Hope Upland WMA

2023-24 Closed Seasons

• Alligator
• Bear
• Deer Muzzleloader
• Quail
• Turkey Firearms (youth turkey hunt available)

2023-24 Bobcat

Sunrise, Sept. 1, 2023-sunset, Feb. 29, 2024. Open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays during daylight hours only. Daily limit 2.

2023-24 Coyote

Sunrise, July 1, 2023-sunset Feb. 29, 2024. Open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays during daylight hours only. No limit.

2023-24 Crow

Sept. 1, 2023-Feb. 20, 2024. Open Thursdays and Saturdays only. No limit.

2023-24 Deer

Deer Archery: Sept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024
Deer Muzzleloader: Closed
Deer Modern Gun Youth Hunt: Nov. 4-5, 2023WMA Deer Bag Limit: Four deer, no more than two bucks, which may include:

• Two bucks with archery,
• Four does with archery.
• During youth permit hunt, youths may take two deer, one buck (no antler restrictions) or up to two does with permit.

Deer Notes:

• 12-inch inside spread or 15-inch main beam rule.
• No dogs.

2023-24 Dove

Sept. 2-Oct. 22, 2023 and Dec. 8, 2023-Jan. 15, 2024 (Open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays only).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 Rabbit

Sept. 1, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024. Daily limit – 8, possession limit – 16.

2024-25 Squirrel

May 15, 2024-Feb. 28, 2025. Dogs allowed. Daily limit – 12, possession limit – 48.

2024 Turkey

Youth Turkey Hunt (permit required): April 6-7, 2024. One legal turkey.See also Rick Evans Grandview Prairie WMA. Permit required.

Access

Take Hwy. 278 north from Hope for approximately 6 miles, turn east on Hwy. 32 and continue approximately 1 mile, turn north on County Rd. 26 and go approximately 3 miles and turn back east on gravel road and it takes you to the area main access gate.

Age

The area was established in portions during the late 1940s and early 1950s.

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.
• Dove hunting is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays only during the statewide dove seasons.
• The area is closed to vehicles.

Camping

Camping is available at the Fair Park campgrounds in Hope.

Description

Upland mixed pine/hardwood stands dominates this area. A large food plot system is interspersed on the area. The area also includes a large number of firelanes that are annually planted in wheat and provide excellent browse.

Hunting Opportunities

Deer, quail, squirrel dove, and rabbits. This area is known for producing large bucks. See current regulations for seasons and permit requirements.

Location

It is in Hempstead County, 3 miles north of Hope.

Management Practices

An intensive management habitat plan including forest prescriptions, prescribed burning and open land management is implemented on this area. This habitat management plan greatly benefits both game and nongame wildlife species.

Ownership

This 2115-acre area is owned by the AGFC.

Phone

833-372-2434

Purpose

The primary objective of this management area is to provide quality wildlife habitat and public hunting opportunities.

Recreation Other Than Hunting

This area provides excellent bird watching opportunities. Old Washington Historic State Park is located 3 miles north. Rick Evans/Grandview Prairie WMA is located approximately 10 miles to the northwest. Millwood Lake is approximately 15 miles to the west.

Restaurants and Other Facilities

Facilities are located in Hope and Washington. A system of mobility impaired trails are available on the area.

Safety

This property was once included in the Southwestern Proving Grounds, a military ammunitions testing range in the early 1940s. Should you encounter any type of unexploded ordnance, please do not attempt to move or remove the ordnance yourself. Mark the location of the ordnance and contact the Southwest Regional Office of AGFC immediately.

WMA Master Plan

View the master plan for this AGFC-owned WMA.