Cold weather arrives early for duck season

     LITTLE ROCK – One of the coldest mid-November weeks on record is stirring excitement among the state’s duck hunters as opening day looms. That excitement, however, is tempered somewhat by a shortage of hunting water in many areas.
     Duck season opens 30 minutes before sunrise Saturday, and Arkansas is coming off an extended bout of unseasonably cold weather, which typically bodes well for duck hunting as habitats to the state’s north become snow-covered and frozen. The National Weather Service was projecting Little Rock’s average daily temperature to be 34.9 degrees for the period spanning Nov. 12-18, which would mark the lowest average temperature on record for that span.
     But even as temperatures have dropped, rainfall has been scarce in many areas, leaving many naturally flooded waterfowl habitats dry.
     “Our observers flew the season’s first aerial waterfowl survey earlier this week, and they reported that most of the Delta was dry,” said Luke Naylor, the Arkansas Gameand Fish Commission’s waterfowl program coordinator. “The northern Delta was extremely dry, although areas south of Pine Bluff seem to have benefitted more from rainfall earlier in the week. But with that exception, most of the water they saw was in reservoirs and artificially flooded habitat.”
     Waterfowl survey results should be available in time for next week’s weekly waterfowl report and will be posted on the AGFC website at www.agfc.com, but preliminary observations seem to indicate a higher-than-average percentage of mallards in the population estimate.
     Observers reported large concentrations of ducks at Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Lake Ashbaugh in northeastern Arkansas.

Earl Buss Bayou DeView WMA

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Due to the long-term effects associated with extended periods of flooding on timber, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will not be pumping the Thompson Tract Greentree Reservoir on Earl Buss Bayou DeView Wildlife Management Area.

South Oliver GTR
Habitat: Mast production has been good.
Water Level: The only water is within the natural slough located on the north end of the GTR and the south end of the North Oliver Tract.

Thompson Tract GTR
Habitat: Mast production has been good.
Water Level: No water.

Lake Hogue WRA
Habitat: A small amount of beneficial wetland plants is located along the east side of the lake.
Water Level: Normal pool level.

Big Lake WMA

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When the Ditch 81 extension gauge near Manilla (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: Mast production is good.
Water Level: Bois d’Arc gauge currently reads 234.2 Target level is 235.5. 20% flooded.

South Woods GTR
Habitat: Mast production is good.
Water Level: The 7-Mile gauge is currently at 233.2 feet. Target level is 234.5 feet with 40% flooded.

Simmons Field
Habitat: A fair amount of millet, smartweed and sedge is present. Seed production is fair.
Water Level: 5%

St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA

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Low water levels along the river channel are making boat navigation difficult. Please exercise caution when accessing the area.

Hunt Area
Habitat: Mast production is above average within the timber and floodways.
Water Level: Water levels in the huntable areas are dependent on the St. Francis River. The water level at Oak Donnick is 206.8 feet with 25% of the huntable area flooded.

Snowden WRA
Habitat: There is a small amount of beneficial wetland plants within the borrow areas.
Water Level: No water.

Payneway WRA
Habitat: There is a small amount of beneficial wetland plants within Pool C, Pool D and the borrow areas.
Water Level: No water.

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.

Adam's Brake GTR
Habitat: Good mast crop within the GTR.
Water Level: Water level is 238.0 MSL with a target level of 240.0 MSL. 65% flooded.

Rainey Brake GTR
Habitat: Good mast crop within the GTR.
Water Level: 80%

Eagle Pond GTR
Habitat: Good mast crop.
Water Level: 70%

Phase III Moist-soil Unit
Habitat: Average wetland-type vegetation.
Water Level: No water.

Charles Crisp Moist-soil Unit
Habitat: Good wetland-type vegetation.
Water Level: No water.

Ward Field Moist-soil Unit
Habitat: Average wetland-type vegetation.
Water Level: No water.

River Field Moist-soil Unit
Habitat: Good wetland-type vegetation.
Water Level: No water.

Dave Donaldson Black River WMA

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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 on parking areas.

Upper Island GTR
Habitat: Good abundance of mast crop within the GTRs.
Water Level: Water level is 269.3. Target level is 269.5 MSL. 100% flooded.

Lower Island GTR
Habitat: Good abundance of mast crop within the GTRs.
Water Level: Water level is 268.2. Target level is 268.0 MSL. 100% flooded.

Upper Reyno GTR
Habitat: Good abundance of mast crop within the GTRs.
Water Level: Water level is 267.0. Target level is 266.9 MSL. 100% flooded.

Lower Reyno GTR
Habitat: Good abundance of mast crop within the GTRs.
Water Level: Water level is 266.2. Target level is 266.3 MSL. 100% flooded.

Winchester GTR
Habitat: Good abundance of mast crop within the GTRs.
Water Level: Water level is 263.1. Target level is 263.7 MSL. 100% flooded.

East Central Arkansas

Sheffield Nelson Dagmar WMA

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The Conway George units are available by applying for online permits. Permit hunts are on Wednesday and Saturday. Please visitwww.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.

Mud Slough GTR
Habitat: Good mast crop.
Water Level: No water.

Apple Lake WRA
Habitat: Good mast crop.
Water Level: 80%

Conway George Waterfowl Unit A
Habitat: Excellent stand of millet and native vegetation.
Water Level: No water.

Conway George Waterfowl Unit B
Habitat: Natural slough area with beneficial wetland plants
Water Level: 45%

Conway George Waterfowl Unit C
Habitat: Excellent stand of millet and native vegetation.
Water Level: 100%

Rex Hancock Black Swamp WMA

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report
Hunters should call the Wildlife Hotline at 800-440-1477 for current road closures.

Main WMA
Habitat: Good mast crop.
Water Level: No water.

Wyeville Unit
Habitat: Good stand of millet and native vegetation.
Water Level: 100%

Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA

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Holes 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 22 and 28 have huntable water. All are easily accessible by boat (except for hole 4 and 7) although a surface drive would be ideal. For the most part, holes 11 and 14 will be restricted to hunting the boat lane near the big willows . Holes 29 and 30 on Heathscott Road only have water in the potholes within the units. Holes 1, 2, 3, 5, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25 and 26 do not have huntable water. Hole 27 has water in the potholes around the hole sign and there have been ducks in this area.

Unit A
Habitat: Excellent stand of millet and native vegetation.
Water Level: No water.

Unit B
Habitat: Excellent stand of millet and native vegetation.
Water Level: 40%

Unit C
Habitat: Excellent stand of millet and native vegetation.
Water Level: No water.

Unit D
Habitat: Good stand of millet and native vegetation.
Water Level: 65%

Unit E
Habitat: Good stand of millet and native vegetation.
Water Level: 50%

Unit F
Habitat: Excellent stand of millet and native vegetation.
Water Level: No water.

Unit G
Habitat: Habitat conditions are poor.
Water Level: 5%

Unit H (Mobility-impaired blind)
Habitat: Excellent stand of millet and native vegetation.
Water Level: 100%

Unit I
Habitat: Good stand of millet and native vegetation.
Water Level: 15%

Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report
Hunters should call the Wildlife Hotline at 800-440-1477 for current road closures.

North GTR
Habitat: Good mast crop.
Water Level: No water.

South GTR
Habitat: Good mast crop.
Water Level: No water.

Southwest Arkansas

Sulphur River WMA

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Mercer Bayou
Habitat: Habitat conditions are good.
Water Level: The area is six inches above normal.

Henry Moore WRA
Habitat: Closed to hunting.
Water Level: 70%

Millwood Lake

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Habitat: Habitat conditions are good.
Water Level: 259.74 MSL.

Dr. Lester Sitzes III Bois d’ Arc WMA

Map | Weather Report
The water level in the GTR is still increasing.

Bois d'Arc Lake WRA
Habitat: Closed to hunting.
Water Level: Low

Red Slough WRA
Habitat: Closed to hunting.
Water Level: 10%

GTR
Habitat: Good mast production.
Water Level: 40%

Little Grassy
Habitat: Habitat is fair.
Water Level: No water.

Central Arkansas

Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir

Map | Weather Report
Habitat and water levels are normal on both Pierce and Dix Creeks.

Harris Brake WMA

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Harris Brake GTR
Habitat: Good mast crop.
Water Level: 50%

Holland Bottoms WMA

Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat: Good mast crop.
Water Level: 40%

Lake Pickthorne WRA
Habitat: Excellent.
Water Level: East cell is 100%. West cell is 100%.

Bell Slough WMA

Map | Weather Report

Bell Slough GTR
Habitat: Fair mast crop.
Water Level: 100%

Palarm Creek WRA
Habitat: Vegetation is limited due to recent construction projects within the rest area.
Water Level: 50%

Southeast Arkansas

Beryl Anthony Lower Ouachita WMA

Map | Weather Report
There has been fair soft and hard mast crop production on the WMA. There is minor flooding on the area, mostly in sloughs and oxbow lakes.

Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA Deer Research Area

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Habitat conditions are good. There is variable flooding associated with the Mississippi River. Mississippi River is at 8.7 feet and falling on the Arkansas City gauge.

Trusten Holder WMA

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Habitat conditions are good. Variable flooding on the WMA. Arkansas River is at 26.33 feet on the Pendleton gauge. Variable flooding associated with White and Arkansas rivers.

Seven Devils Swamp WMA

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Hunt Area
Habitat: Habitat conditions are good.
Water Level: No water.

Cut-Off Creek WMA

Map | Weather Report

Hunt Area
Habitat: Habitat conditions are good.
Water Level: 20%

Pigeon Creek WRA
Habitat: Habitat conditions are good.
Water Level: Pumping will begin as creek levels allow.

Bayou Meto WMA

Map | Weather Report

Upper Vallier GTR
Habitat: Good
Water Level: 177.2 feet. Full pool is 180 feet. No water.

Lower Vallier GTR
Habitat: Good
Water Level: 177.2 feet. Full pool is 179 feet. Some water is in the lower sloughs. Use caution around water control structures.

Government Cypress GTR
Habitat: Good
Water Level: 177.2 feet. Full pool is 179 feet. Some water is in the lower sloughs.

Buckingham Flats GTR
Habitat: Good
Water Level: 100%

Temple Island GTR
Habitat: Good
Water Level: Pumping is dependent on Salt Ditch levels.

Canon Brake
Habitat: Good
Water Level: 169 feet. Full pool is 177 feet. No water. Use caution around water control structures. 

Halowell WRA
Habitat: Good
Water Level: Staggered unit flooding.

Wrape Plantation WRA
Habitat: Good
Water Level: Staggered unit flooding.

Northwest Arkansas

Dardanelle WMA

Map | Weather Report
The green tree area of the Johnson County WRA is not being flooded this year.

Johnson County WRA
Habitat: Moist soil and green trees.
Water Level: 50%

McKennon Bottoms
Habitat: Moist soil.
Water Level: 100%

Potter's Pothole Hartman Waterfowl Unit
Habitat: Corn and millet.
Water Level: 100%

Ozark Pool

Weather Report

Dyer Lake Cells
Habitat: Millet and moist soil.
Water Level: Units 1 and 2 are at 100% of capacity.

Lloyd Millwood Nimrod WMA

Map | Weather Report

Nimrod GTR
Habitat: Good mast crop. The fields have native grasses.
Water Level: 5%

Frog Bayou WMA

Map | Weather Report

Unit 1
Habitat: Under renovation.
Water Level: No water.

Unit 2
Habitat: Under renovation.
Water Level: No water.

Unit 3
Habitat: Under renovation.
Water Level: No water.

Unit 4
Habitat: Under renovation.
Water Level: No water.

Unit 5
Habitat: Good stand of native millet.
Water Level: 50% and rising.

Unit 6
Habitat: Good stand of smartweed and native millet.
Water Level: 100%

Unit 7
Habitat: Good stand of smartweed and native millet.
Water Level: 100%

Galla Creek WMA

Map | Weather Report

Galla Creek GTR
Habitat: Natural vegetation inluding a mixutre of barnyard and smartweed.
Water Level: No water. Flooding is planned to begin on Dec. 1.

Petit Jean River WMA

Map | Water Gauge | Weather Report

Santa Fe GTR
Habitat: Good mast crop.
Water Level: 10%

Olin Cain Moist-soil Unit
Habitat: Mix of millets and native grasses.
Water Level: 100%

Black Lands Moist-soil Unit
Habitat: Mix of millets and native grasses.
Water Level: 90%

Slaty Crossing Moist-soil Unit
Habitat: Mix of millets and native grasses.
Water Level: 5%

Pullen Pond
Habitat: Mostly sedges.
Water Level: 5%

Pond Creek GTR
Habitat: Good mast crop and millets.
Water Level: 5%

Slaty Pond GTR
Habitat: Good mast crop.
Water Level: 5%

Black Lands Duck Area
Habitat: Mix of millets and native grasses.
Water Level: 100%

Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA

Map | Weather Report
Most waterfowl impoundments are near or at capacity. Nearly all impoundments have good to excellent stands of natural vegetation, including smartweed and wild millet. Duck use and hunter success on the area have been low to moderate.

Willow Island
Habitat: Natural vegetation.
Water Level: 100%

Little Hole
Habitat: Golden grass and brown top millet.
Water Level: No water.

Red Gate
Habitat: Natural vegetation.
Water Level: 90%

Pig Trough
Habitat: Natural vegetation.
Water Level: 100%

Cedar Ridge
Habitat: Natural vegetation.
Water Level: 100%

Duck Trap
Habitat: Natural vegetation and Japanese millet.
Water Level: No water.

Salt Lick
Habitat: Natural vegetation.
Water Level: 50%

Bobby's Pond
Habitat: Natural vegetation.
Water Level: 100%

Race Track
Habitat: Natural vegetation.
Water Level: 100%

Controversy Corner
Habitat: Natural vegetation.
Water Level: 90%

Remmel Marsh
Habitat: Natural vegetation.
Water Level: 90%

Mud Pond
Habitat: Natural vegetation.
Water Level: No water.

Turkey Pond
Habitat: Natural vegetation and Japanese millet.
Water Level: No water.

Teeny Pond
Habitat: Natural vegetation.
Water Level: No water.