Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Waterfowl Report

Pintails were being noted returning from southern destinations back to Arkansas in the past week by observers in central and east-central Arkansas. These pintails and teal were caught on camera at Holland Bottoms by AGFC photographer Mike Wintroath.

Jan. 3, 2024

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Waiting for the Rain

Arkansas Needs a Gully Washer for Ducks to Rush In

Information for the Weekly Waterfowl Report seems to have become monotonous: It’s been the refrain for weeks, but in Arkansas (and pretty much all the states within the Mississippi Flyway), we keep waiting for the rain — the heavier the better.

The good news is that Friday calls for a great chance of rainfall across Arkansas, followed up by rain expected for Monday. The first rain is part of a front that national weather forecasters say will help create a winter storm in the eastern midwest and into the northeast states. Maybe next week, the midwestern U.S. will see more wintry weather.

But for all the states abutting the Mississippi River and experiencing everything from abnormally dry conditions to extraordinary drought, it’s going to take a BIG gully washer over a few days time to bring about conditions that traditionally, according to waterfowl biologists, move ducks along their usual flyway routes.

That much has been obvious in Arkansas since the waterfowl season began Nov. 18.

Arkansas is in the third “segment” of its 60-day season, running uninterrupted now until Jan. 31. The AGFC’s December Aerial Waterfowl Survey showed a significant drop in overall ducks as well as mallards in the Delta area of the state from previous samples of the same period, resulting in the lowest counts since the aerial survey began in 2009. The AGFC survey team is flying this week for the annual Midwinter Survey, and there’s little indication that numbers will be much different than last month.

“It’s been pretty quiet lately,” Brett Leach, the AGFC’s waterfowl program coordinator, said Wednesday of any duck reports. “I haven’t really heard much other than just waiting on rain.” 

Anecdotal reports indicated a nice abundance of ducks seen on Halowell Reservoir in the past week. Trey Reid, AGFC assistant chief of communications and host of Arkansas Wildlife TV, was in George H. Dunklin Bayou Meto Wildlife Management Area last week and in other nearby publicly accessible hunting areas of south-central Arkansas, and said hunters were using Lower Vallier, with some others in Upper Vallier, of Bayou Meto, but the limited amount of water in the WMA had hunters bunched in a smaller-than-usual area to hunt. There is little to no water in Bayou Meto topping 178 feet on U.S. Geological Survey gauges to indicate that water is in most sloughs and ditches and beginning to enter lower elevations in woods. Most areas need a half-foot or more of water to fill most ditches and sloughs to be deep enough for most boat ramps to become serviceable.

In other AGFC public areas managed for waterfowl, such as Frog Bayou WMA and Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA, water coverage of the moist-soil units is good, according to this week’s report from WMA managers and biologists (see below). However, according to Luke Naylor, the AGFC chief of wildlife management and Leach’s predecessor in charge of the waterfowl program, the Arkansas River Valley would see a boost in ducks if Point Remove Creek were overflowing its banks thanks to usual winter flooding. He also notes that a flooding of the White River bottoms always seems to instinctively turn on the duck migration from northern climes. As it stands now, the USGS White River gauge at Georgetown, near Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA, is at a mere 1.8 feet. The White River gauge at Augusta, which indicates the amount of water that would flow into Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA, is below 14 feet (26 feet is flood level). Glaise Creek, which traditionally needed to top 192 feet for flooding of Hurricane WMA to be realized, is almost 4 feet below that number.

Lest the blame for fewer-than-normal ducks only be placed on drought conditions, Naylor and Leach both remind waterfowlers of one fact that seems to be neglected in recent weeks: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s breeding population count from the Dakotas and Canada last spring were the lowest seen since 1993. Much of that was blamed on extreme drought conditions in those areas last year. 

Arkansas is not lacking on the geese front, according to both anecdotal reports and observations by this reporter in the past week. Snow geese and greater white-fronted geese continue to dominate the waterfowl landscape in east-central, southeast and east Arkansas. In fact, in our observations, snow geese are now significantly outnumbering the specks in areas of east-central Arkansas that were speck heavy just three weeks ago. The December aerial survey of the state’s Delta region also reflected a big rush of snow geese early in December, too, with more than 600,000 snows and blues estimated in the waterfowl count, compared to just below 200,000 specks. Combined, total geese were well ahead of total ducks throughout the Delta in the early days of December.

WRICE and Water
Arkansas hunters can enjoy a private land rice field-style hunt with pumped surface water at several sites around the state thanks to the AGFC’s Waterfowl Rice Incentive Conservation Enhancement program. Sixty-one fields were available for this weekend’s online draw, with 502 hunters applying for spots.

The heaviest interest among hungers for a WRICE field were in the Georgetown, Slovak, Altheimer and Longbell areas — this information is available to the public weekly as part of the WRICE field information provided by the AGFC at https://www.agfc.com/education/arkansas-waterfowl-rice-program-wrice/

The fields available have been pumped, and most provide ample cover for hunters through pit blinds or sled blinds. All are available for scouting from the road before the weekend hunts. Hunting parties (the winner of the draw and up to three other hunters) may hunt from 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset both Saturday and Sunday.

GIS interactive maps of the sites are available on the WRICE program’s page on agfc.com. Other special permit hunts via online draw — at Cypress Bayou WMA Red Cut Slough, Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA, Sheffield Nelson Dagmar WMA Conway George Tract and Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA and Deer Research Area West Unit Youth Hunts — are available on weekends (Dagmar Conway George Units are available by permit to all ages on Wednesdays). These areas are open until noon for hunting. Visit https://www.agfc.com/hunting/waterfowl/special-waterfowl-permit-hunts/ for more information. 

Unrestricted permits for hunting are available at Raft Creek Bottoms and Red Cut Slough on Tuesdays and Thursdays only, in addition to the online draw permits for the weekends. Online permits are still required for the Magellan Tract, youth blind and mobility-impaired blind on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Raft Creek Bottoms WMA.

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

South Woods GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: Gauge reading at 7-Mile is 234.75 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 Jan. 3, the Black River level at Corning was 2.3 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 268.45 feet msl. Target level is 268.0; 100% flooded.

Upper Reyno GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is 266.8 feet msl. Target level is 266.9; 95% flooded.

Lower Reyno GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is 266.45 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 239.5 feet msl with a target level of 240.0 feet msl. 70% 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 212.71 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 13.62 feet (flood stage is 26 feet) and slightly rising. The water level at Glaise Creek is at 187.91 feet msl and falling. 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 13.62 feet and slightly rising as of Jan. 3. The water level at Glaise Creek is at 187.91 feet msl and falling. 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 4.2 feet and on a slight fall on Jan. 3.

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 Tuesday, Jan. 2, was 1.8 feet and holding.

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: 95%

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: 50%

Unit 5
Habitat Type: Native vegetation.
Water Level: 100%

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: 85%

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: 60%

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: 70%

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: 100%

Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation. Unit is rainfall dependent.
Water Level: 90%. 

Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native moist soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%. 

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: 100%. 

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 259.93 feet msl as of Jan. 3, 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: 177.96 feet msl and falling as of Jan. 3. See Gauge Link (Upper Vallier Headwater) for updated info.

Lower Vallier GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 177.84 feet msl and falling as of Jan. 3 See Gauge Link (Lower Vallier Headwater) for updated info. 

Government Cypress GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 178.10 feet msl and falling as of Jan. 3. See Gauge Link (Government Cypress Headwater) for updated info.

Buckingham Flats GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 176.26 feet and stable as of Jan. 3. See Gauge Link (Buckingham Flats Headwater) for updated info.

Temple Island GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: 183.78feet msl and slightly rising as of Jan. 3. See Gauge Link (Temple Island Headwater) for updated info. Water too low for pumping.

Canon Brake
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood
Water Level: 163.57 feet msl as of Jan. 3. 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.