Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Waterfowl Report

Mallards were at their lowest estimated numbers in Arkansas since at least 2009 in the recent December Aerial Waterfowl Survey. Here’s a lone mallard enjoying some peace and quiet at Holland Bottoms Waterfowl Rest Area near Jacksonville late last season.

Dec. 20, 2023

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

No Surprises; State Aerial Survey Shows Modern-Day Low in Mallards

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s December aerial waterfowl survey confirmed what many hunters and other observers were believing was the case in terms of the state’s early-season duck numbers: They’re at a modern-day low, both in estimated numbers of mallards and total ducks.

The well-below-average count is attributed to no substantial rainfall to alleviate the months of drought conditions in the Delta, and weather conditions north of Arkansas in late fall have been unseasonably mild all the way to Canada.

Brett Leach, the AGFC’s waterfowl program coordinator, also noted that the lower mallard numbers are not a surprise — the 2023 mallard breeding population estimate of slightly over 6 million was the lowest estimate since 1993. “A lot happens between a mallard leaving the Prairie Pothole Region breeding grounds and arriving in Arkansas. Nonetheless, declining continental duck populations should be expected to impact wintering counts and harvest, and that could be starting to show up in this month’s survey estimates,” he wrote in the survey released on Tuesday this week. It should be noted that waterfowl reports from Mississippi (down 68 percent) and Louisiana state agencies reflect significant drops in December waterfowl counts from their long-term averages, again with dry conditions cited as the biggest culprit. Missouri also started slowly, but its numbers in conservation areas recently have increased to more along its December average. 

“If you just look at the habitat across all the southern states right now — Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana we’re all facing really dry conditions and we’re all season low numbers for our waterfowl counts,” Leach said Wednesday. “And also, north of us it’s been pretty mild. I was checking back home in Wisconsin over the last month and they’re 10-15 degrees warmer than what they’re typically seeing. They’re seeing that in the Dakotas, Missouri, Iowa, pretty much everywhere.”

AGFC biologists Jason Carbaugh, Jason Jackson, Cameron Tatom and Alex Zachary conducted the survey Dec. 4-11, flying over the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (the Delta), the Arkansas River Valley and southwest Arkansas. Biologists conducting transect-based surveys in the Delta estimated 449,860 total ducks, 79,365 of which were mallards. The Delta mallard population estimate was roughly 250,000 ducks below the 2009-2023 long-term December average and the lowest December estimate since the inception of transect-based surveys in 2009. Total duck population estimates were also at an all-time low. 

The survey also reported 17,878 ducks estimated in the Arkansas River Valley, including 9,920 mallards, which is near average, though total ducks were slightly below average. Biologists performing cruise surveys in southwest Arkansas reported an estimated 35,857 total ducks (slightly above average for December) with 4,517 mallards (below long-term average).

Also, arctic goose population estimates totaled 622,532 light (lesser snow and Ross’s) geese and 188,402 greater white-fronted geese in the Delta. Biologists noted 4,500 light geese and 1,000 greater white-fronted geese in southwest Arkansas. 

A 2-inch rain fell Dec. 1 throughout parts of the Delta, which was the most rainfall since a late October storm that dropped about 4 inches of rain statewide. The good news for waterfowl habitat in the state is that several days of rain are forecast Friday through Christmas Day (Monday). 

AGFC staff will conduct its annual Midwinter Waterfowl Survey the first week of January. The third and final aerial survey of the season follows two weeks later.

* * *

It is important to note that not only are these numbers estimates, they are based on randomly selected flight transects. Leach noted that while the transects did not include Lake Ashbaugh in this survey, he and Carbaugh still flew over the popular duck destination and estimated about 80,000 ducks on the water there. They also saw other large duck congregations on other reservoirs.

Leach said the standard error of the mallard population estimate is 20,436, meaning the true population in the Delta could range from 53,246 to 150,170 mallards. Total duck population estimates had a standard error of 81,424, with a true population between 364,613 to 804,666 ducks.

Typically, mallards account for about 52 percent of all ducks in the Delta during December surveys; in this survey, mallards accounted for 18 percent of all ducks in the Delta.

The highest mallard and total duck estimates were in the Bayou Meto-Lower Arkansas and Cache survey zones. About 55 percent of all ducks, including mallards, were in these two survey zones. During this survey period, higher mallard estimates were also in the Black River-Upper White and L’ Anguille survey zones. Hotspot maps show few duck concentration areas outside these survey zones. The low mallard numbers in the Lower White survey zone were surprising, as this area is usually majority mallards during most surveys, but mallards only made up 7 percent of total ducks within this survey zone. 

The highest mallard and total duck estimates in the Arkansas River Valley were in the Point Remove-Plumerville survey zone, with estimates in the East Dardanelle zone a distant second. Concentration maps highlight key concentration areas in the Blackwell Bottoms. 

So the hope among waterfowlers is for rain and colder weather in Arkansas in coming days and weeks. “That’s what I’m hoping for right now,” Leach said. “Fingers are crossed.”

Federal Duck Stamp To Go Digital Next Season
Hunters chasing ducks and geese may be able to go completely digital with their duck stamp beginning in the 2024-25 waterfowl hunting season, thanks to a bipartisan effort led in part by U.S. Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) and U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and backed by Arkansas’s entire legislative delegation. On Dec. 12, the full House of Representatives passed the Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 by a vote of 403-20, following passage in the Senate by unanimous consent in July.

The bill, signed by President Joe Biden Tuesday, will enable hunters to use only an electronic version of their duck stamp as proof of their purchase (a requirement to hunt migratory waterfowl).

Through this season, waterfowl hunters have had to purchase the federal stamp (available online and mailed to the applicant) and then sign the front of the stamp and keep it on their person while hunting. Now in Arkansas, all other requirements for hunting, including the license and Harvest Information Program registration and the state waterfowl stamp, were maintained online. Hunters this year still have 45 days from ordering a federal duck stamp before it has to be on their person.
Next year, everything will be online.

To read more about the new legislation, click here.

Arkansas Wildlife Podcast Features Champion Duck Caller Brad Allen
Born with Cache River water running through his veins in the small community of Beedeville, Arkansas, it was no wonder that Brad Allen was destined for duck hunting greatness. Join “Arkansas Wildlife Podcast” host Trey Reid as he sits down with Allen at the Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Expo to talk all things duck calls, calling and hunting in Arkansas. Click here to listen, or find the “Arkansas Wildlife Podcast” on your favorite podcasting platform.

Allen is the founder and owner of Elite duck calls.

Last Break of the Season
Note that this second “split” of the 60-day waterfowl season will close Saturday, Dec. 23, at sunset for a three-day Christmas break. The third and final segment of the season reopens at 30 minutes before sunrise on Wednesday, Dec. 27, and will continue uninterrupted until closing for good on Wednesday, Jan. 31, at sunset.

For those seeking permits for either the WRICE program of private land hunts or for the permitted WMA hunts, apply this week (Thursday through midnight Sunday, Dec. 24) for available permits for the weekend of Dec. 30-31 and permits that are required or available during weekdays following that weekend.

This may be obvious already with the season dates available, but just a reminder to winners of this week’s permits: Saturday is the only day this weekend available for WRICE and WMA permit hunting. WRICE fields may hunt up to sunset Saturday.

Visit the special permit page on the AGFC website for more information or for a link to apply.

• Southwest Arkansas
• Central Arkansas
• East-Central Arkansas
• Northwest Arkansas
• Northeast Arkansas
• Southeast 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 235.6 feet; target level is 235.5 feet; 95% flooded.

South Woods GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: Gauge reading at 7-Mile is 234.4 feet; target level is 234.5 feet; 95% flooded.

Simmons Field
Habitat: Native vegetation
Water Level: 95% 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 Dec. 6, the Black River level at Corning was 1.74 feet and holding.

Upper Island GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is 269.55. Target level is 269.5; 100% flooded.

Lower Island GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is 268.5 feet msl. Target level is 268.0; 100% flooded.

Upper Reyno GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is 266.75 feet msl. Target level is 266.9; 95% flooded.

Lower Reyno GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is 266.25 feet msl. Target level is 266.3; 95% flooded.

Winchester GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop
Water Level: Current level is 263.35 feet msl. Target level is 263.7; 60% 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 238.2 feet msl with a target level of 240.0 feet msl. 45% flooded.

Rainey Brake GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: 40% flooded.

Eagle Pond GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: 70% flooded.

Phase III Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet.
Water Level: 70% flooded.

Charles Crisp Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet
Water Level: 75% flooded.

Ward Field Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90% flooded.

River Field Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet
Water Level: 100% 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 212.38 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%.

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 Dec. 19 was 14.1 feet and falling. The water level at Glaise Creek is at 187.70 feet msl and stable. 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 14.1 feet and rising as of Dec 19. The water level at Glaise Creek is at 187.70 feet msl and stable. The South Unit now has no structures to close; water will flow freely throughout the 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 3.69 feet and stable on Dec 19.

Wiville Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90% 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: 10% 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: 90% coverage

Dark Corner Waterfowl Unit 1
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 95% 

Dark Corner Waterfowl Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90% 

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

Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

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 are no designated holes.

The White River gauge at Georgetown on Wednesday, Dec. 20, was 1.4 foot and falling.

Unit A
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100% coverage.

Unit B
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 65%

Unit C
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 60%

Unit D
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 75%

Unit E
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 80%

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

Unit G
Habitat Type: Native vegetation.
Water Level: 0%

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

Unit I
Habitat Type: Native vegetation.
Water Level: 0%

Unit J (Cypert Tract)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 75%

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: 97%

Bell Slough WMA
Map | Weather Report

Bell Slough GTR
Flooding of the Bell Slough GTR is rainfall dependent. Gates were lowered in the GTR water control structure Nov. 17. 

Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood/cypress-tupelo
Water Level: 0%

Palarm Creek WRA
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 90%

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir
Map | Weather Report

Due to planned renovation work to Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir, water levels remain 4-4.5 feet below normal pool on both Pierce and Dix creeks.

Cypress Bayou WMA
Map| Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Good mast crop
Water Level: 25% coverage.

Red Cut Slough Tract

Unit 1
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 0%

Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 0%

Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90%

Unit 4
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 40%

Unit 5
Habitat Type: Native vegetation.
Water Level: 65%

Unit 6
Habitat Type: Open water reservoir
Water Level: 65%

Harris Brake WMA
Map | Weather Report

Upper GTR
Habitat Type: Good mast crop
Water Level: 100% coverage 

Lower GTR
Habitat Type: Good mast crop.
Water Level: 15% coverage. The Harris Brake Lake valve was opened on Nov. 15 to begin supplemental flooding of both the Lower and Upper GTRs. Damage to one of the Lower GTRs water control structures is allowing water to drain from the Lower GTR and can’t currently be fixed. Sloughs and ditches within the Lower GTR unit will continue to hold water. However, the majority of the Lower GTR unit will stay drained due to the water control structure damage.

Holland Bottoms WMA
Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Mast crop
Water Level: Most of the low lying areas scattered around the WMA have a few inches of water or are completely dry.

Lake Pickthorne WRA (no hunting)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation and millet
Water Level: The East Unit is at 90%, and the West Unit 100% flooded.

Dardanelle WMA
Map | Weather Report

McKennon Bottoms (half-day hunting)
Habitat Type: Native moist soil
Water Level: 100% coverage

Potter’s Pothole Hartman Waterfowl Unit (half-day hunting)
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100% coverage

Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA
Map | Weather Report

Flooding of waterfowl impoundments on Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA began Oct. 27 and will continue as long as water levels in Point Remove Creek allow. 

Little Hole (Unit 1)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 90% flooded

Willow Island (Unit 2)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 90%

Red Gate (Unit 3)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 95%

Pig Trough (Units 4 and 5)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation and Japanese millet
Water Level: 80%

Cedar Ridge (Unit 6)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 85%

Unit 7a
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 80%

Unit 7b
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 0%

Duck Trap (Units 8a, 8b and 8c)

8a
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 90%

8b
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 75%

8c
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 90%

Unit 9
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 95%

Controversy Corner (Unit 10)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation and Japanese millet
Water Level: 90%

Remmel Marsh
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 90%

Mud Pond (Unit 12)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 50%

Turkey Pond (Units 13a, 13b and 13c)

13a
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 75%

13b
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 60%

13c
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 80%

Teeny Pond (Unit 14)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 20%

Salt Lick (Unit 15)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 60%

Bobby’s Pond (Unit 16)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 60%

Race Track (Unit 17)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 70%

Frog Bayou WMA
Map | Weather Report

Unit 1
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 80% coverage. 

Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation. Unit is rainfall dependent.
Water Level: 75%. 

Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 75%. 

Unit 4
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 5
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 6
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 80%. 

Unit 7
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Galla Creek WMA
Map | Weather Report

Galla Creek
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation and Japanese millet. Staged flooding of the waterfowl impoundment began Nov. 7, and the gate was raised again Dec. 1 to initiate the second stage of flooding. The gate will be raised to begin the final stage of flooding on Jan. 4.
Water Level: 70%

Nimrod Lloyd Millwood WMA
Map | Weather Report

Nimrod GTR
Habitat Type: The red oak mast crop is moderate this year as well as the desirable native vegetation growth. The water control structures were closed on Nov. 15.
Water Level: 5% flooded. Flooding of the area is rainfall dependent.

Ozark Lake WMA/Dyer Lake Water Unit
Weather Report

Dyer Lake Cells

Unit 1 Dyer main cell
Habitat Type: Japanese millet
Water Level: 100% coverage for both units

Unit 2 Dyer Road Cell
Habitat Type: Native moist soil
Water Level: 100% coverage

Unit 3 South Cell
Habitat Type: Chiwapa and Japanese millet
Water Level: 25% coverage

Unit 4 West Cell (rainfall dependent)
Habitat Type: Fallow disked
Water Level: 0% coverage

Petit Jean River WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Sorehead Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Blacklands Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation. The red oak trees within the unit produced a moderate mast crop this year. Pumping of this unit is dictated by river levels. Due to the constant river level fluctuations, there is not a set date that this unit will be at full pool.
Water Level: 100% 

Slaty Crossing Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Blacklands Duck Area
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Pullen Pond Marsh
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 10%. Flooding of the area is rainfall dependent.

Pond Creek GTR
Habitat Type: The red oak mast crop is moderate this year as well as the desirable native vegetation growth. The water control structures were closed Nov. 15.
Water Level: 10%. Flooding of this area is rainfall dependent.

Slaty GTR
Habitat Type: The red oak mast crop is moderate this year as well as the desirable native vegetation growth. The water control structures were closed Nov. 15.
Water Level: 10%. Flooding of this area is rainfall dependent.

Santa Fe GTR
Habitat Type: The red oak mast crop is moderate this year as well as the desirable native vegetation growth. The water control structures were closed Nov. 15.
Water Level: 10%. Flooding of this area is rainfall dependent.

Dr. Lester Sitzes III Bois d’Arc WMA
Map | Weather Report

Bois d’Arc Lake WRA
Habitat Type: Closed to hunting.
Water Level: Normal

Red Slough WRA
Habitat Type: Closed to hunting.
Water Level: 80% coverage

GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: 95%

Little Grassy
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 80%

Millwood Lake
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Habitat Type: Natural vegetation
Water Level: Millwood is at 259.41 feet msl, 259.2 is normal pool.

Ozan WMA
Map | Weather Report

Flooding of all units is rainfall dependent.

Unit 1
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 70%

Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 40%

Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 30%

Unit 4
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 50%

Unit 5
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 20%

Sulphur River WMA
Map | Weather Report

Mercer Bayou
Habitat Type: Natural vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Henry Moore WRA
Habitat Type: Closed to hunting.
Water Level: 60%

Beryl Anthony Lower Ouachita WMA
Map | Weather Report

Water Level: No water

Cut-Off Creek WMA
Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: No water

Pigeon Creek WRA
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: No water

Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA Deer Research Area
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Flooding is river dependent. Click on the Water Gauge link above for current Mississippi River levels. Use extreme caution when boating in the river.

The Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA West Unit allows weekend permit hunting for youths (one adult per youth hunter); on Wednesdays, all ages may apply for a permit to hunt the blinds in the West Unit. 

George H. Dunklin Jr. Bayou Meto WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

The UGSG is reporting real-time water gauge readings at the headwater at each GTR within the George H. Dunklin Bayou Meto WMA. Click the Water Gauge link above for the WMA, and search for the particular GTR as noted. 

NOTE: During the 2023-24 wintering period, all intentional flooding will be held at 178.5 feet msl, an elevation that will relieve stress on many trees such as red oaks that are showing signs of distress. Rain and increased flow into the WMA will allow water to rise above that level periodically. A good rule of thumb for comparing water levels to access into Bayou Meto: 176 feet msl – water breaking into sloughs and lower ditches; 177-177.5 feet msl – water beginning to break out of sloughs and lower ditches; 178 feet msl – water in most sloughs and ditches and entering into lower elevations in woods; 178.5 feet msl – most ditches and sloughs deep enough to boat and most boat ramps become serviceable; 179 feet msl or above – water expands to the higher elevations.

Upper Vallier GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 178.10 feet msl and falling as of Dec. 20. See Gauge Link (Upper Vallier Headwater) for updated info.

Lower Vallier GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 177.97 feet msl and falling as of Dec. 20. See Gauge Link (Lower Vallier Headwater) for updated info. 

Government Cypress GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 178.23 feet msl and falling as of Dec. 20. See Gauge Link (Government Cypress Headwater) for updated info.

Buckingham Flats GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 176.20 feet and rising as of Dec. 20. See Gauge Link (Buckingham Flats Headwater) for updated info.

Temple Island GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 177.96 feet msl and falling as of Dec. 20. See Gauge Link (Temple Island Headwater) for updated info. Water too low for pumping.

Canon Brake
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood
Water Level: 163.73 feet msl as of Dec. 20. See Gauge Link (Canon Brake Headwater) for updated info. 

Halowell WRA
Habitat Type: Moist soil
Water Level: Staggered flooding of units

Wrape Plantation WRA
Habitat Type: Moist soil
Water Level: Staggered flooding of units

Seven Devils WMA
Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: No water

Trusten Holder WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Flooding is river dependent. Click on the Water Gauge link above for current Arkansas River levels.