Faulkner County

Cypress-tupelo lakes and sloughs provide excellent opportunities to see wildlife. Watch for nesting herons in spring – along with migrating songbirds – and listen for gobbling wild turkeys. This area is rich in reptile and amphibian life, from cottonmouths to harmless water snakes. Listen for booming calls of bullfrogs and the high-pitched chorus of spring peepers, while beavers sun atop lodges. Migrating waterfowl such as mallards, northern shovelers and gadwalls stop during their travels as well.

Fluctuating water does not provide a stable environment for most fish, although tolerant fish such as carp, bowfin, gar and buffalo are common in Grassy Lake. Nearby Palarm Creek is a good place to catch crappie and catfish. Lake Conway also offers crappie, catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill and redear sunfish.

Bowhunting for deer and squirrel hunting are popular on the WMA along with other small game, turkey and waterfowl. Boating hours are limited during waterfowl seasons. Furbearer trapping is permissible on the WMA. Check the current Arkansas Hunting Guidebook for details and wear hunter orange when appropriate. Leash pets for their safety.

According to Arkansas law, children 12 and under must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, and anyone on a boat must have one ready to use. Vessels 16 feet and longer must have a throwable life preserver (type IV) aboard. Glass containers are illegal in boats such as canoes that can be easily swamped. Paddlers must securely fasten cooler lids, use attached litter containers and use floating holders for beverages.