First waterfowl report for the 2018-19 season available online

Nov. 14, 2018

Randy Zellers

Assistant Chief of Communications

LITTLE ROCK – Opening day of Arkansas’s 2018-19 duck season is Saturday, and the first report for habitat conditions on Arkansas Game and Fish Commission wildlife management areas is available to get the lowdown on prospective hunting areas.

The AGFC’s Weekly Waterfowl Report will be available every week during the season, and through the second youth hunt in February.

The report gives the latest news on weather trends and water levels throughout mostpublic duck hunting areas in the state. Area managers send in information on a weekly basis to help hunters find possible locations to begin their search for the next weekend’s duck hunt. Food sources that were planted, such as millet, and food sources prepared through extensive manipulation of native vegetation are provided as well as a snapshot of what sort of hunting conditions hunters may expect when they arrive for their hunt. Flooding conditions also are highlighted. 

AGFC Waterfowl Program Coordinator Luke Naylor says the terms “flooded” or inundated may mean something different than what a typical duck hunter pictures, however. 

“When an area is deemed flooded, that means water is covering the ground,” Naylor said. “It doesn’t necessarily mean there’s enough water to float a boat or run a motor through the area. Dabbling ducks like mallards are most attracted to water less than 18 inches deep, because they can easily reach the food at the bottom in that depth. If you want to attract ducks and provide the energy they need for migration, the food has to be accessible. It may mean getting out of the boat and walking occasionally, but shallow habitat makes for fantastic hunts and can even prevent people from setting up on top of you if you’ll take the time to walk a little to get to your location.”

The waterfowl report can be viewed online or emailed directly to you, so you can open it at your leisure. To sign up for the report or view past versions, visit https://www.agfc.com/en/news/category/waterfowl-report.