Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Waterfowl Report

Ducks use Halowell Reservoir near Humphrey as a comfortable spot to rest during their winter migration in this 2022 photo by Mike Wintroath. The AGFC has been able to put significant amounts of water on the Halowell moist-soil units lately. See the habitat report attached below for water coverage in both Halowell and Wrape Plantation, part of George H. Dunklin Jr.  Bayou Meto WMA.

Dec. 11, 2024

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

Laying Out the Welcome Mat

Despite Lack of Rain, Water Increasing in Public Areas for Migrating Waterfowl

Record warm temperatures in Arkansas and to the north of the state during November, along with a lack of significant rainfall in the region, have slowed the success rate for many duck hunters in The Natural State.

However, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has been able to put some water on several wildlife management areas and greentree reservoirs in recent weeks, as the second segment of the Arkansas waterfowl season opened this past Tuesday. The 14-day segment will run through sunset Dec. 23. The final and longest segment of the 60-day season runs from Dec. 27-Jan. 31.

The state is looking for some large flights of ducks to venture this way.

Brett Leach, the AGFC’s Waterfowl Program Coordinator, said, “Over the last week I’ve heard states north of us reporting some pretty good numbers of birds as northern and mid-latitude states began to ice up and received some favorable rains. We have a couple days of rain predicted for late this week and early next week, so hopefully we’ll see some improved habitat conditions throughout the state and a good bird response.”

Forecasts calling for a 100 percent chance of rain Saturday and high probability of rain on Monday could bring more than 2 inches of rain to some areas of central and eastern Arkansas.

AGFC waterfowl biologists were out looking for those ducks that have settled in Arkansas this week as part of the annual December aerial survey.

Biologists reporting habitat conditions from the state’s WMAs managed for waterfowl had good news from several areas of the state. Dave Donaldson Black River WMA has 100 percent coverage in its GTRs. Flooding has begun at Shirey Bay Rainey Brake WMA in northeast Arkansas with water pulled from Lake Charles; a park employee there noted the lake was down about 1 foot over the past week. GTRs were about 50 percent flooded as of early this week, and a couple of moist-soil units had 100 percent coverage.

The Conway George Tract units at Sheffield Nelson Dagmar WMA have between 75 and 90 percent coverage now. These three hunting units are available to youth hunters and a mentor for each youth with an online permit on weekends, and are open to all ages for online-draw permit hunting every Wednesday.

Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA saw some slight drop in water coverage in some units over the past week with no rain and the White River at Gregory falling. However, some units have 80 to 100 percent coverage. Raft Creek has online permit draw hunting on weekends and is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays to self-serve permit hunting; obtain permits at the boat ramps and follow instructions to fill them out before and after your hunt.

Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA hasn’t seen total flooding yet, with coverage ranging to dry in some units up to 80 percent water coverage in others.

Earl Buss Bayou DeView in northeast Arkansas will see its water-control structures set to begin flooding the Thompson Tract greentree reservoir on Monday, Dec. 16. In east-central Arkansas, contractors are completing work on the electrical components on the new water-control structure at Glaise Creek (people driving over the roadway at the structure should use caution when crossing). Plans are for the new structure to begin operating starting Dec. 20, pending the electrical work being finished.

For hunters awaiting good news at George H. Dunklin Bayou Meto WMA, pumping has been ongoing at Buckingham Flats as water is available. Water reportedly has reached the back levee and some water is seen in the lower sloughs. Other popular areas such as Upper and Lower Vallier and Temple Island have not had enough water for hunting. The waterfowl rest areas of Bayou Meto WMA — Halowell Reservoir and Wrape Plantation — are seeing active pumping and flooding take place, bringing coverage in many of the moist-soil units to as much as 90 percent.
Complete habitat coverage reports are available below.

Good News From the North
Missouri’s drought conditions dissipated in late November and into December, and ducks that were pushed by blizzards and big temperature drops south out of the Canadian boreal forest and the prairie pothole regions in the Dakotas and Minnesota made their way into The Show Me State, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Missouri’s precipitation received well-above normal amounts for November, though the state remained warmer than normal. A wintry blast that roared through the middle of Missouri after Thanksgiving also had an effect on the hunting conditions.

The MDC reports that a blast of arctic air into Missouri at the start of December led to a major influx of mallards, and hunting reports around the state were good, though shallow wetland areas in the north and central parts of the state had challenging, icy conditions on managed wetlands. Fluctuating temperatures reflected hunting conditions, which they said ranged from tough to great. The southern portion of the state remained ice-free and had good hunting conditions.

Missouri as of Dec. 3 reported 1,172.333 total ducks, at 45.5 percent rise over the 5-year average and 39.7 percent greater than the previous 20-year average. They estimated 818,880 mallards, which is 47.4 percent greater than the previous 5-year estimate (555,698 mallards) and 25.9 percent greater than the 20-year estimate.

Illinois biologists estimated more than 750,000 mallards in the area between the Mississippi and Illinois rivers in early December after frigid temperatures and snowy conditions pushed ducks southward.

Leave Invasive Species in Your Wake
As water begins to accumulate in public duck hunting areas throughout Arkansas, hunters are starting to scramble to find the water and the ducks. Hunters can help keep Arkansas’s lakes and rivers healthy by taking a few moments at the end of each hunting day to inspect their boats, trailers and hunting equipment for vegetation and other stowaways that could spread to new areas and destroy wildlife habitat.

Arkansas fishermen have heard the mantra “Clean, Drain and Dry” for years, but anglers aren’t the only boaters in Arkansas that can do their part. Waterfowl hunters’ boats likely spend just as much, if not more, time in flooded vegetation and muddy areas where invasive plants such as giant salvinia and water hyacinth lurk. Before leaving the boat ramp for home or a new hunting destination, always inspect your gear and remove any vegetation or debris, and make sure your boat plug is pulled and allowed to drain. That way any invasive species that may exist on the area won’t be transported to new locations.

Matt Horton, Aquatic Nuisance Species Program coordinator for the AGFC, says harmful plants like giant salvinia, water hyacinth and Cuban bulrush can be easily transported as plant fragments or seeds clinging to decoys, decoy bags, boats, trailers and even in the mud clinging to waders. Also, small plant fragments and seeds, as well as invasive mussels and snails can survive in small amounts of water found in boat hulls, livewells and bilge areas.

“Preventing the spread of invasive species is the best way to fight them,” Horton said. “Once they become established, fighting them can be a full-time job and take away manpower and resources from other important fish and wildlife management work that needs to be done.”

Hunters can help prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species by following the three-step process of clean, drain and dry anytime they move to new water:

• Clean all equipment – Remove all plants and pieces of vegetation, seeds and mud off your waders, decoys, blind, truck, boat and trailer, and wash all equipment and gear with a high-pressure washer.
• Drain your boat – Drain all water by removing all drain plugs from your boat when you leave the boat ramp.
• Dry – Let all gear dry, preferably for five days, before visiting new waters. If there isn’t enough time to air dry between trips, use a towel to wipe dry remaining wet surfaces.

Horton also reminds anyone using a boat that, according to the AGFC’s Code of Regulations, all drain plugs must be removed at the boat ramp when leaving a body of water and during transport, including those in live wells and bilge areas, where invasive species may lurk.

A list of aquatic nuisance species found in Arkansas is available at www.agfc.com/ans as well as an easy-to-use online reporting form to report aquatic invasive plants and animals as hunters and other outdoors enthusiasts find them. Take a clear picture of the organism and note the location (GPS location preferred) to help AGFC identify and quickly respond to contain and eradicate new introductions before they spread or become established.

New invasive species introductions continue to increase in Arkansas. Just this year, early reporting helped AGFC eradicate two introductions of giant salvinia in the Illinois Bayou and Clear Lake and water hyacinth and Cuban bulrush in Lake Georgia Pacific. Also, Cuban bulrush was detected for the first time in Millwood Lake, Pool 2 of the Arkansas River, as well as Lake Erling and Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture responded to eradicate Purple Loosestrife at Lake Bentonville, which hasn’t been observed in Arkansas for over a decade.

• 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.

Simmons and Watson water-control structures will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 11. The inlet pipes along the west levee will be opened to begin flooding on Thursday, Dec. 12. Flood up is expected to be slow due to low water levels in Ditch 28. 

North Woods GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: Gauge reading at BoDoc is 230.2 feet msl; target level is 235.5 feet; 0% flooded. 

South Woods GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: Gauge reading at 7-Mile is 229.2 feet msl; target level is 234.5 feet; 0% flooded. Some limited water is available within the borrow pits. 

Simmons Field
Habitat: Native vegetation
Water Level: 10% 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 8 a.m. Dec. 9 the Black River level at Corning was 4.53 feet and falling.

Upper Island GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Current level is 270.0 feet msl.Target level is 269.5 feet msl; 100% flooded.

Lower Island GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Current level is 269.7 feet msl. Target level is 268.0 feet; 100% flooded.

Upper Reyno GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Current level is 267.75 feet msl. Target level is 266.9 feet; 100% flooded.

Lower Reyno GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Current level is 267.35 feet msl. Target level is 266.3 feet; 100% flooded.

Winchester GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Current level is 264.45 feet msl. Target level is 263.7 feet; 100% flooded.

Earl Buss Bayou DeView WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Boaters should use caution while using the Thompson Tract boat lane.

Note: Water-control structures will be set to begin flooding in the Thompson Tract GTR on Monday, Dec. 16, following recent infrastructure renovation and habitat management activities.

South Oliver GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Current gauge reading is 0.0 feet. 0% flooded. Some limited water available within the natural slough on the north end.

Thompson Tract GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Current gauge reading is 0.0 feet, 0% flooded. 

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.

NOTE: The structure at Lake Charles was opened on Dec. 2. Be aware the construction on new water-control structures will continue as the remaining pieces arrive; please park away from them. Structures may leak until construction is fully complete. 

Adam Brake GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Water level is 238.2 feet msl with a target level of 240.0 feet. 50% flooded.

Rainey Brake GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: 50% flooded

Eagle Pond GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: 10% flooded

Phase III Moist-soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and native moist-soil vegetation.
Water Level: 20% flooded

Charles Crisp Moist-soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet
Water Level: 0% flooded

Ward Field Moist-soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100% flooded

River Field Moist-soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
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 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. As of 8 a.m. Dec. 10, the reading was 212.06 feet msl.

Snowden WRA
Habitat Type: Mixed grasses
Water Level: 0% 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 0%.

Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Hunters should call the Wildlife Hotline at 800-440-1477 for current road closures.

Note: Contractors are completing work on the electrical components on the water-control structure at Glaise Creek. Please use caution when driving across the structure.

North GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: The White River at Augusta as of Dec. 9 is at 22.17 feet and falling (flood stage is 26 feet). The water level at Glaise Creek is below 187 feet msl and will not show readings until water levels rise above 187 feet msl. Staff are planning to begin phased, experimental operation of the new water-control structure approximately Dec. 20, pending completion of electrical work. 

Former South GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: This area 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 on Dec. 9 was at 2.87 feet and stable.

Wiville Moist-soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 80% flooded 

Sheffield Nelson Dagmar WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

The Conway George units are currently available for hunting by applying for online permits. Youth 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.

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: 20% 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: 75% 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: 0% 

Dark Corner Waterfowl Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 80% 

Dark Corner Waterfowl Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 80%

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

Saturday and Sunday hunting in Raft Creek Bottoms WMA requires participation in the online draw a week before the following weekend’s hunt. There is no online draw on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and self-server permits are available at boat ramps. 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 designated holes for the Saturday/Sunday online permit hunt. Hunters will be assigned a hole, are allowed a hunting party of four total members, and all party members must hunt within 150 yards of their designated hole marker (marked on maps at kiosks and physical signs at each hole).

The White River gauge at Georgetown on Wednesday, Dec. 11, was 8.9 feet and falling.

Unit A (Duck Holes A1 – A7)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 80% coverage

Unit B (Duck Holes B8-B26)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 70%

Unit C (Duck Holes C27-C34)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation and millet
Water Level: 100%

Unit D (Cypert Tract – Duck Holes D35-D36)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 80%

Unit E (Cypert Tract – Duck Hole E37)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 10%

Unit F (Cypert Tract – Duck Hole F38)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 10%

Unit G (Duck Hole G39)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 20%

Unit H (Duck Hole H40)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 20%

Mobility-Impaired Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Youth Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Magellan Tract Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 20%

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. 15. 

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

Palarm Creek WRA
West Unit
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

East Unit
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation and Japanese millet
Water Level: 20%

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir
Map | Weather Report

Due to renovation work to Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir, both Pierce and Dix creeks remain dry.

Cypress Bayou WMA
Map| Weather Report

Open Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Mast crop
Water Level: 0% coverage

Red Cut Slough Tract (permit hunting)

Saturday and Sunday hunting in Cypress Bayou WMA Red Cut Slough requires participation in the online draw a week before the following weekend’s hunt. There is no online draw on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and self-serve permits are available at the parking lot access. Permits ARE required (via online application) on weekends. Visit agfc.com to apply for the online draw. There are designated units for the Saturday/Sunday online permit hunt. Hunters will be assigned a unit and may hunt anywhere within that unit.

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

Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native vegetation.
Water Level: 20%

Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native vegetation.
Water Level: 0%

Unit 4
Habitat Type: Native vegetation.
Water Level: 0%

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

Unit 6
Habitat Type: Open water reservoir.
Water Level: 100%

Harris Brake WMA
Map | Weather Report

Upper GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop
Water Level: 100% coverage 

Lower GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop
Water Level: 5% coverage. The Harris Brake Lake valve was opened on Nov. 15 to begin supplemental flooding of the Upper GTR. 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: Low lying depressions and sloughs on the WMA are still mostly dry.

Lake Pickthorne WRA (no hunting)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation and millet
Water Level: East Unit is 5% flooded and the West Unit is 100% flooded. 

Dardanelle WMA
Map | Weather Report

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

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

Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA
Map | Weather Report

Staged flooding of waterfowl impoundments began on Nov. 7 and will continue as water levels in Point Remove Creek allow. 

Little Hole (Unit 1)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 10% flooded

Willow Island (Unit 2)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 70%

Red Gate (Unit 3)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 70%

Pig Trough (Units 4 and 5)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation and Japanese millet
Water Level: 10%

Cedar Ridge (Unit 6)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 80%

Unit 7a
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 50%

Unit 7b
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation and Japanese millet.
Water Level: 0%

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

8a
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 80%

8b
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 80%

8c
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 0%

Unit 9
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation and Japanese millet
Water Level: 60%

Controversy Corner (Unit 10)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation and Japanese millet
Water Level: 80%

Remmel Marsh (Unit 11)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 75%

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 and Japanese millet
Water Level: 60%

13b
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 0%

13c
Habitat Type: Japanese millet.
Water Level: 0%

Teeny Pond (Unit 14)
Habitat Type: Japanese millet.
Water Level: 0%

Salt Lick (Unit 15)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 70%

Bobby’s Pond (Unit 16)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 70%

Race Track (Unit 17)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation.
Water Level: 60%

Frog Bayou WMA
Map | Weather Report

*Note: Construction is ongoing.

Waterfowl rest areas west of Sharp Chapel Road and north of Blacklands Road are closed to all access from Nov. 1-Feb. 15.

Unit 1
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation; unit is rainfall dependent.
Water Level: 100% 

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: 80%, currently pumping.

Unit 7 (Draw Permit Required)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100% 

Unit 9 (Draw Permit Required)
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit 10
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100% 

Unit 11
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100% 

Unit 12
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 25% 

Unit 13
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 25% 

Unit 14
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 75%

Unit 18
Habitat Type: No vegetation due to construction
Water Level: 0%

Unit 19
Habitat Type: No vegetation due to construction
Water Level: 0%

Galla Creek WMA
Map | Weather Report

Galla Creek
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation and Japanese millet
Water Level: 60%

Nimrod Lloyd Millwood WMA
Map | Weather Report

Nimrod GTR
Habitat Type: This area is dominated by white oak tree species with some red oak tree species on the higher elevation sites. There are some open areas with native bottomland vegetation located throughout the forest. The water-control structures were closed on Nov. 15.
Water Level: 2% 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: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 75% coverage

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

Unit 3 South Cell (rainfall dependent)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level:100% coverage

Unit 4 West Cell (rainfall dependent)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100% coverage

Petit Jean River WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Sorehead Moist-Soil Unit
Habitat Type: This area is made up of mostly native bottomland vegetation fields and some forested areas that contain both red and white oak tree species.
Water Level: 50% 

Blacklands Moist-soil Unit
Habitat Type: This area is made up of mostly native bottomland vegetation fields and some forested areas that contain both red and white oak tree species. Due to ongoing bottomland area renovation work, most of the open areas in the central and western sides are still dirt with some late millet growth that is only a few inches tall. The east side of this unit does contain native bottomland vegetation. The plan is to start pumping again on Dec. 2.
Water Level: 70%, pumping of this area is dictated by river levels.

Slaty Crossing Moist-soil Unit
Habitat Type: Due to ongoing bottomland area renovation work, most of the open areas is still dirt with some late millet growth that is only a few inches tall.
Water Level: 75%, pumping of this area is dictated by river levels.

Blacklands Duck Area
Habitat Type: This area is a mix of native bottomland vegetation fields and forested areas that contain both red and white oak tree species.
Water Level: 75%

Pullen Pond Marsh
Habitat Type: This area is dominated by open areas with native bottomland vegetation. There are some forested areas that will flood when the area is at full pool. The eastern part of this unit is currently dirt due to ongoing bottomland renovation work. The water-control structures were closed on Nov. 18.
Water Level: 3%, flooding of the area is rainfall dependent.

Pond Creek GTR
Habitat Type: This area is dominated by white oak tree species with some open bottomland areas that contain native vegetation. The water-control structures were closed on Nov. 15.
Water Level: 0%, flooding of this area is rainfall dependent.

Slaty GTR
Habitat Type: This area is dominated by red oak tree species with some open bottomland areas that contain native vegetation. The water-control structures were closed on Nov. 15.
Water Level: 1%, flooding of this area is rainfall dependent.

Santa Fe GTR
Habitat Type: This area is a mix of both red oak and white oak tree species with some open bottomland areas that contain native vegetation. The water-control structures were closed on Nov. 15.
Water Level: 2%, 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: 10% coverage

GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: 5%

Little Grassy
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 40%

Millwood Lake
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Habitat Type: Natural vegetation
Water Level: Millwood is at 259.70 feet msl as of Dec 9.

Ozan WMA
Map | Weather Report

Flooding of all units is rainfall dependent.

Unit 1
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 25%

Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 0%

Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 0%

Unit 4
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 0%

Unit 5
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 0%

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: 50%

Beryl Anthony Lower Ouachita WMA
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Water Level: No water. Water is dependent on Ouachita River stages. See gauge link above. 

Cut-Off Creek WMA
Map | Weather Report

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

Pigeon Creek WRA
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Pumping on waterfowl rest area as water is available

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

Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat on East Unit and marsh habitat on West Unit.
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 2024-25 wintering period, all intentional flooding will be held at 178.5 feet msl to promote red oak regeneration and relieve stress on many trees, such as mature red oaks, that are showing signs of water stress. 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: No water available for hunting. See Gauge Link (Upper Vallier Headwater) for updated info.

Lower Vallier GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: No water available for hunting. See Gauge Link (Lower Vallier Headwater) for updated info. 

Government Cypress GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: No water available for hunting. See Gauge Link (Government Cypress Headwater) for updated info.

Buckingham Flats GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Pumping as water is available. Water has reached the back levee withsome water in lower sloughs. See Gauge Link (Buckingham Flats Headwater) for updated info.

Temple Island GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: No water available for hunting. Water remains too low for pumping as of Dec. 10. See Gauge Link (Temple Island Headwater) for updated info. 

Canon Brake
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood
Water Level: No water available for hunting. See Gauge Link (Canon Brake Headwater) for updated info. 

Halowell WRA
Habitat Type: Moist-soil habitat

Unit 1
Water Level: 70% coverage. Actively pumping as of Dec. 10

Unit 2
Water Level: 0% coverage

Unit 3
Water Level: 90% coverage

Unit 4
Water Level: 30% coverage and actively flooding as of Dec. 10

Unit 5
Water Level: 90% coverage

Wrape Plantation WRA (no hunting)
Habitat Type: Moist-soil habitat

Unit 1
Water Level: 90% coverage

Unit 2A
Water Level: 90% coverage

Unit 2B
Water Level: 90% coverage

Unit 3
Water Level: 90% coverage

Unit 4
Water Level: 70% coverage and actively pumping as of Dec. 10

Unit 5
Water Level: 80% coverage

Unit 6
Water Level: 90% coverage

Unit 7
Water Level: 60% coverage and actively pumping as of Dec. 10

Unit 8
Water Level: 30% coverage and actively pumping as of Dec. 10

Unit 9
Water Level: 70% coverage

Unit 10
Water Level: 0% coverage

Unit 11
Water Level: 50% coverage and actively pumping as of Dec. 10

Unit 12
Water Level: 90% coverage

Unit 13
Water Level: 90% coverage

Seven Devils WMA
Map | Weather Report

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

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.