% flooded.

Earl Buss Bayou DeView WMA

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Boaters should use caution while using the Thompson Tract boat lane.

South Oliver GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Current gauge reading is 0.0 feet 0% flooded.

Thompson Tract GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Current gauge reading is 0.0 feet. 0% flooded. The Thompson Tract GTR will be allowed to rise and fall naturally without the gates being operated later and partially this season. This action is an effort to help the next generation of forest.

Lake Hogue WRA
Habitat Type: Primarily deep open water
Water Level: Normal pool level

Shirey Bay Rainey Brake WMA

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Waterfowl hunters should be aware of hangers and submerged logs within the boat runs and GTRs. Please exercise caution when accessing the area. In addition, hunters should allow safe passage when parking vehicles along roadsides. Vehicles blocking access will be moved.

Adam Brake GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: Water level is 237.8 feet with a target level of 240.0 feet msl. 30% flooded.

Rainey Brake GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: 15% flooded.

Eagle Pond GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: 0% flooded.

Phase III Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet.
Water Level: 0% flooded.

Charles Crisp Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet
Water Level: 0% flooded.

Ward Field Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Barnyard and panicum grass composition
Water Level: 0% flooded.

River Field Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet
Water Level: 70% flooded.

St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods within the hunt area.
Water Level: Water levels on St. Francis Sunken Lands for waterfowl season are dependent on flows from the St. Francis River. The target level for providing huntable timber is 212.0 feet msl at the Oak Donnick gauge. Current reading is 211.74 feet msl.

Snowden WRA
Habitat Type: Mixed grasses
Water Level: 10% flooded

Payneway WRA
Habitat Type: A, B, C and D pools have mixed smartweed and barnyard grasses. Moderate hardwoods within pools A, B and C as well.
Water Level: Pool A is at 0 coverage. Pool B is at 0%. Pool C is at 0%. Pool D is at 10%.

East-Central Arkansas

Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Hunters should call the Wildlife Hotline at 800-440-1477 for current road closures.

North Unit
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: The White River at Augusta as of Nov. 20 was 13.08 feet and rising. The water level at Glaise Creek is at 187.02 feet msl. All structures on the North GTR will remain open during the 2023-24 season.

South Unit
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: The White River at Augusta is 13.08 feet. The water level at Glaise Creek is at 187.02 feet msl. There are no structures to close on the South Unit.

Rex Hancock Black Swamp WMA

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Hunters should call the Wildlife Hotline at 800-440-1477 for current road closures.

Gregory GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: Cache River at Patterson was at 3.48 feet and stable on Nov. 20.

Wiville Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 15% flooded

Sheffield Nelson Dagmar WMA

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

The Conway George units are currently available for hunting by applying for online permits. Youths may apply for Saturday and Sunday hunts, with one adult hunter allowed per one youth, up to four hunters in the blind. Wednesday permit hunts are available for adults (up to four hunters per party, three blinds available). Please visit www.agfc.com for maps, special regulations, permit application and draw dates. Hunters should call the Wildlife Hotline at 800-440-1477 for current road closures. The AGFC will not be putting boards in at Dagmar. Water coverage is dependent on river level.

Mud Slough GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: 15% coverage

Apple Lake WRA (no hunting)
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: 25% coverage.

Conway George Waterfowl Unit A
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90% coverage

Conway George Waterfowl Unit B
Habitat Type: Natural slough area with beneficial native wetland plants
Water Level: 90% coverage

Conway George Waterfowl Unit C
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 0% coverage

Dark Corner Waterfowl Unit 1
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: No coverage

Dark Corner Waterfowl Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: No coverage

Dark Corner Waterfowl Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: No coverage

Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA

Hunting in Raft Creek Bottoms WMA requires participation on the online draw a week before the following weekend’s hunt. There is no online draw on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and permits are available at the boat accesses. Permits ARE required (via online application) on weekends, Tuesdays and Thursdays for the youth and mobility-impaired blinds and for the Magellan Tract. Visit agfc.com to apply for the online draw. There will be no designated holes this season.

The White River gauge at Georgetown on Monday, Nov. 20 was 1 foot and stable.

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Unit A
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 60% coverage.

Unit B
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 20%

Unit C
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 15%

Unit D
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 25%

Unit E
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 25%

Unit F (Youth Area)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit G
Habitat Type: Habitat conditions are poor.
Water Level: 0%

Unit H (Mobility-impaired blind)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit I
Habitat Type: Conditions are poor.
Water Level: 0%

Unit J (Cypert Tract)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 50%

Unit K (Cypert Tract)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 5%

Unit L (Cypert Tract)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 0%

Unit M (Magellan Tract)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 5%

Central Arkansas

Bell Slough WMA

Nov. 22, 2023

Waterfowl Season Moves Into Second Weekend

Northeast Arkansas

East-Central Arkansas

Central Arkansas

Northwest Arkansas

Southwest Arkansas

Southeast Arkansas

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