Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA/Deer Research Area East Unit

• Alligator
• Bear

• One buck with archery,
• One buck with alternative firearms permit,
• One buck with modern gun permit,
• Two does with archery, alternative firearms permit or modern gun permit.
• During youth permit hunt, youths may take three deer, one buck (no antler restrictions) and two does with permit.
• During mobility impaired permit hunt, mobility impaired hunters may take three deer, one buck and two does with permit.

Deer Notes:

•  15-inch inside spread or 18-inch main beam rule.
• No dogs.
• Hunters must harvest and check a doe on Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA Deer Research Area prior to harvesting a buck.
• A youth is not required to harvest a doe before harvesting a buck during any hunt.

Mourning Dove and White-Winged Dove 
Daily Limit – 15, possession Limit – 45

Eurasian Collared-Dove
No daily or possession limit
Eurasian Collared Doves must remain fully feathered in the field and while being transported from the field.

Dove Notes:

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission prepares a few fields each year for the opening weekend of dove season so the public has a place to enjoy this exciting form of wingshooting.

Dove fields on WMAs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. WMA acreage put into dove fields is relatively small because most hunters only pursue doves the first few days of the season. However, after opening weekend of dove season, many wildlife species feed in the fields, particularly those that were topsown with winter wheat.

• 2023-24 Arkansas Waterfowl Hunting Guidebook
• 2023-24 Statewide Waterfowl Season Dates and Bag Limits
• General WMA Regulations

Waterfowl Notes:

• Spinning-wing and mechanically operated decoys not allowed. See Page 43.
• No airboats during duck season. (both units, excluding the Mississippi River)

• 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.
• Check antler restrictions for important additional information.
• Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA Deer Research Area East Unit closes to deer hunting when the Mississippi River gauge at Arkansas City reaches 31 feet and remains closed until the gauge falls to 29 feet or below.
• The West Unit does not flood and should remain independent of the East Unit.
• Horses and mules are prohibited during deer season.
• For access restrictions that affect all users during waterfowl season, check the waterfowl guidebook.