Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Waterfowl Report

Mallards and snow geese mingle at Wrape Plantation in southeast Arkansas in a past Arkansas waterfowl season. Photo by Mike Wintroath.

Jan. 2, 2025

Jim Harris

Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine

No online permits for Raft Creek Jan. 4-5

The high water at Georgetown, where the White River was at 19.7 feet and apparently cresting as of 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, means that there will be no online permit duck hunting for Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA this weekend. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission suspends online drawing for permits on Saturdays and Sundays at Raft Creek Bottoms when the White River at Georgetown reaches 19 feet, and reinstates them when the river falls to 17.5 feet. 

Hunters willing to brave the higher-than-normal water in the area can still hunt, however, but will need to fill out a permit to hunt the WMA, just as they would for Tuesdays and Thursdays when the WMA is open to waterfowl hunting. Permits can be found at the kiosks at boat ramps in the WMA. The self-serve permits allow waterfowl biologists to monitor the amount of hunting and harvest going on in the WMA.

Forecasts call for the river to slowly fall over the next several days, and the online permits should be available for the weekend of Jan. 11-12. The application period for those permits, as well as for other WMAs with online permits and for the Waterfowl Rice Incentive Conservation Enhancement Program fields, is open from 3 p.m. Thursday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday this week. Click HERE to visit the website for permits for more information or to apply. You will also find a link to the WRICE page to see the most popular private rice fields by applicants so far this season.

Deer hunting has also been suspended on Raft Creek Bottoms until the water subsizes. Check agfc.com for any updates.

Water Rising All Over
The rise in water on the White River in the past several days has raised water levels at Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA as well. The White River gauge at Augusta at last check was expected to crest at 31.6 feet Thursday afternoon; a reading of 26 feet or more at Augusta typically means that floodwaters are backing up into Hurricane WMA. The reading of the U.S. Geological Survey gauge at Glaise Creek at Vista on Thursday showed the water at 194.68, which is more than 2.5 feet above the level in which Glaise Creek begins flooding the WMA.

Remember earlier in the waterfowl hunting season when people were lamenting the lack of habitat (re: water) on the Arkansas landscape? Like the past three waterfowl seasons, we’re in January now and that memory is well in the past. Reports from managers at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s WMAs managed for waterfowl show nearly complete coverage throughout those areas. 

For example, George H. Dunklin Jr. Bayou Meto WMA, which had no huntable water during the first segment of the 60-day season, now is in great shape for hunters with the popular hunting spots now at normal pool levels for the season. Waterfowl rest areas at Halowell Reservoir and the Wrape Plantation have nearly full coverage of water in every unit.

Also, heavy December rainfall has given Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA full coverage in most units and no less than 80 percent in the units that still have room for more water.

For a full reading of available habitat throughout the state’s WMA’s, check out the habitat numbers below.

Federal Duck Stamp Update
The 2024-25 waterfowl season is the first since the federal duck stamp was instituted that hunters in Arkansas do not have to possess a signed-in-ink duck stamp in their possession, as long as they obtained an electronic federal stamp online before or during the season. All the information necessary is now included on your AGFC account if you obtained your federal duck stamp through the AGFC’s website. Participants still carry their E-stamp certificate when hunting in either digital or hardcopy (if you have all your information downloaded on an AGFC license “card”, it is included there; or you can download a paper copy of all your license information or keep it on your phone in screenshot form), as well as fulfill other licensing requirements. A physical federal duck stamp will be mailed to each E-stamp purchaser between March 10-June 30 of this year.

In recent years, if a hunter bought his or her federal duck stamp through the AGFC website, they had 45 days from the date of purchase before an actual stamp arrived in the mail in which they did not need to have a stamp in their possession and signed in ink across the front of the stamp. That law was changed by an act, the Duck Stamp Modernization Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden in December 2023 that went into effect for the 2024-25 season. 

Still, some annual stamp purchasers don’t seem aware this year of that change and have called both the AGFC and other sources wondering, “Where is my stamp?” The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decided to send the actual purchased stamps to buyers after the season so as to limit confusion over properly purchased E-stamps and the physical stamps also floating around during the season.

The cost of the e-stamp through the AGFC’s licensing site online is $30. The stamp itself costs $25, with $4 going to federal processing and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s convenience fee, plus $1 to the AGFC for a convenience online fee. Traditional methods of purchasing the federal duck Stamp – from a consignee, through a local post office, through Amplex, and online through the U.S. Postal Services Postal Store – will continue, according to the USFWS.

• 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: Water is over the top of the gauge; target level is 235.5 feet; 100% flooded. 

South Woods GTR
Habitat Type: Mast production
Water Level: Gauge reading at 7-Mile is 238.94 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. 30 the Black River level at Corning was 12.16 feet and rising.

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 268.45 feet msl. Target level is 266.9 feet; 100% flooded.

Lower Reyno GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: Current level is 268.1 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 2.50 feet. 100% 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 2.55 feet, 100% 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 240.8 feet msl with a target level of 240.0 feet. 100% flooded.

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

Eagle Pond GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwoods
Water Level: 100% flooded

Phase III Moist-soil Unit
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and native moist-soil vegetation.
Water Level: 80% 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. 31, the reading was 216.26 feet msl.

Snowden WRA
Habitat Type: Mixed grasses
Water Level: 40% 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 25% coverage. Pool B is at 25%. Pool C is at 25%. Pool D is at 25%.

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 is 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. 31 is at 31.43 feet and rising (flood stage is 26 feet). The water level at Glaise Creek is 194.37 and rising. 

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. 31 was at 10.97 feet and rising.

Wiville Moist-soil Unit
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100% 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: 70% coverage

Apple Lake WRA (no hunting)
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: 80% coverage

Conway George Waterfowl Unit A
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100% coverage

Conway George Waterfowl Unit B
Habitat Type: Natural slough area with beneficial native wetland plants
Water Level: 100% coverage

Conway George Waterfowl Unit C
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100% coverage

Dark Corner Waterfowl Unit 1
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 80% 

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

Dark Corner Waterfowl Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

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 Thursday, Jan. 2, was 19.7 feet and cresting. Online drawing for permits will be suspended on Saturdays and Sundays when the White River at Georgetown reaches 19 feet and reinstated when the river falls to 17.5’ feet. The WMA will remain open to hunting during this time. Click the link for Water Gauge below. 

Unit A (Duck Holes A1 – A7)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100% coverage

Unit B (Duck Holes B8-B26)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

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: 50%

Unit F (Cypert Tract – Duck Hole F38)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Unit G (Duck Hole G39)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 80%

Unit H (Duck Hole H40)
Habitat Type: Native vegetation
Water Level: 70%

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: 80%

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: 25%

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: 100% 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: 70%

Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native vegetation.
Water Level: 90%

Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native vegetation.
Water Level: 50%

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: 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 full and there is some water overflowing into forested areas.

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

Following multiple rainfall events in late December, all waterfowl impoundments on Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA are now at or near full pool. 

Little Hole (Unit 1)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 80% 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: 90%

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: 90%

Unit 7a
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

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

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: 100%

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

Unit 9
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation and Japanese millet
Water Level: 90%

Controversy Corner (Unit 10)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation and Japanese millet
Water Level: 95%

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: 90%

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: 80%

13c
Habitat Type: Japanese millet.
Water Level: 100%

Teeny Pond (Unit 14)
Habitat Type: Japanese millet.
Water Level: 100%

Salt Lick (Unit 15)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Bobby’s Pond (Unit 16)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Race Track (Unit 17)
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation.
Water Level: 100%

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: 40% 

Unit 13
Habitat Type: Japanese millet and native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 80%, currently pumping

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

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: 100%

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: 100% 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: 100%, 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: 100%, 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: 100%, 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: 10%, 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: 100%, 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: 45% coverage

GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland timber
Water Level: 100%

Little Grassy
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 100%

Millwood Lake
Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Habitat Type: Natural vegetation
Water Level: Millwood is at 260.2596 feet msl as of Jan. 2.

Ozan WMA
Map | Weather Report

Flooding of all units is rainfall dependent.

Unit 1
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 75%

Unit 2
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 10%

Unit 3
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 10%

Unit 4
Habitat Type: Native moist-soil vegetation
Water Level: 10%

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: 75%

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

Water Level: 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: Overbank flooding from Cut-Off Creek. Hunters should expect higher than normal water levels.

Pigeon Creek WRA
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Waterfowl rest area is fully flooded. 

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: Area is at normal floodpool. See Gauge Link (Upper Vallier Headwater) for updated info.

Lower Vallier GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Area is at normal floodpool. See Gauge Link (Lower Vallier Headwater) for updated info. 

Government Cypress GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Area is at normal floodpool. See Gauge Link (Government Cypress Headwater) for updated info.

Buckingham Flats GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Area is at normal floodpool. See Gauge Link (Buckingham Flats Headwater) for updated info.

Temple Island GTR
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Area is at normal floodpool. See Gauge Link (Temple Island Headwater) for updated info. 

Canon Brake
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood
Water Level: Area is at normal floodpool. See Gauge Link (Canon Brake Headwater) for updated info. 

Halowell WRA
Habitat Type: Moist-soil habitat
Unit 1
Water Level: 95% coverage.

Unit 2
Water Level: 70% coverage

Unit 3
Water Level: 100% coverage

Unit 4
Water Level: 90% coverage 

Unit 5
Water Level: 100% coverage

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

Unit 1
Water Level: 95% coverage

Unit 2A
Water Level: 100% coverage

Unit 2B

Water Level: 100% coverage

Unit 3
Water Level: 95% coverage

Unit 4
Water Level: 100% coverage 

Unit 5
Water Level: 95% coverage

Unit 6
Water Level: 100% coverage

Unit 7
Water Level: 80% coverage 

Unit 8
Water Level: 90% coverage

Unit 9
Water Level: 95% coverage

Unit 10
Water Level: 0% coverage

Unit 11
Water Level: 95% coverage

Unit 12
Water Level: 100% coverage

Unit 13
Water Level: 100% coverage

Seven Devils WMA
Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat Type: Bottomland hardwood habitat
Water Level: Area has overbank flooding from Cut-Off Creek. Water levels are higher than normal.

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.