Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Weekly Waterfowl Report
Keith Stephens (501) 223-6342, e-mail: kastephens@agfc.state.ar.us
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's waterfowl report for Jan. 24, 2007.
The following report is a compilation of state reports and waterfowl surveys from across Arkansas. This report provides a look at habitat conditions across the state.
Weather Forecast:
Today: Partly cloudy, with a high near 45. North-northwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Partly cloudy, with a high near 48. North-northwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south-southwest.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 55. South-southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly between 7a.m. and 3 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. South-southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north-northwest.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. North-northeast wind around 10 mph.
Sunday: Partly cloudy, with a high near 41. North-northwest wind around 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 24.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 45.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.
Tuesday: Partly cloudy, with a high near 43.
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS –
Dave Donaldson Black River WMA:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent in the green timber reservoirs and 100 percent in the moist soil units. The Black River is at a current stage of 11.4 feet at Corning. Hubble gauge is at 269.9 MSL, Brookings is 268.6 MSL, upper Reno GTR is 269.5 MSL, lower Reno GTR is 269.35 MSL, and Winchester is at 266.6 MSL.
Habitat Conditions: Moderate
Weather Conditions: The week will remain cooler, with a chance of rain on Saturday. Highs for the week will range from 37 to 48 degrees. Lows for the week will range from 26 to 34 degrees.
Duck Abundance: Fair to moderate numbers are on the area. LakeAshbaugh has high numbers. Ducks have been concentrated in the GTR rest area and more have been seen in the moist soil units.
Hunter activity/Success: High hunter activity over the weekend and throughout most of last week, with moderate success.
Shirey Bay Rainey Brake WMA:
Percent Flooded: The Adam’s Brake GTR and Rainey Brake GTR are 100 percent flooded. The Phase III, River Field, Charles Crisp and Ward Field moist soil units are 100 percent flooded.
Habitat Conditions: Extensive flooding still occurring from Black River. The gauge at Black Rock was at 21.8 feet on Jan. 24. Vehicle traffic is not possible from the Twin Screw Gates and points south to the end of road.
Weather: Partly cloudy this week with highs around 40 degrees and lows around 30 degrees.
Migrations/Observations: Ducks have moved off the area due to the excessive water in adjacent fields. The fields south of the area are holding a large number of ducks.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Low hunter activity with very little success.
St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA:
Percent Flooded: The Snowden Waterfowl Rest Area (WRA) is 100 percent flooded and Payneway Waterfowl Rest Area is 100 percent flooded. The current St. Francis River level at Oak Donnick is 218.46 MSL.
Habitat Conditions: The Snowden WRA has a good stand of smartweed, panic grass, millet and sedges. The Payneway WRA has a higher abundance of smartweed within the borrow areas. Acorn production within the floodways is good.
Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy with temperatures in the mid 40s. Nighttime temperatures will dip into the lower 30s.
Duck Abundance: Fair.
Hunter Activity/Success: Several hunters are using the area. Hunters are killing a few ducks.
Earl Buss Bayou DeView WMA:
Percent Flooded: The Thompson and South Oliver Tracts are 100 percent flooded with current gauge readings at 3.22 feet and 3.70 feet, respectively.
Habitat Conditions: Acorn production is good. A good stand of smartweed and sedges is located within the natural sloughs and along the edges of Lake Hogue Waterfowl Rest Area.
Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy the rest of the week with temperatures ranging in the low 50s to mid 20s.
Migrations/Observations: A few ducks, with most utilizing adjacent agricultural fields. Most of the ducks are scattered due to the recent rains.
Duck Abundance: Fair.
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair.
General Comments: Please be aware of submerged logs within boat lanes.
Big LakeWMA:
Percent Flooded: Area is 100 percent flooded in the timber. Ditches are 100 percent flooded. Target water level is 235.5 MSL in the north woods with a present reading of over 240 MSL. Target water level is 234.5 MSL in the south woods with a present reading of over 240 MSL. Simmons Field Unit is 100 percent flooded.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Weather Conditions: Highs for the week will be in the upper 30s increasing to the mid 40s by the end of the week with lows in the mid 20s to the lower 30s.
Migrations/Observations: With the high water covering surrounding fields the ducks have dispersed around the region.
Duck Abundance: Fair.
Hunter Activity/Success: L ow.
General Comments: Water is extremely high, but beginning to recede.
EAST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS -
Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent. White River at Augusta is 32.7 feet and Georgetown is at 23.1 feet.
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.
Weather: Remaining partly cloudy for the remainder of the week, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s during the day and dropping to the 20s and 30s at night.
Migrations/Observations: Low numbers of ducks.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Low.
General Comments: Water is high after recent rainfall.
North GTR :
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.
Weather: Remaining partly cloudy for the remainder of the week, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s during the day and dropping to the 20s and 30s at night.
Migrations/Observations: Low population of ducks.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Low.
South GTR :
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.
Weather: Remaining partly cloudy for the remainder of the week, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s during the day and dropping to the 20s and 30s at night.
Migrations/Observations: Low duck numbers
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Low.
Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: The White River at Georgetown is 23.1 feet.
Weather: Remaining partly cloudy for the remainder of the week, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s during the day and dropping to the 20s and 30s at night.
Migrations/Observations: No new flights seen.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Hunters are having poor success due to high water conditions.
General Comments: A quota permit draw (two hours before official shooting hours) is held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday throughout waterfowl season. Approximately 23 permits will be drawn on site. A computer online draw has been established for five stations and one mobility impaired blind throughout season. Because of high water, Jones Island Road and Heathscott Road are not passable by vehicle. The area headquarters can be accessed by going into Georgetown and taking Jones Island Road. Because of the high water, all hunting will take place from a boat. Hunters should be aware of windy conditions and large waves.
Rex Hancock Black Swamp WMA:
Percent Flooded: 90 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.
Weather: Remaining partly cloudy for the remainder of the week, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s during the day and dropping to the 20s and 30s during the night.
Migrations/Observations: New flights are being reported in the area.
Duck Abundance: Good.
Hunter Activity/Success: Good.
General Comments: The CacheRiver at Patterson was at 10.5 feet on Jan. 24.
Dagmar WMA:
Percent Flooded: 60 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.
Weather: Remaining partly cloudy for the remainder of the week, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s during the day and dropping to the 20s and 30s during the night.
Migrations/Observations: No new flights observed.
Duck Abundance: Numbers have increased slightly, but still low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Moderate to poor.
General Comments: The CacheRiver at Cotton Plant was at 19.07 feet on Jan. 24.
Mud Slough GTR:
Percent Flooded: More than 100 percent of capacity.
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.
Weather: Remaining partly cloudy for the remainder of the week, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s during the day and dropping to the 20s and 30s during the night.
Migrations/Observations: No new flights.
Duck Abundance: A few wood ducks. Mallard numbers have increased slightly.
Hunter Activity/Success: Moderate to poor.
General Comments: Water level is well above the 160-foot flood pool.
Apple Lake Rest Area:
Percent Flooded: 70 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.
Weather: Remaining partly cloudy for the remainder of the week, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s during the day and dropping to the 20s and 30s during the night.
Migrations/Observations: A variety of waterfowl are using the lake.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Closed to access.
General Comments: Apple Lake will remain closed to access until after waterfowl season.
CENTRAL ARKANSAS -
Bell Slough WMA:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Moderate mast crop.
Migrations/Observations: Very few flights seen.
Duck Abundance: Few ducks.
Hunter Activity/Success: Poor hunting success over the past weekend.
General Comments: Additional acreage is flooded on the area. Access roads may be impassible.
Rest Area:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good seed production.
Migrations/Observations: None noted.
Duck Abundance: Few ducks.
Holland Bottoms WMA:
Percent Flooded: 80 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good mast crop.
Migrations/Observations: A few wood ducks.
Duck Abundance: Very few.
Hunter Activity/Success: None noted.
General Comments: Overflow flooding. Water will drop quickly.
Rest Area:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Moderate seed production.
Migrations/Observations: A handful of mallards have been seen on the rest area.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Harris Brake WMA:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Moderate mast crop.
Migrations/Observations: Very few new ducks.
Duck Abundance: Plenty of wood ducks.
Hunter Activity/Success: Early shooting with poor success.
General Comments: Closed Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Lake Conway :
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Normal .
Migrations/Observations: Few ducks observed.
Duck Abundance: Very few ducks.
Hunter Activity/Success: Poor hunting success.
General Comments: Lake Conway is back at normal levels. Only Pierce and Dix Creeks are open to waterfowl hunting.
SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS -
Bayou Meto WMA:
General Comments: The following structures have gates open: Cannon Brake, Long Pond, Five Forks, Lower Vallier and Upper Vallier.
Upper Vallier:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Migrations/Observations: Moderate.
Duck Abundance: Moderate.
Hunter Activity/Success: Hunter activity has been moderate with fair success.
Lower Vallier:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Migrations/Observations: Moderate.
Duck Abundance: Moderate
Hunter Activity/Success: Hunter activity has been moderate with fair success.
Government Cypress:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Migrations/Observations: Moderate.
Duck Abundance: Moderate.
Hunter Activity/Success: Hunter activity has been moderate with fair success.
Buckingham Flats:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Migrations/Observations: Low.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Low.
Temple Island :
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Migrations/Observations: Moderate.
Duck Abundance: Moderate.
Hunter Activity/Success: Hunter activity has been moderate with fair success.
Halowell Rest Area:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Migrations/Observations: Moderate.
Duck Abundance: Moderate.
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A
Wrape Plantation:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Migrations/Observations: Moderate.
Duck Abundance: Moderate.
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A
Cut-Off Creek WMA:
Open Area
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Migrations/Observations: No new movement at this time.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Low number of hunters killing very few ducks.
General Comments: High water, use caution.
Rest Area:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Migrations/Observations: No new movement at this time.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A.
Seven Devils WMA :
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Migrations/Observations: No new movement at this time.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Low numbers of hunters. Hunter success is low.
General Comments: 134.7 MSL.
Trusten Holder WMA at Arkansas River:
Percent Flooded: River water only, with variable levels of backwater flooding.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Migrations/Observations: Fair.
Duck Abundance: Fair.
Hunter Activity/Success: Low.
Comments: Arkansas River gauge at Pendleton Ferry was 27.27 feet on
Jan. 24.
Choctaw Island WMA:
Percent Flooded: River water only, with variable levels of backwater flooding.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Migrations/Observations: Fair.
Duck Abundance: Fair.
Hunter Activity/Success: Low .
Comments: Mississippi River gauge at ArkansasCity was 30.3 feet on
Jan. 24.
Beryl Anthony Lower Ouachita WMA:
Percent Flooded: 60 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Fair.
Migrations/Observations: Some ducks are beginning to arrive.
Water Levels: 71.5 MSL below the Felsenthal Lock and Dam.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Low.
General Comments: The northern road (below the dam) is completely flooded.
SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS -
Dr. Lester Sitzes, III Bois d’ Arc Lake Rest Area:
Percent Flooded: 95 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Weather: Sunny and cold.
Migrations/Observations: No new ducks observed.
Duck Abundance: A few mallards and wood ducks.
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A
General Comments: Lake is closed to duck hunting.
Dr. Lester Sitzes, III Bois d’ Arc WMA:
Red Slough Rest Area:
Percent Flooded: 60 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Poor.
Weather: Sunny and cold.
Migrations/Observations: Few wood ducks.
Duck Abundance: Poor.
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A
General Comments: Rest area completely closed to duck hunting.
Greentree Reservoir:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good mast crop, conditions have improved.
Weather: Sunny and cold.
Migrations/Observations: No new ducks.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair.
Little Grassy:
Percent Flooded: 90 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Poor.
Weather: Sunny and cold.
Migrations/Observations: No ducks.
Duck Abundance: Very low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Poor
General Comments : Walk in only.
Millwood Lake :
Percent Flooded: 261.85 MSL.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Weather: Sunny and cold.
Migrations/Observations: Species of diving ducks starting to increase.
Duck Abundance: Moderate.
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair.
General Comments: Some limits are still being taken.
Sulphur River WMA:
Mercer Bayou:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Water level is stable. Habitat conditions are poor.
Weather : Sunny and cold.
Migrations/Observations: No new ducks observed .
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Poor.
Henry Moore Rest Area:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good, seed production in the moist soil openings.
Weather: Sunny and cold.
Migrations/Observations: No new ducks observed .
Duck Abundance: Good number of ducks including mallards and teal.
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS -
Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Some cells have been planted millet and others have natural vegetation.
Weather: Cool and dry.
Migrations/Observations: Very few.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Quite a few hunters taking some ducks.
General Comments: Water level is still very high.
Arkansas River Valley :
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Plenty of water in agricultural fields
Weather: Partly cloudy with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.
Migrations/Observations: No new flights observed.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Spotty success.
Dardanelle WMA:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Moist soil units are 100 percent.
Weather: Partly cloudy with highs in the 50s and low’s in the 30s.
Migrations/Observations: No new flights observed.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Minimal success.
Ozark Pool:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Moist soil units are flooded.
Weather: Partly cloudy with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.
Migrations/Observations: No new flights observed.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Spotty success.
Dyer LakeCells:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent plus.
Habitat Conditions: Good habitat conditions; moist soil produced excellent food along with good millet crop.
Weather: Partly cloudy with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.
Migrations/Observations: No new migrations.
Duck Abundance: Low/scattered.
Hunter Activity/Success: Minimal hunting success.
Arkansas River Pool 9:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent plus.
Habitat Conditions: Good. Agricultural fields along the river have good water.
Weather: Partly cloudy with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.
Migrations/Observations: No new migrations observed.
Duck Abundance: Low numbers and very scattered because of all the water.
Hunter Activity/Success: Spotty hunter success.
Petit Jean WMA:
Percent Flooded: All areas are more than 100 percent flooded.
Habitat Conditions: Excellent hard mast crop in the timber, and millet did well in the Black Lands fields.
Weather: Partly cloudy with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.
Migrations/Observations: Few migrations observed.
Duck Abundance: Few and scattered.
Hunter Activity/Success: Successful hunters should key in on shallow water areas.
General Comments: Petit JeanRiver is still high.
Lake Nimrod WMA:
Percent Flooded: More than 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Excellent hard mast crop in the timber, and millet did well in field systems.
Weather: Partly cloudy with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.
Migrations/Observations: None observed.
Duck Abundance: Poor. Ducks are spread out.
Hunter Activity/Success: Successful hunters should look to shallow water areas.
General Comments: Lake Nimrod 362.0 MSL or 20 feet above normal.
Galla Creek WMA:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Fair mast crop with higher water due to heavy rain.
Weather: Cold with a slight chance of rain on Saturday.
Migrations/Observations: Very few.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: A few hunters are having some success.
Johnson County Rest Area:
Percent Flooded: 60 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good. The moist soil units produced excellent food with a good millet crop.
Weather: Partly cloudy with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.
Migrations/Observations: None observed.
Duck Abundance: Low and scattered.
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A
General Comments: No hunting.
Frog Bayou WMA:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent plus.
Habitat Conditions: Good stands of native vegetation.
Weather: Partly cloudy with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.
Migrations/Observations: No new migrations have been observed.
Duck Abundance: Poor.
Hunter Activity/Success: Few hunters with minimal success.
*Information on river levels can be found at: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lmrfc/ or http://water.usgs.gov/realtime.html or http://www.agfc.com/education/waterlevels_details.html
Sunrise/sunset tables are available at: http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/RS_OneDay.html and in the Arkansas Waterfowl Regulations Guide
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's waterfowl report for Jan. 24, 2007.
The following report is a compilation of state reports and waterfowl surveys from across Arkansas. This report provides a look at habitat conditions across the state.
Weather Forecast:
Today: Partly cloudy, with a high near 45. North-northwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Partly cloudy, with a high near 48. North-northwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south-southwest.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 55. South-southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly between 7a.m. and 3 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. South-southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north-northwest.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. North-northeast wind around 10 mph.
Sunday: Partly cloudy, with a high near 41. North-northwest wind around 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 24.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 45.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.
Tuesday: Partly cloudy, with a high near 43.
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS –
Dave Donaldson Black River WMA:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent in the green timber reservoirs and 100 percent in the moist soil units. The Black River is at a current stage of 11.4 feet at Corning. Hubble gauge is at 269.9 MSL, Brookings is 268.6 MSL, upper Reno GTR is 269.5 MSL, lower Reno GTR is 269.35 MSL, and Winchester is at 266.6 MSL.
Habitat Conditions: Moderate
Weather Conditions: The week will remain cooler, with a chance of rain on Saturday. Highs for the week will range from 37 to 48 degrees. Lows for the week will range from 26 to 34 degrees.
Duck Abundance: Fair to moderate numbers are on the area. LakeAshbaugh has high numbers. Ducks have been concentrated in the GTR rest area and more have been seen in the moist soil units.
Hunter activity/Success: High hunter activity over the weekend and throughout most of last week, with moderate success.
Shirey Bay Rainey Brake WMA:
Percent Flooded: The Adam’s Brake GTR and Rainey Brake GTR are 100 percent flooded. The Phase III, River Field, Charles Crisp and Ward Field moist soil units are 100 percent flooded.
Habitat Conditions: Extensive flooding still occurring from Black River. The gauge at Black Rock was at 21.8 feet on Jan. 24. Vehicle traffic is not possible from the Twin Screw Gates and points south to the end of road.
Weather: Partly cloudy this week with highs around 40 degrees and lows around 30 degrees.
Migrations/Observations: Ducks have moved off the area due to the excessive water in adjacent fields. The fields south of the area are holding a large number of ducks.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Low hunter activity with very little success.
St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA:
Percent Flooded: The Snowden Waterfowl Rest Area (WRA) is 100 percent flooded and Payneway Waterfowl Rest Area is 100 percent flooded. The current St. Francis River level at Oak Donnick is 218.46 MSL.
Habitat Conditions: The Snowden WRA has a good stand of smartweed, panic grass, millet and sedges. The Payneway WRA has a higher abundance of smartweed within the borrow areas. Acorn production within the floodways is good.
Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy with temperatures in the mid 40s. Nighttime temperatures will dip into the lower 30s.
Duck Abundance: Fair.
Hunter Activity/Success: Several hunters are using the area. Hunters are killing a few ducks.
Earl Buss Bayou DeView WMA:
Percent Flooded: The Thompson and South Oliver Tracts are 100 percent flooded with current gauge readings at 3.22 feet and 3.70 feet, respectively.
Habitat Conditions: Acorn production is good. A good stand of smartweed and sedges is located within the natural sloughs and along the edges of Lake Hogue Waterfowl Rest Area.
Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy the rest of the week with temperatures ranging in the low 50s to mid 20s.
Migrations/Observations: A few ducks, with most utilizing adjacent agricultural fields. Most of the ducks are scattered due to the recent rains.
Duck Abundance: Fair.
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair.
General Comments: Please be aware of submerged logs within boat lanes.
Big LakeWMA:
Percent Flooded: Area is 100 percent flooded in the timber. Ditches are 100 percent flooded. Target water level is 235.5 MSL in the north woods with a present reading of over 240 MSL. Target water level is 234.5 MSL in the south woods with a present reading of over 240 MSL. Simmons Field Unit is 100 percent flooded.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Weather Conditions: Highs for the week will be in the upper 30s increasing to the mid 40s by the end of the week with lows in the mid 20s to the lower 30s.
Migrations/Observations: With the high water covering surrounding fields the ducks have dispersed around the region.
Duck Abundance: Fair.
Hunter Activity/Success: L ow.
General Comments: Water is extremely high, but beginning to recede.
EAST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS -
Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent. White River at Augusta is 32.7 feet and Georgetown is at 23.1 feet.
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.
Weather: Remaining partly cloudy for the remainder of the week, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s during the day and dropping to the 20s and 30s at night.
Migrations/Observations: Low numbers of ducks.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Low.
General Comments: Water is high after recent rainfall.
North GTR :
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.
Weather: Remaining partly cloudy for the remainder of the week, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s during the day and dropping to the 20s and 30s at night.
Migrations/Observations: Low population of ducks.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Low.
South GTR :
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.
Weather: Remaining partly cloudy for the remainder of the week, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s during the day and dropping to the 20s and 30s at night.
Migrations/Observations: Low duck numbers
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Low.
Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: The White River at Georgetown is 23.1 feet.
Weather: Remaining partly cloudy for the remainder of the week, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s during the day and dropping to the 20s and 30s at night.
Migrations/Observations: No new flights seen.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Hunters are having poor success due to high water conditions.
General Comments: A quota permit draw (two hours before official shooting hours) is held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday throughout waterfowl season. Approximately 23 permits will be drawn on site. A computer online draw has been established for five stations and one mobility impaired blind throughout season. Because of high water, Jones Island Road and Heathscott Road are not passable by vehicle. The area headquarters can be accessed by going into Georgetown and taking Jones Island Road. Because of the high water, all hunting will take place from a boat. Hunters should be aware of windy conditions and large waves.
Rex Hancock Black Swamp WMA:
Percent Flooded: 90 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.
Weather: Remaining partly cloudy for the remainder of the week, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s during the day and dropping to the 20s and 30s during the night.
Migrations/Observations: New flights are being reported in the area.
Duck Abundance: Good.
Hunter Activity/Success: Good.
General Comments: The CacheRiver at Patterson was at 10.5 feet on Jan. 24.
Dagmar WMA:
Percent Flooded: 60 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.
Weather: Remaining partly cloudy for the remainder of the week, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s during the day and dropping to the 20s and 30s during the night.
Migrations/Observations: No new flights observed.
Duck Abundance: Numbers have increased slightly, but still low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Moderate to poor.
General Comments: The CacheRiver at Cotton Plant was at 19.07 feet on Jan. 24.
Mud Slough GTR:
Percent Flooded: More than 100 percent of capacity.
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.
Weather: Remaining partly cloudy for the remainder of the week, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s during the day and dropping to the 20s and 30s during the night.
Migrations/Observations: No new flights.
Duck Abundance: A few wood ducks. Mallard numbers have increased slightly.
Hunter Activity/Success: Moderate to poor.
General Comments: Water level is well above the 160-foot flood pool.
Apple Lake Rest Area:
Percent Flooded: 70 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.
Weather: Remaining partly cloudy for the remainder of the week, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s during the day and dropping to the 20s and 30s during the night.
Migrations/Observations: A variety of waterfowl are using the lake.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Closed to access.
General Comments: Apple Lake will remain closed to access until after waterfowl season.
CENTRAL ARKANSAS -
Bell Slough WMA:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Moderate mast crop.
Migrations/Observations: Very few flights seen.
Duck Abundance: Few ducks.
Hunter Activity/Success: Poor hunting success over the past weekend.
General Comments: Additional acreage is flooded on the area. Access roads may be impassible.
Rest Area:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good seed production.
Migrations/Observations: None noted.
Duck Abundance: Few ducks.
Holland Bottoms WMA:
Percent Flooded: 80 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good mast crop.
Migrations/Observations: A few wood ducks.
Duck Abundance: Very few.
Hunter Activity/Success: None noted.
General Comments: Overflow flooding. Water will drop quickly.
Rest Area:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Moderate seed production.
Migrations/Observations: A handful of mallards have been seen on the rest area.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Harris Brake WMA:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Moderate mast crop.
Migrations/Observations: Very few new ducks.
Duck Abundance: Plenty of wood ducks.
Hunter Activity/Success: Early shooting with poor success.
General Comments: Closed Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Lake Conway :
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Normal .
Migrations/Observations: Few ducks observed.
Duck Abundance: Very few ducks.
Hunter Activity/Success: Poor hunting success.
General Comments: Lake Conway is back at normal levels. Only Pierce and Dix Creeks are open to waterfowl hunting.
SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS -
Bayou Meto WMA:
General Comments: The following structures have gates open: Cannon Brake, Long Pond, Five Forks, Lower Vallier and Upper Vallier.
Upper Vallier:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Migrations/Observations: Moderate.
Duck Abundance: Moderate.
Hunter Activity/Success: Hunter activity has been moderate with fair success.
Lower Vallier:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Migrations/Observations: Moderate.
Duck Abundance: Moderate
Hunter Activity/Success: Hunter activity has been moderate with fair success.
Government Cypress:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Migrations/Observations: Moderate.
Duck Abundance: Moderate.
Hunter Activity/Success: Hunter activity has been moderate with fair success.
Buckingham Flats:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Migrations/Observations: Low.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Low.
Temple Island :
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Migrations/Observations: Moderate.
Duck Abundance: Moderate.
Hunter Activity/Success: Hunter activity has been moderate with fair success.
Halowell Rest Area:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Migrations/Observations: Moderate.
Duck Abundance: Moderate.
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A
Wrape Plantation:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Migrations/Observations: Moderate.
Duck Abundance: Moderate.
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A
Cut-Off Creek WMA:
Open Area
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Migrations/Observations: No new movement at this time.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Low number of hunters killing very few ducks.
General Comments: High water, use caution.
Rest Area:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Migrations/Observations: No new movement at this time.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A.
Seven Devils WMA :
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Migrations/Observations: No new movement at this time.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Low numbers of hunters. Hunter success is low.
General Comments: 134.7 MSL.
Trusten Holder WMA at Arkansas River:
Percent Flooded: River water only, with variable levels of backwater flooding.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Migrations/Observations: Fair.
Duck Abundance: Fair.
Hunter Activity/Success: Low.
Comments: Arkansas River gauge at Pendleton Ferry was 27.27 feet on
Jan. 24.
Choctaw Island WMA:
Percent Flooded: River water only, with variable levels of backwater flooding.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Migrations/Observations: Fair.
Duck Abundance: Fair.
Hunter Activity/Success: Low .
Comments: Mississippi River gauge at ArkansasCity was 30.3 feet on
Jan. 24.
Beryl Anthony Lower Ouachita WMA:
Percent Flooded: 60 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Fair.
Migrations/Observations: Some ducks are beginning to arrive.
Water Levels: 71.5 MSL below the Felsenthal Lock and Dam.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Low.
General Comments: The northern road (below the dam) is completely flooded.
SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS -
Dr. Lester Sitzes, III Bois d’ Arc Lake Rest Area:
Percent Flooded: 95 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Weather: Sunny and cold.
Migrations/Observations: No new ducks observed.
Duck Abundance: A few mallards and wood ducks.
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A
General Comments: Lake is closed to duck hunting.
Dr. Lester Sitzes, III Bois d’ Arc WMA:
Red Slough Rest Area:
Percent Flooded: 60 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Poor.
Weather: Sunny and cold.
Migrations/Observations: Few wood ducks.
Duck Abundance: Poor.
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A
General Comments: Rest area completely closed to duck hunting.
Greentree Reservoir:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good mast crop, conditions have improved.
Weather: Sunny and cold.
Migrations/Observations: No new ducks.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair.
Little Grassy:
Percent Flooded: 90 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Poor.
Weather: Sunny and cold.
Migrations/Observations: No ducks.
Duck Abundance: Very low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Poor
General Comments : Walk in only.
Millwood Lake :
Percent Flooded: 261.85 MSL.
Habitat Conditions: Good.
Weather: Sunny and cold.
Migrations/Observations: Species of diving ducks starting to increase.
Duck Abundance: Moderate.
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair.
General Comments: Some limits are still being taken.
Sulphur River WMA:
Mercer Bayou:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Water level is stable. Habitat conditions are poor.
Weather : Sunny and cold.
Migrations/Observations: No new ducks observed .
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Poor.
Henry Moore Rest Area:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good, seed production in the moist soil openings.
Weather: Sunny and cold.
Migrations/Observations: No new ducks observed .
Duck Abundance: Good number of ducks including mallards and teal.
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS -
Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Some cells have been planted millet and others have natural vegetation.
Weather: Cool and dry.
Migrations/Observations: Very few.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Quite a few hunters taking some ducks.
General Comments: Water level is still very high.
Arkansas River Valley :
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Plenty of water in agricultural fields
Weather: Partly cloudy with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.
Migrations/Observations: No new flights observed.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Spotty success.
Dardanelle WMA:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Moist soil units are 100 percent.
Weather: Partly cloudy with highs in the 50s and low’s in the 30s.
Migrations/Observations: No new flights observed.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Minimal success.
Ozark Pool:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Moist soil units are flooded.
Weather: Partly cloudy with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.
Migrations/Observations: No new flights observed.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Spotty success.
Dyer LakeCells:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent plus.
Habitat Conditions: Good habitat conditions; moist soil produced excellent food along with good millet crop.
Weather: Partly cloudy with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.
Migrations/Observations: No new migrations.
Duck Abundance: Low/scattered.
Hunter Activity/Success: Minimal hunting success.
Arkansas River Pool 9:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent plus.
Habitat Conditions: Good. Agricultural fields along the river have good water.
Weather: Partly cloudy with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.
Migrations/Observations: No new migrations observed.
Duck Abundance: Low numbers and very scattered because of all the water.
Hunter Activity/Success: Spotty hunter success.
Petit Jean WMA:
Percent Flooded: All areas are more than 100 percent flooded.
Habitat Conditions: Excellent hard mast crop in the timber, and millet did well in the Black Lands fields.
Weather: Partly cloudy with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.
Migrations/Observations: Few migrations observed.
Duck Abundance: Few and scattered.
Hunter Activity/Success: Successful hunters should key in on shallow water areas.
General Comments: Petit JeanRiver is still high.
Lake Nimrod WMA:
Percent Flooded: More than 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Excellent hard mast crop in the timber, and millet did well in field systems.
Weather: Partly cloudy with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.
Migrations/Observations: None observed.
Duck Abundance: Poor. Ducks are spread out.
Hunter Activity/Success: Successful hunters should look to shallow water areas.
General Comments: Lake Nimrod 362.0 MSL or 20 feet above normal.
Galla Creek WMA:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Fair mast crop with higher water due to heavy rain.
Weather: Cold with a slight chance of rain on Saturday.
Migrations/Observations: Very few.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: A few hunters are having some success.
Johnson County Rest Area:
Percent Flooded: 60 percent.
Habitat Conditions: Good. The moist soil units produced excellent food with a good millet crop.
Weather: Partly cloudy with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.
Migrations/Observations: None observed.
Duck Abundance: Low and scattered.
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A
General Comments: No hunting.
Frog Bayou WMA:
Percent Flooded: 100 percent plus.
Habitat Conditions: Good stands of native vegetation.
Weather: Partly cloudy with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.
Migrations/Observations: No new migrations have been observed.
Duck Abundance: Poor.
Hunter Activity/Success: Few hunters with minimal success.
*Information on river levels can be found at: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lmrfc/ or http://water.usgs.gov/realtime.html or http://www.agfc.com/education/waterlevels_details.html
Sunrise/sunset tables are available at: http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/RS_OneDay.html and in the Arkansas Waterfowl Regulations Guide
Labels: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, duck, waterfowl hunting, Weekly Watefowl Report
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