01-09-2008, 10:10 PM
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...Mostly sunny. Cooler. Highs in the mid 50s. East winds 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight...Mostly cloudy. Lows around 40. South winds 5 mph.
Thursday...Partly sunny. A slight chance of showers. Highs in the upper 50s. West winds 10 to 15 mph. The chance of precipitation 20 percent. Average rainfall less than 1/10 inch.
Thursday Night...Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 30s. West winds 10 to 15 mph in the evening ... decreasing to 5 to 10 mph after midnight.
Friday...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 50s. West winds 5 mph in the morning ... shifting to the south in the afternoon.
Friday Night...Partly cloudy in the evening ... becoming mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 30s.
Saturday...Partly sunny. A slight chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 50s. The chance of precipitation 20 percent in the afternoon.
Saturday Night...Mostly cloudy. A slight chance of showers during the night. Lows in the lower 30s. The chance of precipitation 20 percent.
Sunday...Partly sunny. A slight chance of rain during the day. Highs in the upper 40s. The chance of precipitation 20 percent.
Sunday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows around 30.
Monday...Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 40s.
Monday Night...Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s.
Tuesday...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 40s.
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS-
Dave Donaldson Black River WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: The GTRs are 100 percent flooded. Little Black River has receded below the gauge at HubbleBridge. Black River at Brooking is at 265 MSL. The gauge at Corning is at 5.7 feet.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good, with moderate abundance of mast crop within the GTRs.<br />
Weather Conditions: Cooler, with a slight chance of rain Saturday and Sunday.<br />
Duck Abundance: Highnumbers have been observed on the WMA and moist soil unit.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: High numbers have been harvested in the timber, and moderate numbers have been taken in the surrounding fields.<br />
Comments: Please remember to keep all boats off the levees, so AGFC personnel can access the area. Boats that are blocking access will be moved.
Shirey Bay-Rainey Brake WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: The Adam's Brake GTR and the Rainey Brake GTR are 100 percent flooded. The Phase III and Charles Crisp moist soil units are 100 percent flooded. The Ward Field and River Field moist soil units are 15 percent flooded.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Fair mast crop and good water conditions.<br />
Weather: Cooler, with a slight chance of rain Saturday and Sunday.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Moderate numbers of ducks in and around the management area.<br />
Duck Abundance: Moderate<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Hunter activity is moderate with good success over the weekend.
St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: The Snowden Waterfowl Rest Area is 75 percent flooded, and the Payneway WRA is 45 percent flooded. The current St. Francis River level at Oak Donnic is 212.26 MSL.<br />
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.<br />
Weather Conditions: A 40 percent chance of showers on Thursday and Sunday. Snow showers might occur on Sunday, as well. Highs will range from the 40s to mid 50s for much of the week with nighttime temperatures dropping into the lower 30s.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new ducks have been seen.<br />
Duck Abundance: Some ducks have been seen using rest areas and timber.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Low hunter activity with a few ducks being harvested.
Earl Buss Bayou DeView WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: The current Thompson Tract gauge is at 1.3 feet, and the South Oliver Tract gauge is at 1.8 feet.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Acorn production is fair. A good stand of smartweed and sedges is located within the natural sloughs and along the edges of Lake Hogue Waterfowl Rest Area.<br />
Weather Conditions: Highs will range from the 40s to mid 50s for much of the week with nighttime temperatures dropping into the lower 30s. A 40 percent chance of showers on Thursday and Sunday.<br />
Migrations/Observations: A fair number of ducks are moving through the area.<br />
Duck Abundance: A few ducks are using the timbered areas.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Hunter activity has been moderate with low success.
Big LakeWMA:<br />
Percent Flooded:Area is 100 percent flooded in the timber. Ditches are 100 percent flooded. Target is 235.5 MSL in the north woods with a present reading of 235.5 MSL. Target is 234.5 MSL in the south woods with a present reading of 235.2 MSL. Simmons Field unit is 100 percent flooded.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather Conditions: Cooler, with a slight chance of rain Saturday and Sunday.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low numbers of ducks are being seen flying over the area to the north and east and then returning to Big Lake NWR.<br />
Duck Abundance:Low to moderate.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success:Below average number of hunters having poor to moderate success.<br />
General Comments:Be aware of logs near the surface in the ditches.
EAST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS -
Dagmar WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 50 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions:Bayou DeView is falling, andCacheRiver reading at Cotton Plant is at 15.6 feet and falling<br />
Weather: Mild conditions.<br />
Migrations/Observations: New flights have been observed.<br />
Duck Abundance: Fair<br />
Hunter Activity/Success:Hunter activity has been heavy with good success rates.<br />
General Comments:Heavy rains have inundated much of the area, increasing available waterfowl habitat.<br />
Mud Slough GTR:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.<br />
Weather: Average conditions.<br />
Migrations/Observations: New flights have been observed.<br />
Duck Abundance: Good number of ducks being reported.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Heavy activity with good success.<br />
General Comments: GTR is 100 percent full and overflowing.<br />
AppleLake Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.<br />
Weather: Mild conditions.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Good numbers of ducks beginning to use the lake.<br />
Duck Abundance: Good<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Closed to access.<br />
General Comments: Lake is at full pool.
HenryGrayHurricaneLake WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 45 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: White River at Augusta is 16.4 feet and Georgetown is 5.6 feet. The river is forecast to fall throughout the week.<br />
Weather: Average conditions expected this week<br />
Migrations/Observations: New flights have been observed in the area.<br />
Duck Abundance: Good<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair<br />
General Comments: Water conditions are good and access roads are closed.<br />
North GTR:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.<br />
Weather: Mild conditions.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Fair numbers of ducks moving into the area.<br />
Duck Abundance: Good<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair<br />
General Comments: Lots of hunters using the area this past weekend.<br />
South GTR:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.<br />
Weather: Mild conditions.<br />
Migrations/Observations: New flights have been observed.<br />
Duck Abundance: Good<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair<br />
General Comments: Lots of hunters using the area this past weekend.
RexHancockBlackSwamp WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.<br />
Weather: Mild conditions.<br />
Migrations/Observations: New flights have been observed<br />
Duck Abundance: Good<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Heavy hunting with fair success.<br />
General Comments: The CacheRiver at Patterson is currently at 7.3 feet and falling.
Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Main impoundments are flooded. The White River level at Georgetown is at 5.6 feet and falling.<br />
Weather: Cooler weather with a slight chance of rain on the weekend.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new flights reported.<br />
Duck Abundance: Fair<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Poor<br />
General Comments: A quota permit draw is held two hours before official shooting time on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout waterfowl season. Approximately 20 permits are available for the on-site drawing. A computer on-line draw has been established for five stations and one mobility-impaired blind throughout the season. Hunting stations within Impoundments D and A can be accessed by boat. Hunting stations not within impoundments D and A are walk-in access.
CENTRAL ARKANSAS -
BellSlough WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions:Moderate mast crop.<br />
Migrations/Observations:A few large groups noted in the area.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success:Several groups of hunters have been bringing in mallards.<br />
Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions:Excellent seed production.<br />
Migrations/Observations:None<br />
Duck Abundance:Moderate number of ducks.
Holland Bottoms WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 30 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good mast crop.<br />
Migrations/Observations: None noted.<br />
Duck Abundance:Very few.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Several groups walking in from Graham Road with limited success.<br />
General Comments: Area floods by overflow.<br />
Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions:Excellent seed production.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Plenty of mallards using the rest area.<br />
Duck Abundance:Moderate
Harris Brake WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Moderate mast crop.<br />
Migrations/Observations: None<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Moderate activity with poor success.
LakeConway:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions:Normal<br />
Migrations/Observations:None noted.<br />
Duck Abundance: Few<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Numerous boats in Dix Creek and Pierce Creek.<br />
General Comments: Only Pierce Creek and Dix Creek are open to waterfowl hunting.
SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS -
Bayou Meto WMA:<br />
General Comments: Emergency dewatering is under way; exercise caution around Lower Vallier, Five Forks and Cannon Brake structures.<br />
Upper Vallier:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Good<br />
Duck Abundance: Good<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
Lower Vallier:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Good<br />
Duck Abundance: Good<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
Government Cypress:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Good<br />
Duck Abundance: Good<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
Buckingham Flats:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Good<br />
Duck Abundance: Good<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
TempleIsland:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
Halowell Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Good<br />
Duck Abundance: Moderate<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
Wrape Plantation:<br />
Percent Flooded: 80 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Moderate to fair<br />
Duck Abundance: Fair<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A
Cut-Off Creek WMA:<br />
Open Area<br />
Percent Flooded: 30 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Few<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
General Comments: Deep Slough is at 129.8 MSL with a slow rise.<br />
Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 25 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Few<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A.
Seven Devils WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 85 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Few<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
General Comments: Gauge reading is 129.8 MSL. Limited boating access on the west side of Seven Devils.
Trusten Holder WMA at Arkansas River:<br />
Percent Flooded: River water only, with variable levels of backwater flooding.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Few<br />
Duck Abundance: Fair<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
General Comments:Arkansas River gauge at Pendleton Ferry is at 26.46 feet.
ChoctawIsland WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: River water only, with variable levels of backwater flooding.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
General Comments: Mississippi River gauge at ArkansasCity is at 13.63 feet.
Beryl Anthony Lower Ouachita WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 0 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Fair<br />
Migrations/Observations: None<br />
Weather Conditions: Through Thursday, low temperatures will range from 40 to 45 degrees with high temperatures in the mid 50s to mid 60s. There will be a slight chance of rain this weekend and cooler temperatures.<br />
Water Levels: 68.0 feet MSL above and 64.1 feet MSL below the Felsenthal Lock and Dam.<br />
Duck Abundance: A few gadwalls and wood ducks are on Felsenthal, but none on Beryl Anthony.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Poor<br />
General Comments: The water levels below the dam are falling, so no flooding of the area is expected.
SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS-
Dr. Lester Sitzes, III Bois d' Arc Lake Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 80 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Cooler with a slight chance of rain on the weekend.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new ducks observed.<br />
Duck Abundance: A few mallards and wood ducks.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
General Comments:Lake is closed to duck hunting.
Dr. Lester Sitzes, III Bois d' Arc WMA:<br />
Red Slough Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 70 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Poor<br />
Weather: Cooler with a slight chance of rain on the weekend.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Few wood ducks and mallards.<br />
Duck Abundance: Moderate<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
General Comments: Rest area closed to duck hunting.<br />
Greentree Reservoir:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good mast crop, conditions have improved.<br />
Weather: Cooler with a slight chance of rain on the weekend.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Some mallards and gadwall.<br />
Duck Abundance: Moderate<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair<br />
Little Grassy:<br />
Percent Flooded: 90 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Cooler with a slight chance of rain on the weekend.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new ducks.<br />
Duck Abundance: Moderate<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair<br />
General Comments: Walk in only.
MillwoodLake:<br />
Percent Flooded: 256.56 MSL<br />
Habitat Conditions: Water slowly dropping.<br />
Weather: Cooler with a slight chance of rain on the weekend.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Numbers of diving ducks starting to increase.<br />
Duck Abundance: Moderate<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair
Sulphur River WMA:<br />
Mercer Bayou:<br />
Percent Flooded: 85 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Water level is rising and habitat conditions have improved.<br />
Weather: Cooler with a slight chance of rain on the weekend.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new ducks observed.<br />
Duck Abundance: Few, mostly wood ducks, gadwalls, blue-winged teal, green-winged teal and a few mallards.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Poor<br />
General Comments: Closed this week, more rain needed.<br />
Henry Moore Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 95 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Seed production in the moist soil openings was good.<br />
Weather: Cooler with a slight chance of rain on the weekend.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new ducks observed.<br />
Duck Abundance: Good numbers of ducks, mainly mallards and teal.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS-
Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: An abundance of natural vegetation.<br />
Weather: Cooler temperatures and a slight chance of rain toward the weekend.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new migrations observed<br />
Duck Abundance: Moderate<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Some hunters are taking a few ducks<br />
General Comments: Water levels are falling
Galla Creek WMA:<br />
General Comments: This area will not be flooded this year because of channel restoration in progress.
Petit Jean WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded:<br />
Black Lands Moist Soil Units - 100 percent<br />
Slaty Crossing Moist Soil Unit - 100 percent<br />
Pullen Pond - 100 percent<br />
Pond Creek - 85 percent and rising<br />
Slaty Pond - 75 percent<br />
Santa Fe - Falling with PetitJeanRiver level<br />
Habitat Conditions: Fair amount of red oak mast in the timber, and millet did well in Blacklands fields.<br />
Weather: Highs in the 40s to 50s and lows in the 30s. Slight chance of rain toward the weekend.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Seeing a few new flights of mallards, gadwalls, teal and divers. Ducks are feeding in the fields heavily at night and moving to loafing areas during daylight hours.<br />
Duck Abundance: Fair<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Season will resume Jan. 12 and run through Jan. 27. Hunters have been concentrating on moist soil units, sloughs and the PetitJeanRiver overflow areas. Success has been fair with most hunters staying until noon to get limits.<br />
General Comments: Cooler weather in the northern states has pushed a few new ducks into the area. The PetitJeanRiver is at 4.7 feet and falling at the Highway 7 gauge. The hardwood flats are no longer flooded. The area is in pretty good shape, but could use a few more inches of rain to fill the remaining partially filled units.
Lake Nimrod WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Fair red oak mast in the timber, and native grasses did well in field systems.<br />
Weather: Highs in the 40s to 50s and lows in the 30s. Slight chance of rain toward the weekend.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Average number of mallards, better numbers of wood ducks, gadwalls, teal and divers. Ducks are leaving the fields early and concentrating in the timber after sunrise.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low to fair.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Hunters with boats have been launching at either end of the levee and staying until noon to bag their birds, not many with limits. Walk-in hunters are concentrating on the northwest accesses off of the Upper Duck Pond Road. Success for both has been poor to fair.<br />
General Comments: Cooler weather in the northern states has pushed a few new ducks into the area. Large rainfall amounts could lead to minor flooding of area roads and boat accesses. It is best to check with the Army Corps of Engineers at their LakeNimrod office at (479) 272-4324 for lake levels and local conditions.
Arkansas RiverValley:<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Colder temperatures this week.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Fair numbers.<br />
Duck Abundance: Fair<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair
Dardanelle WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new migrations observed.<br />
Duck Abundance: Fair<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair
Ozark Pool:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new migrations observed.<br />
Duck Abundance: Fair<br />
Hunter Activity/Success:Fair
DyerLakeCells:<br />
Percent Flooded: Moist soil units are 100 percent flooded.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new flights.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success
oor
JohnsonCounty Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: More than 65 percent flooded.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.<br />
Migrations/Observations: New ducks are continuing to arrive into the rest area.<br />
Duck Abundance: Fair<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N\A<br />
General Comments: Closed to hunting.
Frog Bayou WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 90 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Golden millet planted in three units.<br />
Weather: Highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new flights observed.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Poor<br />
General Comments: Plenty of water and good habitat conditions.
Weather Forecast:
Today...Mostly sunny. Cooler. Highs in the mid 50s. East winds 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight...Mostly cloudy. Lows around 40. South winds 5 mph.
Thursday...Partly sunny. A slight chance of showers. Highs in the upper 50s. West winds 10 to 15 mph. The chance of precipitation 20 percent. Average rainfall less than 1/10 inch.
Thursday Night...Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 30s. West winds 10 to 15 mph in the evening ... decreasing to 5 to 10 mph after midnight.
Friday...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 50s. West winds 5 mph in the morning ... shifting to the south in the afternoon.
Friday Night...Partly cloudy in the evening ... becoming mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 30s.
Saturday...Partly sunny. A slight chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 50s. The chance of precipitation 20 percent in the afternoon.
Saturday Night...Mostly cloudy. A slight chance of showers during the night. Lows in the lower 30s. The chance of precipitation 20 percent.
Sunday...Partly sunny. A slight chance of rain during the day. Highs in the upper 40s. The chance of precipitation 20 percent.
Sunday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows around 30.
Monday...Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 40s.
Monday Night...Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s.
Tuesday...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 40s.
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS-
Dave Donaldson Black River WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: The GTRs are 100 percent flooded. Little Black River has receded below the gauge at HubbleBridge. Black River at Brooking is at 265 MSL. The gauge at Corning is at 5.7 feet.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good, with moderate abundance of mast crop within the GTRs.<br />
Weather Conditions: Cooler, with a slight chance of rain Saturday and Sunday.<br />
Duck Abundance: Highnumbers have been observed on the WMA and moist soil unit.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: High numbers have been harvested in the timber, and moderate numbers have been taken in the surrounding fields.<br />
Comments: Please remember to keep all boats off the levees, so AGFC personnel can access the area. Boats that are blocking access will be moved.
Shirey Bay-Rainey Brake WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: The Adam's Brake GTR and the Rainey Brake GTR are 100 percent flooded. The Phase III and Charles Crisp moist soil units are 100 percent flooded. The Ward Field and River Field moist soil units are 15 percent flooded.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Fair mast crop and good water conditions.<br />
Weather: Cooler, with a slight chance of rain Saturday and Sunday.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Moderate numbers of ducks in and around the management area.<br />
Duck Abundance: Moderate<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Hunter activity is moderate with good success over the weekend.
St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: The Snowden Waterfowl Rest Area is 75 percent flooded, and the Payneway WRA is 45 percent flooded. The current St. Francis River level at Oak Donnic is 212.26 MSL.<br />
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.<br />
Weather Conditions: A 40 percent chance of showers on Thursday and Sunday. Snow showers might occur on Sunday, as well. Highs will range from the 40s to mid 50s for much of the week with nighttime temperatures dropping into the lower 30s.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new ducks have been seen.<br />
Duck Abundance: Some ducks have been seen using rest areas and timber.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Low hunter activity with a few ducks being harvested.
Earl Buss Bayou DeView WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: The current Thompson Tract gauge is at 1.3 feet, and the South Oliver Tract gauge is at 1.8 feet.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Acorn production is fair. A good stand of smartweed and sedges is located within the natural sloughs and along the edges of Lake Hogue Waterfowl Rest Area.<br />
Weather Conditions: Highs will range from the 40s to mid 50s for much of the week with nighttime temperatures dropping into the lower 30s. A 40 percent chance of showers on Thursday and Sunday.<br />
Migrations/Observations: A fair number of ducks are moving through the area.<br />
Duck Abundance: A few ducks are using the timbered areas.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Hunter activity has been moderate with low success.
Big LakeWMA:<br />
Percent Flooded:Area is 100 percent flooded in the timber. Ditches are 100 percent flooded. Target is 235.5 MSL in the north woods with a present reading of 235.5 MSL. Target is 234.5 MSL in the south woods with a present reading of 235.2 MSL. Simmons Field unit is 100 percent flooded.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather Conditions: Cooler, with a slight chance of rain Saturday and Sunday.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low numbers of ducks are being seen flying over the area to the north and east and then returning to Big Lake NWR.<br />
Duck Abundance:Low to moderate.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success:Below average number of hunters having poor to moderate success.<br />
General Comments:Be aware of logs near the surface in the ditches.
EAST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS -
Dagmar WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 50 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions:Bayou DeView is falling, andCacheRiver reading at Cotton Plant is at 15.6 feet and falling<br />
Weather: Mild conditions.<br />
Migrations/Observations: New flights have been observed.<br />
Duck Abundance: Fair<br />
Hunter Activity/Success:Hunter activity has been heavy with good success rates.<br />
General Comments:Heavy rains have inundated much of the area, increasing available waterfowl habitat.<br />
Mud Slough GTR:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.<br />
Weather: Average conditions.<br />
Migrations/Observations: New flights have been observed.<br />
Duck Abundance: Good number of ducks being reported.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Heavy activity with good success.<br />
General Comments: GTR is 100 percent full and overflowing.<br />
AppleLake Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.<br />
Weather: Mild conditions.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Good numbers of ducks beginning to use the lake.<br />
Duck Abundance: Good<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Closed to access.<br />
General Comments: Lake is at full pool.
HenryGrayHurricaneLake WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 45 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: White River at Augusta is 16.4 feet and Georgetown is 5.6 feet. The river is forecast to fall throughout the week.<br />
Weather: Average conditions expected this week<br />
Migrations/Observations: New flights have been observed in the area.<br />
Duck Abundance: Good<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair<br />
General Comments: Water conditions are good and access roads are closed.<br />
North GTR:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.<br />
Weather: Mild conditions.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Fair numbers of ducks moving into the area.<br />
Duck Abundance: Good<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair<br />
General Comments: Lots of hunters using the area this past weekend.<br />
South GTR:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.<br />
Weather: Mild conditions.<br />
Migrations/Observations: New flights have been observed.<br />
Duck Abundance: Good<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair<br />
General Comments: Lots of hunters using the area this past weekend.
RexHancockBlackSwamp WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.<br />
Weather: Mild conditions.<br />
Migrations/Observations: New flights have been observed<br />
Duck Abundance: Good<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Heavy hunting with fair success.<br />
General Comments: The CacheRiver at Patterson is currently at 7.3 feet and falling.
Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Main impoundments are flooded. The White River level at Georgetown is at 5.6 feet and falling.<br />
Weather: Cooler weather with a slight chance of rain on the weekend.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new flights reported.<br />
Duck Abundance: Fair<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Poor<br />
General Comments: A quota permit draw is held two hours before official shooting time on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout waterfowl season. Approximately 20 permits are available for the on-site drawing. A computer on-line draw has been established for five stations and one mobility-impaired blind throughout the season. Hunting stations within Impoundments D and A can be accessed by boat. Hunting stations not within impoundments D and A are walk-in access.
CENTRAL ARKANSAS -
BellSlough WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions:Moderate mast crop.<br />
Migrations/Observations:A few large groups noted in the area.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success:Several groups of hunters have been bringing in mallards.<br />
Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions:Excellent seed production.<br />
Migrations/Observations:None<br />
Duck Abundance:Moderate number of ducks.
Holland Bottoms WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 30 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good mast crop.<br />
Migrations/Observations: None noted.<br />
Duck Abundance:Very few.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Several groups walking in from Graham Road with limited success.<br />
General Comments: Area floods by overflow.<br />
Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions:Excellent seed production.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Plenty of mallards using the rest area.<br />
Duck Abundance:Moderate
Harris Brake WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Moderate mast crop.<br />
Migrations/Observations: None<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Moderate activity with poor success.
LakeConway:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions:Normal<br />
Migrations/Observations:None noted.<br />
Duck Abundance: Few<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Numerous boats in Dix Creek and Pierce Creek.<br />
General Comments: Only Pierce Creek and Dix Creek are open to waterfowl hunting.
SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS -
Bayou Meto WMA:<br />
General Comments: Emergency dewatering is under way; exercise caution around Lower Vallier, Five Forks and Cannon Brake structures.<br />
Upper Vallier:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Good<br />
Duck Abundance: Good<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
Lower Vallier:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Good<br />
Duck Abundance: Good<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
Government Cypress:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Good<br />
Duck Abundance: Good<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
Buckingham Flats:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Good<br />
Duck Abundance: Good<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
TempleIsland:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
Halowell Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Good<br />
Duck Abundance: Moderate<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
Wrape Plantation:<br />
Percent Flooded: 80 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Moderate to fair<br />
Duck Abundance: Fair<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A
Cut-Off Creek WMA:<br />
Open Area<br />
Percent Flooded: 30 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Few<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
General Comments: Deep Slough is at 129.8 MSL with a slow rise.<br />
Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 25 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Few<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A.
Seven Devils WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 85 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Few<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
General Comments: Gauge reading is 129.8 MSL. Limited boating access on the west side of Seven Devils.
Trusten Holder WMA at Arkansas River:<br />
Percent Flooded: River water only, with variable levels of backwater flooding.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Few<br />
Duck Abundance: Fair<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
General Comments:Arkansas River gauge at Pendleton Ferry is at 26.46 feet.
ChoctawIsland WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: River water only, with variable levels of backwater flooding.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
General Comments: Mississippi River gauge at ArkansasCity is at 13.63 feet.
Beryl Anthony Lower Ouachita WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 0 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Fair<br />
Migrations/Observations: None<br />
Weather Conditions: Through Thursday, low temperatures will range from 40 to 45 degrees with high temperatures in the mid 50s to mid 60s. There will be a slight chance of rain this weekend and cooler temperatures.<br />
Water Levels: 68.0 feet MSL above and 64.1 feet MSL below the Felsenthal Lock and Dam.<br />
Duck Abundance: A few gadwalls and wood ducks are on Felsenthal, but none on Beryl Anthony.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Poor<br />
General Comments: The water levels below the dam are falling, so no flooding of the area is expected.
SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS-
Dr. Lester Sitzes, III Bois d' Arc Lake Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 80 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Cooler with a slight chance of rain on the weekend.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new ducks observed.<br />
Duck Abundance: A few mallards and wood ducks.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
General Comments:Lake is closed to duck hunting.
Dr. Lester Sitzes, III Bois d' Arc WMA:<br />
Red Slough Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 70 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Poor<br />
Weather: Cooler with a slight chance of rain on the weekend.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Few wood ducks and mallards.<br />
Duck Abundance: Moderate<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
General Comments: Rest area closed to duck hunting.<br />
Greentree Reservoir:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good mast crop, conditions have improved.<br />
Weather: Cooler with a slight chance of rain on the weekend.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Some mallards and gadwall.<br />
Duck Abundance: Moderate<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair<br />
Little Grassy:<br />
Percent Flooded: 90 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Cooler with a slight chance of rain on the weekend.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new ducks.<br />
Duck Abundance: Moderate<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair<br />
General Comments: Walk in only.
MillwoodLake:<br />
Percent Flooded: 256.56 MSL<br />
Habitat Conditions: Water slowly dropping.<br />
Weather: Cooler with a slight chance of rain on the weekend.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Numbers of diving ducks starting to increase.<br />
Duck Abundance: Moderate<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair
Sulphur River WMA:<br />
Mercer Bayou:<br />
Percent Flooded: 85 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Water level is rising and habitat conditions have improved.<br />
Weather: Cooler with a slight chance of rain on the weekend.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new ducks observed.<br />
Duck Abundance: Few, mostly wood ducks, gadwalls, blue-winged teal, green-winged teal and a few mallards.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Poor<br />
General Comments: Closed this week, more rain needed.<br />
Henry Moore Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 95 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Seed production in the moist soil openings was good.<br />
Weather: Cooler with a slight chance of rain on the weekend.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new ducks observed.<br />
Duck Abundance: Good numbers of ducks, mainly mallards and teal.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS-
Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: An abundance of natural vegetation.<br />
Weather: Cooler temperatures and a slight chance of rain toward the weekend.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new migrations observed<br />
Duck Abundance: Moderate<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Some hunters are taking a few ducks<br />
General Comments: Water levels are falling
Galla Creek WMA:<br />
General Comments: This area will not be flooded this year because of channel restoration in progress.
Petit Jean WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded:<br />
Black Lands Moist Soil Units - 100 percent<br />
Slaty Crossing Moist Soil Unit - 100 percent<br />
Pullen Pond - 100 percent<br />
Pond Creek - 85 percent and rising<br />
Slaty Pond - 75 percent<br />
Santa Fe - Falling with PetitJeanRiver level<br />
Habitat Conditions: Fair amount of red oak mast in the timber, and millet did well in Blacklands fields.<br />
Weather: Highs in the 40s to 50s and lows in the 30s. Slight chance of rain toward the weekend.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Seeing a few new flights of mallards, gadwalls, teal and divers. Ducks are feeding in the fields heavily at night and moving to loafing areas during daylight hours.<br />
Duck Abundance: Fair<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Season will resume Jan. 12 and run through Jan. 27. Hunters have been concentrating on moist soil units, sloughs and the PetitJeanRiver overflow areas. Success has been fair with most hunters staying until noon to get limits.<br />
General Comments: Cooler weather in the northern states has pushed a few new ducks into the area. The PetitJeanRiver is at 4.7 feet and falling at the Highway 7 gauge. The hardwood flats are no longer flooded. The area is in pretty good shape, but could use a few more inches of rain to fill the remaining partially filled units.
Lake Nimrod WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Fair red oak mast in the timber, and native grasses did well in field systems.<br />
Weather: Highs in the 40s to 50s and lows in the 30s. Slight chance of rain toward the weekend.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Average number of mallards, better numbers of wood ducks, gadwalls, teal and divers. Ducks are leaving the fields early and concentrating in the timber after sunrise.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low to fair.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Hunters with boats have been launching at either end of the levee and staying until noon to bag their birds, not many with limits. Walk-in hunters are concentrating on the northwest accesses off of the Upper Duck Pond Road. Success for both has been poor to fair.<br />
General Comments: Cooler weather in the northern states has pushed a few new ducks into the area. Large rainfall amounts could lead to minor flooding of area roads and boat accesses. It is best to check with the Army Corps of Engineers at their LakeNimrod office at (479) 272-4324 for lake levels and local conditions.
Arkansas RiverValley:<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Colder temperatures this week.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Fair numbers.<br />
Duck Abundance: Fair<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair
Dardanelle WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new migrations observed.<br />
Duck Abundance: Fair<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair
Ozark Pool:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new migrations observed.<br />
Duck Abundance: Fair<br />
Hunter Activity/Success:Fair
DyerLakeCells:<br />
Percent Flooded: Moist soil units are 100 percent flooded.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new flights.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success
oorJohnsonCounty Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: More than 65 percent flooded.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.<br />
Migrations/Observations: New ducks are continuing to arrive into the rest area.<br />
Duck Abundance: Fair<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N\A<br />
General Comments: Closed to hunting.
Frog Bayou WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 90 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Golden millet planted in three units.<br />
Weather: Highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new flights observed.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Poor<br />
General Comments: Plenty of water and good habitat conditions.