Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Waterfowl Report

Hunters in the Arkansas timber with their Labrador retrievers wait for the mallards to descend into the big woods around the state. Photo by Mike Wintroath.

Dec. 28, 2023

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Winter Push Coming? Conditions Are Falling Into Place for More Waterfowl Movement.

For the first time since the beginning of waterfowl season, here at Waterfowl Report headquarters in west Little Rock it actually felt today (Thursday, Dec. 28) like a late-arriving winter was finally on its way. 

With that, and with promising anecdotal reports from around east-central and central Arkansas this week as the state’s last segment of waterfowl season began Dec. 27, we have a feeling ducks will finally follow.

At this time last year, Arkansas had experience a struggling start to the season with dry conditions but finally was benefiting from a huge winter storm covering states to the north and northwest, and that led to a good aerial waterfowl count for the Midwinter Survey in early January — though ducks quickly moved on and were back to lower-than-average numbers later in the month when the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s aerial crew went back up for a final look.

We don’t have quite the intense winter snowstorm to our direct north this time — national weather forecasters keep pointing at an El Nino, which may eventually earn a Super El Nino tag before this season is over — northern states have seen conditions such as heavy snowfall and a big drop in temperatures that usually push the back end of the duck migration Arkansas’s way. A large snow mass made its way across Nebraska and Iowa/northern Missouri into parts of Illinois this week. A lot of that snow was forecast to circulate counterclockwise back into central, eastern and southern Missouri through Thursday evening. Northeast Arkansas may see this wintry blast and precipitation Friday morning. Temperature highs will return to near 60 on Sunday, however. But next weekend could be 10 degrees cooler, forecasters say.

This week, we heard reports of more ducks flying the Arkansas River Valley near Conway all the way to good numbers of ducks seen in the Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge. Perhaps they, too, have sensed the approach of winter and were moving toward southerly food sources and habitat. Arkansas, however, still needs heavier rainfall than we’ve seen this fall and early winter to spread ducks around.
Water conditions have improved slightly in most of the public hunting areas in east and northeast Arkansas and plenty of huntable water and 100 percent coverage in greentree reservoirs in many areas, including the Arkansas River Valley and in public areas of southwest Arkansas. We personally spotted heavy diving-duck usage of privately-owned oxbows inside the Arkansas River levees in southeast Arkansas just before Christmas.

In the runup to the Christmas holiday, the Missouri Department of Conservation reported a slow migration of waterfowl through the Central and Mississippi flyways, and the state had begun to note a decline in duck numbers, most noticeably in the northern portion (where duck season ended Dec. 26). But geese continue to increase throughout much of Missouri, though ducks (640,885) outnumbered geese (233,5000) in the week before Christmas.

In contrast, the AGFC’s December Aerial Survey, estimated total geese outnumbered total ducks in the Delta by 300,000 birds.

Missouri’s total duck count released on Dec. 18 was 35.6 percent higher than the previous five-year average (472,737) and 17.5 percent higher than the previous 20-year average (545,332). An estimate of 431,983 mallards in Missouri as of Dec. 18 was 16.2 percent higher than the previous five-year estimate (371,856 mallards) and 4.3 percent lower than the 20-year estimate (451,437).

Within the disappointing news that Arkansas’s total December aerial estimate was down 200,000 from average and mallard estimates were the lowest since the aerial survey began were some positive nears from specific areas where ducks were seen en masse. And, the way the aerial counts are conducted with randomly selected transects, some areas that may have thousands of ducks at one time may not be included in the count. That’s why the estimated count has a range of error and shouldn’t be taken as exact.

For example, Lake Ashbaugh was not part of the transects in the most recent aerial survey. But Brett Leach, the AGFC’s waterfowl program coordinator, and Buck Jackson, the AGFC’s state wetlands coordinator, were close enough with the assigned transects to make a quick diversion over to Lake Ashbaugh, where Leach reported seeing 80,000 ducks on a body of water that is always popular for ducks during their migration through Arkansas. Had the random transects included Ashbaugh, the number of mallards estimated would have been significantly higher for that survey.
Typically, mallards account for about 52 percent of all ducks in the Delta during December surveys (compare that to the major fraction of total ducks that include mallards in Missouri during December); this survey, mallards accounted for 18 percent of all ducks in the Delta during this survey.
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-Upper

White and L’ Anguille survey zones. Hotspot maps (available under “Waterfowl” on the agfc.com website) show few duck concentration areas outside these survey zones.

Leach said the low mallard numbers in the Lower White survey zone were surprising, as this area is usually majority mallards during most surveys —  mallards only made up 7 percent of total ducks within this survey zone the first week of December.
The AGFC’s aerial survey crew will be back up counting all next week.

Check Out the ‘FowlWeather Podcast’
What would a podcast emanating from Jacks Reef, New York, reveal about duck hunting in Arkansas and the Central and Mississippi flyways? A lot, we think. For one, Dr. Mike Schummer, the podcast host and Fowl Weather founder, seems to know his way around duck hunting, habitat and conditions from the Atlantic Flyway westward all the way to the Central Flyway, and his podcast is entertaining. Schummer also doesn’t stay holed up in Jacks Creek — he is planning a trip this week in fact to the Mississippi Delta for duck hunting and will have a podcast from wherever he’s set up there in his usual Monday spot (kudos to Mike for managing a Christmas Day podcast even if he kept it at a tight 12 minutes).

About Arkansas’s waterfowl situation this year and predictable weather patterns, Schummer said on Christmas Day, “The mallard numbers in Arkansas haven’t been this bad since 2009, which, if people don’t keep up, was another El Nino year with pretty strong drought conditions. So, it’s not surprising that there aren’t ducks in the big woods of Arkansas right now.”

You can hear “The FowlWeather Podcast” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Facebook and Instagram. Schummer’s website is https://fowlweather.co/

Schummer is also a frequent guest on other duck hunting and waterfowl podcasts. He describes himself as a life-long duck hunter and accomplished waterfowl scientist and wetland manager with decades of expertise that he brings to his podcast. Now, he’s an associate professor and the Roosevelt Waterfowl Ecologist at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
He’s held previous positions as the game bird biologist for the state of Maine, research  associate at Mississippi State University, University of Western Ontario and Southeast Missouri State University. He describes his passion as waterfowl and wetlands conservation and finding ways to bring the hunting community together. The podcast is a passion project decades in the making, he says. He doesn’t do it alone: He’s got a dedicated team that provides data analysis and technical expertise. “‘The FowlWeather Podcast’ produces the only duck migration forecast on the internet. We use the latest science to bring you weekly updates about when and where the ducks will be migrating in your area,” it says on his website.

In this holiday season, if you’re looking for something to listen to while you’re chilling out on the couch and the monotony of bowl games has made the eyes blurry, give a listen to “The FowlWeather Podcast” and catch up on a season of great information with a binge-listen.

• 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 235.8 feet; target level is 235.5 feet; 100% flooded.

South Woods GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: Gauge reading at 7-Mile is 234.5 feet; target level is 234.5 feet; 100% flooded.

Simmons Field
Habitat: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100% 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. 28, the Black River level at Corning was 2.15 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 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 266.85 feet msl. Target level is 266.9; 95% flooded.

Lower Reyno GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is 266.5 feet msl. Target level is 266.3; 100% flooded.

Winchester GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop
Water Level: Current level is 263.45 feet msl. Target level is 263.7; 80% 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 238.4 feet msl with a target level of 240.0 feet msl. 50% flooded.

Rainey Brake GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: 100% flooded.

Eagle Pond GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: 100% 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: 100% flooded.

Ward Field Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100% 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 212.60 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. 28 was 13.95 feet (flood stage is 26 feet) and rising. The water level at Glaise Creek is at 188.30 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 13.95 feet and rising as of Dec 28. The water level at Glaise Creek is at 188.30 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 5.35 feet and rising on Dec. 28.

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. 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: 20%. 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 260.29 feet msl as of Dec. 28, 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: 178.03 feet msl and stable as of Dec. 28. See Gauge Link (Upper Vallier Headwater) for updated info.

Lower Vallier GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 177.90 feet msl and stable as of Dec. 28. See Gauge Link (Lower Vallier Headwater) for updated info. 

Government Cypress GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 178.16 feet msl and stable as of Dec. 28. See Gauge Link (Government Cypress Headwater) for updated info.

Buckingham Flats GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 176.30 feet and falling as of Dec. 28. See Gauge Link (Buckingham Flats Headwater) for updated info.

Temple Island GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 181.56 feet msl and rising as of Dec. 28. See Gauge Link (Temple Island Headwater) for updated info. Water too low for pumping.

Canon Brake
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood
Water Level: 163.66 feet msl as of Dec. 28. 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.