12/15 - Weekly Waterfowl Report Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Weekly
Waterfowl Report

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission




Keith Stephens (501) 223-6342, e-mail: kastephens@agfc.state.ar.us



The
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's waterfowl report for Dec. 14, 2005.

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 around 56. South southwest wind 5
to 10 mph becoming northwest.



Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 35. North northwest wind between
5 and 10 mph.




Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high around 53. West northwest wind
between 5 and 15 mph.



Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low near 28. West wind between 5 and
15 mph.



Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high around 51. West wind between 5 and 10
mph.



Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. West southwest wind
around 5 mph becoming calm.




Saturday: A 20 percent chance of rain after 11 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a
high near 46. East wind around 5 mph.



Saturday Night: A chance of rain, possibly mixing with snow after 2 a.m.,
then gradually ending. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. East northeast wind
around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.



Sunday: Partly cloudy, with a high around 43. Northeast wind between 5
and 15 mph.



Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low near 31.



Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high around 41.




Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27.



Tuesday: Partly cloudy, with a high near 45.



NORTHEAST ARKANSAS -



Dave Donaldson Black River WMA:


Percent
Flooded:

100%

Habitat Conditions: Good with an excellent mast crop.

Migrations/Observations: Fair numbers of ducks on the area. There had
been several thousand on Lake Ashbaugh before the freeze up over the weekend but
many of the ducks have since dispersed.

Hunter Activity/Success: Youth hunter groups that found open water had
fair success over the weekend.

General Comments: Recent low temperatures have created frozen conditions
over most of the area.  Warm temperatures this week should melt most of the
ice.  Black River is falling quickly and the gauge reading at Corning was at 7
feet the morning of Dec. 12. 



Upper and Lower Island GTR’s:


Percent Flooded:
100%.



Mervin, Viney and Barnes Slough GTR’s:


Percent Flooded:
100%


Winchester Road, Rest Area and Canal Access GTR’s:

Percent Flooded: 100%.




Shirey Bay-Rainey Brake WMA:


Percent
Flooded:
The Adam’s
Brake GTR is 75% flooded at 238.0 MSL. The Rainey Brake GTR is 75% flooded at
237.8 MSL. The Phase III moist soil unit is 50% flooded and the River Field
MOIST SOIL UNIT is 100% flooded.

Habitat Conditions: Clear water with a good mast crop.


Weather: A good chance of rain Tuesday and Wednesday then clearing with a
high in the upper 40s and a low in the upper 30s.

Migrations/Observations: A few ducks observed moving into the area.

Duck Abundance: Duck abundance low, mostly wood ducks.

Hunter Activity/Success: Youth hunting activity was light with few ducks
being killed, mostly wood ducks.



St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA:



Percent Flooded: 
The Oak Donnick gauge is at 212.32 MSL.  At this level a portion of the timber
between the St. Francis floodway levees is inundated.  The Payneway moist soil
units are 55% flooded.  The Snowden moist soil unit is 60% flooded.

Habitat Conditions:  The Payneway moist soil unit has a good stand of
panic grass and wild millet, with a fair stand of smartweed and yellow nut sedge
mixed within.  The Snowden moist soil unit has a higher abundance of the same
vegetation.  Acorn production is considered excellent within the timber.


Weather:  Temperatures this week will be in the upper 40’s for highs and
mid to lower 30’s for lows with a good chance of rain starting Tuesday night
going through Wednesday with clearing skies after Wednesday.       

Migrations/Observations:  Few ducks and snow geese can be seen flying
south. 

Duck Abundance:  Few ducks are using the moist soil units.  Few ducks are
using newly inundated timber and the St. Francis Lake.  

Hunter Activity/Success:  Some hunters reporting having good success on
the north end of the area.




Earl Buss/Bayou DeView WMA:


Percent
Flooded: 
The current Thompson Tract gauge reading is at 0.54 feet. The Martin and South
Oliver Tracts are primarily dry due to lack of rainfall. A few natural sloughs
may be found.

 Habitat Conditions:  Acorn production is excellent.

Weather:  High temperatures in the 40s with a chance of precipitation in
the forecast.

Migrations/Observations:  A few flocks of ducks, snow geese and
white-fronted geese are moving through the area.


Duck Abundance:  A fair number of wood ducks using the Thompson Tract.

Hunter Activity/Success:  Very few ducks were harvested prior to the
closure.

General Comments:  Boaters should be aware of submerged logs in shallow
areas.



Big Lake WMA:

Percent Flooded: Area is 35% flooded in the timber. 

Ditches are 100% flooded. Target is 235.5 in the north woods with a present
reading of 234.8. Target is 234.5 in the south woods and a present reading of
233.8 MSL.

Habitat Conditions:  Acorn production is excellent in the
timber.  The Simmons Field Units have millet, sedges, and smartweed scattered
throughout.

Weather Conditions: Chance of rain starting Tuesday night going through
Wednesday with clearing skies after Wednesday. Temperatures this week will be in
the upper 40’s for highs and mid to lower 30’s for lows.       

Migrations/Observations:  Increased number of ducks observed migrating
across the area.


Duck Abundance: Poor

Hunter Activity/Success: Low number of hunters using the
area.  Low number of ducks per hunter. 

General Comments: Water level in the timber is low. 
  




        

EASTCENTRAL ARKANSAS-



Henry Gray/Hurricane Lake WMA:

Percent Flooded: 0%. White River at Augusta is at 17.7 feet and
Georgetown is at 4.8 feet.

Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.

Weather:  Mild conditions.


Migrations/Observations:  Low duck numbers.

Duck Abundance: Low.

Hunter Activity/Success: Low.

General Comments: Water conditions are very low and the area needs
significant rainfall for improvement.

North GTR:


Percent Flooded: 0%.

Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.

Weather: Mild condition.

Migrations/Observations: Low duck numbers.

Duck Abundance:  Low.


Hunter Activity/Success: Poor.

General Comments: Water conditions are low and will need significant
rainfall for improvement.

South GTR: 

Percent Flooded: 0%.

Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.


Weather: Mild conditions.

Migrations/Observations: Low duck numbers.

Duck Abundance:  Low.

Hunter Activity/Success: Poor.

General Comments: Water conditions are very low and will need significant
rainfall for improvement.


.

Dagmar WMA:


Percent
Flooded: 
0%.

Habitat Conditions:  Bayou DeView is very low.

Weather: Mild conditions.

Migrations/Observations: No new flights observed.


Duck Abundance: Few ducks observed.

Hunter Activity/Success: Poor.

 General Comments: Only permanent water available on Dagmar.
Bayou DeView is also extremely low and not navigable.

Mud
Slough GTR:



Percent Flooded:
0%.

Habitat Conditions:  Good acorn crop.

Weather: Mild conditions. 

Migrations/Observations:  No new flights.


Duck Abundance: A few wood ducks in the slough pockets.

Hunter Activity/Success: Poor.

General Comments:  Unable to flood the GTR due to extremely low water
conditions on the Cache River and Bayou DeView. Cache River is presently at 3.0
feet.

Apple Lake Rest Area:

Percent Flooded: 10%.


Habitat Conditions:  Good acorn crop.

Weather: Mild conditions.

Migrations/Observations: A few wood ducks and teal are using the lake.  


Duck Abundance: Low


Hunter Activity/Success: Closed to access.

General Comments:  Very low water conditions.



Rex Hancock/Black Swamp WMA:


Percent
Flooded: 
0%.

Habitat Conditions:  Good acorn crop.


Weather:  Mild conditions.

Migrations/Observations: No new flights noted.  

Duck Abundance: Low.

Hunter Activity/Success: Poor.

General Comments: The Cache River at Patterson is presently at 2.2 feet.
Very low water conditions exist on the Cache River corridor but may improve due
to recent rains.




Steve N. Wilson/Raft Creek Bottoms WMA:

Percent Flooded: 50%.           

Habitat Conditions: Pumping has improved conditions in main impoundments.

Weather: Mild conditions.

Migrations/Observations: No new flights reported.


Duck Abundance: Low.

Hunter Activity/Success: Poor.

General Comments:  A quota permit draw (two hours before official
shooting hours) is held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sundays throughout
waterfowl season. Twenty holes will be available for the drawing on Saturday. A
computer online draw established for five stations and one mobility impaired
blind throughout season. Access to all hunting stations have improved due to
recent pumping efforts.  Boat Lane A is .10  below flood pool.  Boat Lane D is
.40 below flood pool.







CENTRAL ARKANSAS-




Bell Slough and Camp Robinson WMAs:

Percent Flooded: 55%.

Habitat Conditions: Good mast crop.


Migrations/Observations: Some new flights have been observed.

Duck Abundance: Moderate. Mostly gadwalls and wood ducks.

Hunter Activity/Success: A few youth hunters were successful.

General Comments: The east boat launch has been channeled for
easier access to Grassy Lake.

Rest Area:


Percent Flooded: 10%.

Habitat Conditions: Moderate seed production.

Migrations/Observations: None.

Duck Abundance: No ducks.

General Comments:  Waiting on rainfall.




Holland Bottoms WMA:

Percent Flooded: 15%.

Habitat Conditions: Good mast crop.

Migrations/Observations:  Fair numbers of wood ducks in the ditches.

Duck Abundance: Very low.


General Comments: Waiting on rainfall.

Rest Area:

Percent Flooded: 50%.

Habitat Conditions: Moderate seed production.

Migrations/Observations:  A handful of mallards are using the rest
area. 


Duck Abundance: Few ducks.



Harris Brake WMA:

Percent Flooded: 95%.

Habitat Conditions: Good mast crop.

Migrations/Observations: None.


Duck Abundance: Very few.

Hunter Activity/Success: A few shots were heard during the youth hunt.

General Comments: Fair numbers of wood ducks.



Lake Conway:

Percent Flooded: 100%.


Habitat Conditions: Normal

Migrations/Observations: Some flights of new ducks have been
observed.

Duck Abundance: Few ducks.

General Comments: Only Pierce and Dix Creeks are open to waterfowl
hunting.    





SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS-



Bayou Meto WMA:


General
Comments: 
Youth hunt started well, but then success dropped off on the last day.

Upper Vallier:


Percent Flooded: 

0%.

Habitat Conditions:  Fair

Migrations/Observations: Low

Duck Abundance:  Low

Lower Vallier:

Percent Flooded: 0%.


Habitat Conditions:  Fair.

Migrations/Observations: Low.

Duck Abundance: Low.

Government Cypress:

Percent Flooded: 0%.


Habitat Conditions:  Fair.   

Migrations/Observations: Low.

Duck Abundance:  Low.

Buckingham Flats:



Percent Flooded:
0%.

Habitat Conditions: Fair.

Migrations/Observations: Low.

Duck Abundance: Low.

General Comments: Pumping water now, but still no huntable water.


Temple Island:

Percent Flooded: 0%.

Habitat Conditions: Fair.

Migrations/Observations: Low.

Duck Abundance: Low.

General Comments: Water levels too low to pump.


Halowell Rest Area:

Percent Flooded: 90%.

Habitat Conditions:  Good.

Migrations/Observations:  Low.

Duck Abundance:  Low.


Wrape Plantation:

Percent Flooded: 45%.

Habitat Conditions:  Good.

Migrations/Observations: Very low.

Duck Abundance: Very low.




Cut-Off
Creek WMA:


Open Area:


Percent Flooded:
5%.

Habitat Conditions: Good mast crop, conditions poor due to low water. 

Migrations/Observations:  Fair


Duck Abundance:  Low

Hunter Activity/Success: Low with poor success on youth hunt.

General Comments:   Deep Slough is 129.4 MSL.

Rest Area:

Percent Flooded: 5%.

Habitat Conditions:  Good mast crop, conditions poor due to low water.


Migrations/Observations:  Fair.

Duck Abundance:  Low.




 Seven Devils WMA:

Percent Flooded:
10%.


Habitat Conditions: Poor due to low water.

Migrations/Observations: Fair.

Duck Abundance:  Low with a fair number of wood ducks.

Hunter Activity/Success:  Low with poor success on youth hunt.

General Comments: Water is too low for boating. The access gauge is 128.5
MSL.




Trusten Holder WMA at Arkansas River:


Percent
Flooded: 
River water only, with variable levels of backwater flooding.

Habitat Conditions: Good.

Migrations/Observations: Few.

Duck Abundance:  Fair.


Hunter Activity/Success:  Fair on youth hunt.

General Comments:  Arkansas River gauge at Pendleton Ferry is at 26 feet.



Choctaw Island WMA:


Percent
Flooded:
River water only, with variable levels of backwater flooding.



Habitat Conditions:
Good.


Migrations/Observations:
Low.

Duck Abundance: Low.

Hunter Activity/Success: Youth hunt was poor.


Comments: Mississippi River gauge at Arkansas City is at 8.9 feet.





SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS-



Dr. Lester Sitzes, III/Bois d’ Arc Lake Rest Area:


Percent
Flooded:
60%.


Habitat Conditions: Good conditions.


Weather:
Cool.


Migrations/Observations:
Few ducks.

Duck
Abundance:
Few ducks
observed and a few harvested during the youth hunt.




Dr. Lester Sitzes, III/Bois d’ Arc WMA:

Red Slough Rest Area:


Percent Flooded:
0%.

Habitat Conditions:  Dry.

Weather: Cool.


Migrations/Observations: No ducks.

Duck Abundance: Very few ducks.

General Comments:  Good mast production.

Greentree Reservoir:

Percent Flooded: 15%.

Habitat Conditions: The mast crop is good.


Weather: Cool.

Migrations/Observations: Few ducks.

Duck Abundance: Low.

Hunter Activity/Success: Poor

Little Grassy:

Percent Flooded: 10%


Habitat Conditions: Good

Weather: Cool

 Migrations/Observations: Very few ducks.

Duck Abundance: A few wood ducks.

Hunter Activity/Success: Poor.

General Comments: Moist soil unit has good seed production and should
attract ducks later in the season.




Millwood Lake:

Percent Flooded: 259.1 MSL.

Habitat Conditions: Water is stable.

Weather: Cool

Migrations/Observations: No new ducks.


Hunter Activity/Success: Fair

Duck Abundance:  Duck numbers are fair. Mallards, gadwall and wood ducks
are being reported.



Sulphur River WMA:

Mercer Bayou:

Percent Flooded:  10%

Habitat Conditions: Poor.


Weather: Cool.

Migrations/Observations: No new ducks.

Duck Abundance:  Low.

Hunter Activity/Success: Poor.

Henry Moore Rest Area:

Percent Flooded:  90%.


Habitat Conditions: Good.

Weather: Cool.

Migrations/Observations: No new ducks.

Duck Abundance: Fair.

Hunter Activity/Success: Fair success on the youth hunt.




 

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS-



Ed Gordon/Point Remove WMA:


Percent
Flooded:
10%.

Habitat Conditions: Lots of millet and natural vegetation.

Weather: Cold front moving in later this week.


Migrations/Observations:  Few ducks coming into the area.

Duck Abundance: Poor.

Hunter Activity/Success: Fair.

General Comments:  Now pumping.




Arkansas River Valley:


Percent
Flooded:
25%.

Habitat Conditions: Good.

Weather: Cold front moving in this week.

Migrations/Observations: A few mallards and snow geese in the area.


Duck Abundance: Low.

Hunter Activity/Success: Low.   

General Comments:  Need cold front to help move ducks into the area.



Dardanelle WMA:



Percent
Flooded:
100%.

Habitat Conditions: Good.

Weather: Cold front moving into the area this week.

Migrations/Observations: Several flights of snow geese have been moving
into the area.

Duck Abundance: Moderate.


Hunter Activity/Success: Few limits are being taken by hunters over the
area.

General Comments: Need cold front to push more ducks into the area.



Ozark Pool:


Percent Flooded:
100%.

Habitat Conditions: Good.


Weather: Cold front moving into the area over the weekend.

Migrations/Observations: Several flights of snow geese observed.

Duck Abundance: Poor.

Hunter Activity/Success: Poor.  

General Comments:  Need cold front to push ducks into the area.





Dyer Lake Cells:


Percent
Flooded:
50%.

Habitat Conditions: Good. Millet in moist soil units.

Weather: Cold front to move into area this week.

Migrations/Observations: Several flights of snow geese observed.


Duck Abundance: Poor.

Hunter Activity/Success: Poor.  

General Comments: Need general rainfall and cold fronts to move ducks
into the area.



Arkansas River Pool 9:



Percent
Flooded:
100%.

Habitat Conditions: Good.

Weather: Cold front to move in this week.

Migrations/Observations: Several flights of snow geese.

Duck Abundance: Low.


Hunter Activity/Success: Low.   

General Comments:  Need general rainfall and cold fronts to move birds
into the area.



Petit Jean WMA:


Percent
Flooded:
 

Black Lands Moist Soil Units- 95%


Slaty Crossing Moist Soil Units- 75%

Pullen Pond- 0%

Pond Creek- 0%

Slaty Pond- 0%

Santa Fe- 0%

Habitat Conditions:  Lots of hard mast.

Weather: Cold front to move into area this week.


Migrations/Observations: Very few.

Duck Abundance: No migrations.

Hunter Activity/Success: Poor.

General Comments:  Need general rainfall and cold weather to push birds
into the area.




Lake Nimrod WMA:


Percent
Flooded:
75%.

Habitat Conditions: A lot of hard mast, some small grains planted in
fields.

Weather: Cold front to move into the area this week.

Migrations/Observations:  Moderate migrations.


Duck Abundance: Moderately low, some teal and wood ducks.

Hunter Activity/Success: N/A

General Comments:  Need general rainfall and cold weather to move into
the area.



Galla Creek WMA:


Percent
Flooded:

100%.

Habitat Conditions: Good mast crop.

Weather: Cold front to move into the area this week.

Migrations/Observations: A few ducks are coming in mid-morning.

Duck Abundance: Poor.


Hunter Activity/Success: N/A   



Johnson County Rest Area:


Percent
Flooded:
40%.

Habitat Conditions: Good.


Weather: Cold front to move into the area this week.

Migrations/Observations: Several mallards moved through over the weekend.


Duck Abundance: High.

Hunter Activity/Success: N/A   

General Comments: No hunting. There are a good number of mallards using
the moist soil units




Frog Bayou WMA:

Percent Flooded: 5%.

Habitat Conditions: Poor.

Weather: Cold front to move into the area this week.

Migrations/Observations: None observed.

Duck Abundance: No ducks sighted.


Hunter Activity/Success: N/A

General Comments: The only water is in the levee borrow. The area will need
significant rainfall to improve conditions.



*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.