Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Waterfowl Report

Mallard numbers in Arkansas in December were almost twice the number they were for the same time a year ago, based on the AGFC’s December Aerial Survey, but they still trail the long-term average. The survey team will be back in the sky next week for the annual Midwinter Survey.

Dec. 27, 2024

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

December Estimate Tops Last Year’s

Aerial Duck Count Falls Well Short of Long-Term Average

The 2024 December count of 153,423 mallards in the Arkansas Delta region was almost double the total from the same time last year, but was still well below the 2009-2024 December long-term average in estimates made from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s December Aerial Survey, conducted Dec. 9-13.

Estimates of 529,977 total ducks in early December were only about half as much as the long-term December average (1,050,899 total ducks on average over the 2009-24 period) yet also topped last December’s estimate of total ducks by more than 80,000 ducks. Arctic goose population estimates by the surveyors totaled 609,561 light geese (lesser snows and Ross’s) and 326,026 greater white-fronted geese in the Arkansas Delta.

“Similar to 2023, much of the Delta faced dry conditions this fall without any substantial recent rainfall, leaving the majority of the Delta abnormally to moderately dry,” according to Brett Leach, the AGFC’s waterfowl program coordinator. “After observers completed the survey period, portions of the state began to receive some rainfall, with more rain in the predicted forecast before the New Year.”

AGFC staff are expected to fly the annual Midwinter Waterfowl Survey the week of Jan. 6, Leach said. Last year’s Midwinter Waterfowl Survey showed a big jump in total ducks and mallards estimated compared to December before the numbers eased back down below the long-term estimates in the later January survey.

December duck population estimates in the Arkansas River Valley showed improvement over previous years’ counts, with 40,901 total ducks estimated, including 19,126 mallards. Cruise surveys in southwestern Arkansas reported an estimated 17,960 ducks, including 3,305 mallards. 

In the report, Leach noted that on average, mallards account for about 49 percent of all ducks in the Delta during December surveys. However, during this survey period, mallards made up only 29 percent of the total duck estimate.

He also pointed out that waterfowl biologists estimated over 15,000 mallards in four survey zones: Bayou Bartholomew-Bayou Boeuf, Black-Upper White River, Cache River and the Lower St. Francis River. These survey zones accounted for 60 percent of the Delta-wide mallard estimate and 66 percent of the total duck estimate. The highest total duck estimates also came from these survey zones. 

In addition, the Bayou Meto-Lower Arkansas survey zone had a relatively high total duck estimate of 51,021, though that area seemed to experience dry conditions. Most notably, the Cache River zone had 173,571 total ducks which made up 33 percent of the total duck estimate. Hotspot maps indicate several key duck concentration areas primarily in the southern and northeast portion of the Delta, with scattered distribution throughout the central part of the state.

Arkansas River Valley mallard estimates were 8,643 mallards above the December long-term average, and total duck estimates were roughly 16,000 ducks above the long-term average. During the December survey, mallards made up 47 percent of the total duck estimate, a 2% increase from the long-term average. A majority of the mallards was noted in the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge and Frog Bayou WMA survey zones, 57 percent of the estimated count. Total duck estimates were also highest in these two survey zones, which accounted for 61 percent of the total ducks estimated. This survey of the River Valley was the highest December mallard estimate since 2011 and highest total duck estimate since 2014. 

Leach wrote in his report: “Higher estimates likely resulted, in part, from highly clumped distribution in areas like Holla Bend NWR due to limited habitat availability; survey estimates tend to be biased higher in this region under such conditions.”

Southwest Arkansas cruise survey mallard counts were 72 percent below the December long-term average and total duck counts were 50 percent below the long-term average. Nearly 80 percent of the observed mallards were along the Red River from Interstate 30 to the Sulphur River.

AGFC Wildlife Management Division staffers Tristan Bulice, Jason “Buck” Jackson, William Guy, Alex Zachary and Derek Furr conducted the first aerial survey of the 2024-25 survey season.

2024 Winds Down With Better Habitat
The recent trend of significant late December rainfall for Arkansas continued this year and provided a much better landscape of habitat for ducks as 2024 draws to a close.

The National Weather Service said that even in days before Christmas, moderate drought conditions still existed over much of the central, eastern and southern parts of the state. The state has seen steadier periods of rainfall this week that should put more sheetwater in the fields, though.

While the trend for a wet late December may have held up, the arctic blasts and snow or ice that has found its way over the Midwest in late December the past couple of years hasn’t materialized. Mild weather is being seen across areas to the north of Arkansas and probably is not pushing any waterfowl this way with snow or high coverage on waterfowl resting and feeding areas. The forecast for Arkansas through Jan. 10 shows more nighttime temperatures in the 20s, midday temps in the 40s, after we get further into the new year.

See the latest habitat conditions in the AGFC’s WMAs managed for waterfowl below.

Permit Reminder
Don’t forget to apply for the AGFC’s various waterfowl hunting permits available for next weekend’s hunts as well as hunts at Sheffield Nelson Dagmar WMA and Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA that are available to all ages on the following Wednesday (youth hunts with an adult mentor per each youth are available at those locales on weekends). A youth blind and a mobility-impaired blind are both available for permit hunts on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday in Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA through the application process. Waterfowl Rice Incentive Conservation Enhancement Program fields are available for a winning permit holder and up to three other hunters for an entire weekend. Click HERE for more information or for the links to apply.

The application period for the weekend of Jan. 4-5 for those permits is open through 11:59 p.m. Sunday this week.

The next Waterfowl Report will be published on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025

• 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 237.8 feet msl; target level is 235.5 feet; 100% flooded. 

South Woods GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: Gauge reading at 7-Mile is 236.52 feet msl; 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 8 a.m. Dec. 26 the Black River level at Corning was 8.99 feet and falling.

Upper Island GTR
Habitat Type: Mast crop within the GTRs
Water Level: Gauge is inaccessible due to high water. Target level is 269.5 feet msl; 100% flooded.

Lower Island GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Gauge is inaccessible due to high water. Target level is 268.0 feet; 100% flooded.

Upper Reyno GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Current level is 268.25 feet msl. Target level is 266.9 feet; 100% flooded.

Lower Reyno GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Current level is 267.85 feet msl. Target level is 266.3 feet; 100% flooded.

Winchester GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Current level is 264.9 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: Following recent infrastructure renovation and habitat management activities, water-control structures are now set, ready to flood both Thompson and South Oliver GTRs.

South Oliver GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Current gauge reading is 0.95 feet. 70% flooded. Water levels will continue to slowly rise. Be careful of deep areas within the natural slough.

Thompson Tract GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Current gauge reading is 0.8 feet, 80% 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: Be aware of construction on new water-control structures as remaining pieces arrive; please park away from them. Structures may leak until construction is fully complete. 

Adams Brake GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Water level is 239.8 feet msl with a target level of 240.0 feet. 90% flooded.

Rainey Brake GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: 100% flooded

Eagle Pond GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: 90% flooded

Phase III Moist-soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and native moist-soil vegetation.
Water Level: 75% flooded

Charles Crisp Moist-soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet
Water Level: 100% 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 10 a.m. Dec. 27, the reading was 213.02 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: Operation of water control structures was planned for Dec. 20. Structures to be closed will be Dorsy Slough, Honey Lake screw gate on Glaise Creek, old Whirl structure and Green Tom Screw Gate at Bell. 

North GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: The White River at Augusta as of Dec 26 is at 28.47 feet and rising (flood stage is 26 feet). The water level at Glaise Creek is 193.16 and stable. Staff were planning to begin phased, experimental operation of the new water-control structure on or about Dec. 20. 

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. 26 was at 10.20 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: 30% coverage

Apple Lake WRA (no hunting)
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: 40% 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: 0% 

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

Dark Corner Waterfowl Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90%

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 Tuesday, Dec. 24, was 15.4 feet and rising.

Unit A (Duck Holes A1 – A7)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 90% coverage

Unit B (Duck Holes B8-B26)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 80%

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: 100%

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: 0%

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

Unit H (Duck Hole H40)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 30%

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: 30%

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: 15%

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: 100%

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: 10% 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: 50%

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

Unit 4
Habitat Type: Native vegetation.
Water Level: 20%

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 need drastically more rainfall to support waterfowl hunting.

Lake Pickthorne WRA (no hunting)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation and millet
Water Level: East Unit is 85% 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: 40% 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: 90%

Pig Trough (Units 4 and 5)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation and Japanese millet
Water Level: 70%

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

Unit 7a
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 70%

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: 85%

8c
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 50%

Unit 9
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation and Japanese millet
Water Level: 80%

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

Remmel Marsh (Unit 11)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 95%

Mud Pond (Unit 12)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 70%

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

13a
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation and Japanese millet
Water Level: 80%

13b
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 50%

13c
Habitat Type: Japanese millet.
Water Level: 80%

Teeny Pond (Unit 14)
Habitat Type: Japanese millet.
Water Level: 10%

Salt Lick (Unit 15)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 80%

Bobby’s Pond (Unit 16)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 90%

Race Track (Unit 17)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation.
Water Level: 90%

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: 100%

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: 30% 

Unit 13
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 70 

Unit 14
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 80%

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: 90%

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: 5% flooded, flooding 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: 100% 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: 100% 

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.
Water Level: 80%, 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: 100%, 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: 100%

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: 10%, 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: 10%, 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: 3%, 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: 5%, 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 260.25 feet msl as of Dec 26.

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: Some water in lower sloughs and fringe areas along sloughs.

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: Some water in lower sloughs and areas at or below 178 msl. See Gauge Link (Upper Vallier Headwater) for updated info.

Lower Vallier GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Some water in lower sloughs and at or below 178 msl. See Gauge Link (Lower Vallier Headwater) for updated info. 

Government Cypress GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Some water in lower sloughs and at or below 178 msl. See Gauge Link (Government Cypress Headwater) for updated info.

Buckingham Flats GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Pumping as water is available. Some huntable water is available. See Gauge Link (Buckingham Flats Headwater) for updated info.

Temple Island GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Some water is available in lower sloughs. Pumping as water is available. See Gauge Link (Temple Island Headwater) for updated info. 

Canon Brake
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood
Water Level: Water remains 2 feet below flood pool level. See Gauge Link (Canon Brake Headwater) for updated info. 

Halowell WRA
Habitat Type: Moist-soil habitat
Unit 1
Water Level: 70% coverage.

Unit 2
Water Level: 5% coverage

Unit 3
Water Level: 95% coverage

Unit 4
Water Level: 70% coverage 

Unit 5
Water Level: 95% coverage

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

Unit 1
Water Level: 95% coverage

Unit 2A
Water Level: 95% coverage

Unit 2B

Water Level: 95% coverage

Unit 3
Water Level: 95% coverage

Unit 4
Water Level: 95% coverage 

Unit 5
Water Level: 95% coverage

Unit 6
Water Level: 95% coverage

Unit 7
Water Level: 80% coverage 

Unit 8
Water Level: 85% coverage

Unit 9
Water Level: 95% coverage

Unit 10
Water Level: 0% coverage

Unit 11
Water Level: 90% coverage

Unit 12
Water Level: 95% coverage

Unit 13
Water Level: 95% coverage

Seven Devils WMA
Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Some water is 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.