Rick Evans Grandview Prairie WMA
| Zone | County |
|---|---|
| 551 | Hempstead |
15-Inch Inside Spread or 18-Inch Main Beam Rule
Acres: 4,895
2024-25 Closed Seasons
- Deer Alternative Firearms
- Deer Modern Gun
- Bear
- Alligator
- Turkey (youth deer hunts and youth turkey hunts available)
- Waterfowl
2024-25 Bobcat
Sunrise, Sept. 1, 2024-sunset, Feb. 28, 2025. Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during daylight hours only. Daily limit 2.
2024-25 Coyote
Sunrise, July 1, 2024-sunset, Feb. 28, 2025. Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during daylight hours only. No limit.
2024-25 Crow
Sept. 1, 2024-Feb. 17, 2025. Open Thursdays through Mondays only. No limit.
2024-25 Deer
Deer Archery (permit hunt): Oct. 5-Nov. 24.
Deer Modern Gun (youth permit hunt): Dec. 7-8.
WMA Deer Bag Limit: Three deer, no more than one buck, which may include:
- One buck with archery permit,
- Two does with archery permit.
- During youth hunt, youths may take two deer, one buck and one doe.
Deer Notes:
- 15-inch inside spread or 18-inch main beam rule.
- No dogs.
- A doe must be harvested from the WMA, submitted for biodata at the WMA check station, and checked by phone or online before harvesting a buck.
- Buck quota hunt ends at sunset on the day the quota is met.
- Does harvested on this area are bonus deer and do not count against the statewide seasonal bag limit.
- Youth do not have to harvest a doe before a buck during any hunt.
2024-25 Dove
Sept. 7-Oct. 27, 2024 and Dec. 8, 2024-Jan. 15, 2025
Mourning Dove and White-Winged Dove
Daily Limit – 15, possession limit – 45
Eurasian Collared-Dove
No daily or possession limit
Eurasian Collared Doves must remain fully feathered in the field and while being transported from the field.
Dove Notes:
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission prepares a few fields each year for the opening weekend of dove season so the public has a place to enjoy this exciting form of wingshooting.
Dove fields on WMAs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. WMA acreage put into dove fields is relatively small because most hunters only pursue doves the first few days of the season. However, after opening weekend of dove season, many wildlife species feed in the fields, particularly those that were topsown with winter wheat.
2024-25 Rabbit
Sept. 1, 2024-Feb. 28, 2025. Daily limit – 8, possession limit – 16.
2024-25 Squirrel
May 15, 2024-Feb. 28, 2025. Dogs allowed. Daily limit – 12, possession limit – 48.
2025 Turkey
Youth Hunt (permit required) (includes Hope Upland WMA): April 12-13. One legal turkey.
Turkey Notes: A WMA Turkey Hunt Permit is required to hunt turkeys on this WMA. Click here for details.
Age
The area was established in 1997.
Area Notes
- A free annual General Use Permit (WMP) is required to hunt or trap on WMAs. Permits are available online by clicking “Buy Licenses” at agfc.com or by calling 833-345-0325 or any regional office.
- Check antler restrictions for important additional information.
- Dove hunting is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays only during the statewide dove seasons.
- During archery permit hunt, WMA remains open to nonpermitted seasons and public access.
Camping
Camping is available at nearby Fair Park in Hope and Millwood State Park.
Description
Grandview Prairie represents the largest, contiguous tract of blackland prairie in public ownership in the nation. The area consists of improved pasture, woodlands, wooded draws, bottomland habitats, and native grasslands comprised of blackland prairie communities.
Hunting Opportunities
Deer, small game, and furbearers can be hunted. The area is known for it’s high quality white-tailed deer herd. See current regulations for seasons and permit requirements.
Location
The area is located in Hempstead County, 2 miles north of Columbus.
Management Practices
The protection, enhancement, and restoration of the blackland prairie ecosystem is being accomplished through a landscape level management plan using prescribed fire and prairie restoration techniques. Wildlife species management plans are also being implemented. The white-tailed deer herd is managed utilizing a quality management program.
Ownership
This 4,885 acre multi-use area is owned by the AGFC.
Phone
833-372-2434
Purpose
This multi-use area is managed for the protection, enhancement, and restoration of the blackland prairie habitat found there. Conservation education is also a major purpose of this area. Additionally, the area is managed for quality hunting and recreational opportunities.Area map of Rick Evans Grandview Prairie WMA
Recreation Other Than Hunting
Excellent fishing opportunities are found on the two area lakes. Outdoor recreation including hiking, wildflower walks, bird watching, and wildlife viewing is encouraged. A sporting clays range is available by appointment. Old Washington Historic State Park is located 5 miles to the east. Millwood Lake is approximately 10 miles to the west.
Restaurants and Other Facilities
Facilities are located in Washington, Nashville and Hope. Overnight accommodations and classroom facilities are available by reservation. Additional information can be obtained by calling 800-983-4219 or 870-983-2790.
Safety
While visiting this area, care should be taken to minimize impacts on this fragile habitat.