11-15-2007, 11:10 PM
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's waterfowl report for Nov. 14, 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.<br />
Weather Forecast:<br />
Today...Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms during the day. Highs in the mid 70s. Temperatures falling into the upper 60s in the afternoon. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph in the morning...becoming northwest 10 to 15 mph...with gusts to around 25 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation 40 percent. Average rainfall less than 1/10 inch.
Tonight...Mostly cloudy in the evening...becoming partly cloudy. Colder. Lows in the lower 40s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph.
Thursday...Sunny...cooler. Highs in the lower 60s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph.
Thursday Night...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 30s. Northeast winds 5 mph.
Friday...Sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. South winds 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night...Partly cloudy. Not as cool. Lows in the mid 40s.
Saturday...Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 60s.
Saturday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows around 50.
Sunday...Mostly cloudy. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 60s. The chance of precipitation 20 percent.
Sunday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 40s.
Monday...Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 60s.
Monday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 50s.
Tuesday...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS -
Dave Donaldson Black River WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: Lower Reyno GTR is approximately 50 percent flooded with the gauge reading of 266.4 MSL. The Upper Reyno GTR is 80 percent flooded with a gauge reading of 266.5 MSL. Lower Island is 70 percent flooded with a gauge reading of 268.35 MSL. The Upper Island is 100 percent flooded with a gauge reading of 269.55 MSL. There is no trace on the Hubble and Brookings gauges. Gauge readings on Little and Big Black River at Corning is 1.11 feet.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good. Moderate abundance of mast crop within the GTRs.<br />
Weather Conditions: Highs for the week will range from 57 to 72 degrees. A 60 percent chance of rain is forecast for Wednesday and a 20 percent chance for opening day. Lows for the week will range from 32 to 57 degrees. Opening day predications call for a slight chance of thunder storms and a high of 59. Sunrise for opening day is 6:40 am.<br />
Duck Abundance: Moderate numbers have been observed on the WMA and Moist Soil Unit.<br />
Comments: Please remember to keep all boats off the levees so AGFC personnel can access the area. Boats will be moved that are blocking access.
Shirey Bay-Rainey Brake WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: The Adam's Brake GTR and Rainey Brake GTR are 80 percent flooded. The Phase III, River Field, Charles Crisp and Ward Field moist soil units have no water.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Fair mast crop.<br />
Weather: 50 percent chance of thunderstorms today and Wednesday with highs in the low 70's, then turning cooler with a high around 60 with a 20 percent chance of rain on Saturday.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Ducks have not been observed moving into the management area. The private flooded fields around the management area are holding a few ducks.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low
St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: The Payneway Moist Soil unit is 50 percent flooded, while the Snowden Moist Soil Unit is 70 percent flooded. The Oak Donnick gauge reads 210.90 feet.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Acorn production is considered fair. A good stand of smartweed, sprangletop and sedges is located within both Payneway and Snowden Waterfowl Rest Areas.<br />
Weather Conditions: There is a 20 to 30 percent chance of rain Wednesday; however, the weekend will be partly cloudy to sunny with highs in the 60s and lows in the 30s.<br />
Migrations/Observations: A fair number of ducks have been seen within the timber.<br />
Duck Abundance: Some mallards and gadwall are using the area.
Earl Buss Bayou DeView WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: The current Thompson Tract gauge reading is 1.0 foot with the South Oliver Tract gauge reading at 1.48 feet. The Thompson and South Oliver Tracts are considered flooded at full pool.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Acorn production is considered 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: A 30 to 40 percent chance of rain on Wednesday with temperatures of 39 to 75 degrees.<br />
Migrations/Observations: A fair number of ducks with most utilizing adjacent agricultural fields.<br />
Duck Abundance: A few wood ducks are using the timbered areas.
Big Lake WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: Area is 95 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 MSL. Target is 234.5 MSL in the south woods with a present reading of 234.3 MSL. The Simmons Field unit is 100 percent flooded.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather Conditions: High's for the week will be in the upper 60s and lows in the mid 50s through Thursday with temperatures dropping with highs in the upper 40s and lows in the low 30s for the opening day of duck season. There is a chance of rain throughout the week.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Fair numbers of ducks are being seen flying over the area to the north and east and then returning to Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge.<br />
Duck Abundance: Fair<br />
General Comments: With the chance of rain throughout the week, the area should be at target by opening day of duck season.
EAST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS -
Dagmar WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 0 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Bayou DeView is low.<br />
Weather: Mild conditions.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new flights observed.<br />
Duck Abundance: Few ducks observed, mostly Wood ducks and Gadwalls.<br />
General Comments: Only permanent water is available on Dagmar. Bayou DeView is low and not navigable. There is some water in sloughs.<br />
Mud Slough GTR:<br />
Percent Flooded: 5 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.<br />
Weather: Mild conditions.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new flights.<br />
Duck Abundance: A few wood ducks in the slough pockets.<br />
General Comments: Water is slowly flowing into the GTR and sloughs are the only spots with water.<br />
Apple Lake Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 25 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.<br />
Weather: Mild conditions.<br />
Migrations/Observations: A few wood ducks are using the lake.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Closed to access.<br />
General Comments: Low water conditions.
Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA<br />
Percent Flooded: 10 percent. White River at Augusta is falling. Augusta is at 12.47 feet and Georgetown is at 2.32 feet.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.<br />
Weather: Mild conditions and very dry.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low numbers of ducks.<br />
General Comments: Water conditions are very low and the area will need significant rainfall for improvement.<br />
North GTR:<br />
Percent Flooded: 10 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.<br />
Weather: Mild conditions and very dry.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low population of ducks.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low.<br />
General Comments: Water conditions are low and the area will need significant rainfall for improvement.<br />
South GTR:<br />
Percent Flooded: 10 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.<br />
Weather: Mild conditions.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low duck numbers.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
General Comments: Water conditions are very low and will need significant rainfall for improvement.
Rex Hancock Black Swamp WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 0 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.<br />
Weather: Mild conditions.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new flights noted.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
General Comments: The Cache River at Patterson is presently at 3.32 feet. Very low water conditions exist on the Cache River corridor.
Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 75 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Main impoundments are 6 inches below full pool.<br />
Weather: Mild conditions.<br />
Migrations/Observations: New flights seen using impoundments A and D.<br />
Duck Abundance: Fair<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
General Comments: A quota permit draw (two hours before official shooting hours) is held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sundays throughout waterfowl season. Approximately 18 permits will be drawn on site opening day. A computer online draw established for 5 stations and one mobility impaired blind throughout the season. Hunting stations within impoundments A and D can be accessed by boat. Walk-in hunters can access hunting stations not within impoundments A and D.
CENTRAL ARKANSAS -
Bell Slough WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 30 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Moderate mast crop.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Fair numbers of wood ducks.<br />
Duck Abundance: Very few.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: None<br />
General Comments: Little to no water.<br />
Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 5 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Excellent seed production.<br />
Migrations/Observations: None<br />
Duck Abundance: No ducks<br />
General Comments: Borrow ditches are full. Waiting on rainfall.
Holland Bottoms WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 0 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good mast crop.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Fair numbers of wood ducks in the ditches.<br />
Duck Abundance: Very few.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: None<br />
General Comments: Waiting on rainfall.<br />
Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Excellent seed production.<br />
Migrations/Observations: None<br />
Duck Abundance: No ducks.
Harris Brake WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 90 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Moderate mast crop.<br />
Migrations/Observations: None<br />
Duck Abundance: Very few.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: None<br />
General Comments: Fair numbers of wood ducks.
Lake Conway:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Normal<br />
Migrations/Observations: None<br />
Duck Abundance: Very few ducks.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: None<br />
General Comments: Only Pierce and Dix Creeks are open to waterfowl hunting.
SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS -
Bayou Meto WMA:<br />
Upper Vallier:<br />
Percent Flooded: 45 percent.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
Lower Vallier:<br />
Percent Flooded: 85 percent.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
Government Cypress:<br />
Percent Flooded: 40 percent.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
Buckingham Flats:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
Temple Island:<br />
Percent Flooded: 90 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: 40 percent.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
Wrape Plantation:<br />
Percent Flooded: 75 percent.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A
Cut-Off Creek WMA:<br />
Open Area<br />
Percent Flooded: 0 percent.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Few<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 5 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: 5 percent.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Few<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A
Trusten Holder WMA at Arkansas River:<br />
Percent Flooded: River water only. Variable levels of backwater flooding.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Few gadwalls, teal and few mallards are in the river only.<br />
Duck Abundance: Few<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
General Comments: Arkansas River gauge at Pendleton Ferry was at 26.7<br />
feet on Nov. 13.
Choctaw Island WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: River water only, with variable levels of backwater flooding.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Fair<br />
Migrations/Observations: Very low.<br />
Duck Abundance: Very low.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
Comments: Mississippi River gauge at Arkansas City was at 4.1 feet on Nov. 13.
Beryl Anthony Lower Ouachita WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 0 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Fair<br />
Migrations/Observations: A few wood ducks.<br />
Weather Conditions: Opening day is calling for scattered showers with 60 percent chance of rain, with a low of 41 and high of 69.<br />
Water Levels: 65.0 MSL above and 53.5 MSL below the Felsenthal Lock and Dam.<br />
Duck Abundance: Very few ducks.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
General Comments: The area will begin to flood when water levels exceed 65.0 feet MSL.
SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS -
Dr. Lester Sitzes, III Bois d' Arc Lake Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Rain predicted for upcoming week.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Few ducks.<br />
Duck Abundance: Very few ducks.<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: 50 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Rain predicted for the upcoming week.<br />
Migrations/Observations: None observed at this time.<br />
Duck Abundance: Poor<br />
General Comments: Rest area is completely closed to duck hunting.<br />
Greentree Reservoir:<br />
Percent Flooded: 60 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Red oak acorn production is good.<br />
Weather: Rain predicted for up coming week.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Few<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
General Comments: Water level is continuing to rise.<br />
Little Grassy:<br />
Percent Flooded: 50 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Excellent<br />
Weather: Rain predicted for upcoming week.<br />
Migrations/Observations: None observed at this time.<br />
Duck Abundance: None observed.<br />
General Comments: Walk in only.
Millwood Lake:<br />
Percent Flooded: 259.46 MSL.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Stable.<br />
Weather: Rain predicted for upcoming week.<br />
Migrations/Observations:There were large concentrations of ducks on each side of the lake observed during the water flight observations made last week .<br />
Duck Abundance: Moderate. Mostly gadwalls.<br />
General Comments: There will be a 3' draw down beginning Nov.26. This will expose vast amount of mud flats. Access will be limited.
Sulphur River WMA:<br />
Mercer Bayou:<br />
Percent Flooded: 75 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good.<br />
Weather: Rain predicted for upcoming week<br />
Migrations/Observations:No new ducks observed.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
General Comments:Habitat is in good shape due to the summer rain.<br />
Henry Moore Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 80 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Rain predicted for the upcoming week.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new flights observed.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
General Comments:Habitat very good, good seed production in moist sail areas.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS -
Petit Jean WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded:<br />
Black Lands Moist Soil Units-100 percent<br />
Slaty Crossing Moist Soil Units-100 percent<br />
Pullen Pond-0 percent<br />
Pond Creek-0 percent<br />
Slaty Pond-10 percent<br />
Santa Fe-0 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: No hard mast crop in the timber, but the millet did well in the Black Lands fields.<br />
Weather: Highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Very few ducks.<br />
Duck Abundance: Very few.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
General Comments: Need cooler weather to push ducks into the area and rain to keep them in the area.
Lake Nimrod WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 80 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Very poor hard mast crop in the timber, but native grasses did well in field systems.<br />
Weather: Highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Below average number of mallards, fair numbers of wood ducks, gadwall and teal.<br />
Duck Abundance: Poor to fair.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
General Comments: Need cooler weather to push ducks into the area and rain to keep them in the area.
Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 90 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: An abundance of natural vegetation.<br />
Weather: Warm<br />
Migrations/Observations: Very few.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
General Comments: No new migrations.
Galla Creek WMA:<br />
General Comments: This area will not be flooded this year due to the channel restoration in progress.
Arkansas River Valley:<br />
Habitat Conditions: Extremely dry with poor habitat conditions.<br />
Weather: Mild<br />
Migrations/Observations: Very few ducks<br />
Duck Abundance: Very low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: NA<br />
General Comments: Need rain and cold weather to push ducks into the area.
Dardanelle WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Mild<br />
Migrations/Observations: There are a few ducks around islands near Spradra, but the majority of ducks are around Morrison Bluff.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: NA<br />
General Comments: Need rain and cold weather to push ducks into the River Valley
Ozark Pool:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Clear and mild.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Very few ducks.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: NA<br />
General Comments: Need rain and cold weather to push ducks into the area.
Dyer Lake Cells:<br />
Percent Flooded: Moist soil units are 100 percent flooded.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Clear and mild.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low. Mostly gadwalls are on the lake.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: NA<br />
General Comments: Need rain and cold weather to push ducks into the area.
Johnson County Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: Over 50 percent flooded.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Moist soil units are good.<br />
Weather: Clear and mild.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Very few ducks. Mostly shoveler's.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: NA<br />
General Comments: No hunting.
Frog Bayou WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 75 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Golden millet planted in three units.<br />
Weather: Mild<br />
Migrations/Observations: Few. Small ducks, mostly gadwall and teal.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
General Comments: Plenty of water and good habitat. Just need cold weather.
*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/waterlevel...ls.html<br />
Sunrise/sunset tables are available at: http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/RS_OneDay.html and in the Arkansas Waterfowl Regulations Guide.
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.<br />
Weather Forecast:<br />
Today...Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms during the day. Highs in the mid 70s. Temperatures falling into the upper 60s in the afternoon. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph in the morning...becoming northwest 10 to 15 mph...with gusts to around 25 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation 40 percent. Average rainfall less than 1/10 inch.
Tonight...Mostly cloudy in the evening...becoming partly cloudy. Colder. Lows in the lower 40s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph.
Thursday...Sunny...cooler. Highs in the lower 60s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph.
Thursday Night...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 30s. Northeast winds 5 mph.
Friday...Sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. South winds 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night...Partly cloudy. Not as cool. Lows in the mid 40s.
Saturday...Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 60s.
Saturday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows around 50.
Sunday...Mostly cloudy. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 60s. The chance of precipitation 20 percent.
Sunday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 40s.
Monday...Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 60s.
Monday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 50s.
Tuesday...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS -
Dave Donaldson Black River WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: Lower Reyno GTR is approximately 50 percent flooded with the gauge reading of 266.4 MSL. The Upper Reyno GTR is 80 percent flooded with a gauge reading of 266.5 MSL. Lower Island is 70 percent flooded with a gauge reading of 268.35 MSL. The Upper Island is 100 percent flooded with a gauge reading of 269.55 MSL. There is no trace on the Hubble and Brookings gauges. Gauge readings on Little and Big Black River at Corning is 1.11 feet.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good. Moderate abundance of mast crop within the GTRs.<br />
Weather Conditions: Highs for the week will range from 57 to 72 degrees. A 60 percent chance of rain is forecast for Wednesday and a 20 percent chance for opening day. Lows for the week will range from 32 to 57 degrees. Opening day predications call for a slight chance of thunder storms and a high of 59. Sunrise for opening day is 6:40 am.<br />
Duck Abundance: Moderate numbers have been observed on the WMA and Moist Soil Unit.<br />
Comments: Please remember to keep all boats off the levees so AGFC personnel can access the area. Boats will be moved that are blocking access.
Shirey Bay-Rainey Brake WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: The Adam's Brake GTR and Rainey Brake GTR are 80 percent flooded. The Phase III, River Field, Charles Crisp and Ward Field moist soil units have no water.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Fair mast crop.<br />
Weather: 50 percent chance of thunderstorms today and Wednesday with highs in the low 70's, then turning cooler with a high around 60 with a 20 percent chance of rain on Saturday.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Ducks have not been observed moving into the management area. The private flooded fields around the management area are holding a few ducks.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low
St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: The Payneway Moist Soil unit is 50 percent flooded, while the Snowden Moist Soil Unit is 70 percent flooded. The Oak Donnick gauge reads 210.90 feet.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Acorn production is considered fair. A good stand of smartweed, sprangletop and sedges is located within both Payneway and Snowden Waterfowl Rest Areas.<br />
Weather Conditions: There is a 20 to 30 percent chance of rain Wednesday; however, the weekend will be partly cloudy to sunny with highs in the 60s and lows in the 30s.<br />
Migrations/Observations: A fair number of ducks have been seen within the timber.<br />
Duck Abundance: Some mallards and gadwall are using the area.
Earl Buss Bayou DeView WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: The current Thompson Tract gauge reading is 1.0 foot with the South Oliver Tract gauge reading at 1.48 feet. The Thompson and South Oliver Tracts are considered flooded at full pool.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Acorn production is considered 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: A 30 to 40 percent chance of rain on Wednesday with temperatures of 39 to 75 degrees.<br />
Migrations/Observations: A fair number of ducks with most utilizing adjacent agricultural fields.<br />
Duck Abundance: A few wood ducks are using the timbered areas.
Big Lake WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: Area is 95 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 MSL. Target is 234.5 MSL in the south woods with a present reading of 234.3 MSL. The Simmons Field unit is 100 percent flooded.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather Conditions: High's for the week will be in the upper 60s and lows in the mid 50s through Thursday with temperatures dropping with highs in the upper 40s and lows in the low 30s for the opening day of duck season. There is a chance of rain throughout the week.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Fair numbers of ducks are being seen flying over the area to the north and east and then returning to Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge.<br />
Duck Abundance: Fair<br />
General Comments: With the chance of rain throughout the week, the area should be at target by opening day of duck season.
EAST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS -
Dagmar WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 0 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Bayou DeView is low.<br />
Weather: Mild conditions.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new flights observed.<br />
Duck Abundance: Few ducks observed, mostly Wood ducks and Gadwalls.<br />
General Comments: Only permanent water is available on Dagmar. Bayou DeView is low and not navigable. There is some water in sloughs.<br />
Mud Slough GTR:<br />
Percent Flooded: 5 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.<br />
Weather: Mild conditions.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new flights.<br />
Duck Abundance: A few wood ducks in the slough pockets.<br />
General Comments: Water is slowly flowing into the GTR and sloughs are the only spots with water.<br />
Apple Lake Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 25 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.<br />
Weather: Mild conditions.<br />
Migrations/Observations: A few wood ducks are using the lake.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: Closed to access.<br />
General Comments: Low water conditions.
Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA<br />
Percent Flooded: 10 percent. White River at Augusta is falling. Augusta is at 12.47 feet and Georgetown is at 2.32 feet.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.<br />
Weather: Mild conditions and very dry.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low numbers of ducks.<br />
General Comments: Water conditions are very low and the area will need significant rainfall for improvement.<br />
North GTR:<br />
Percent Flooded: 10 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.<br />
Weather: Mild conditions and very dry.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low population of ducks.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low.<br />
General Comments: Water conditions are low and the area will need significant rainfall for improvement.<br />
South GTR:<br />
Percent Flooded: 10 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.<br />
Weather: Mild conditions.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low duck numbers.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
General Comments: Water conditions are very low and will need significant rainfall for improvement.
Rex Hancock Black Swamp WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 0 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.<br />
Weather: Mild conditions.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new flights noted.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
General Comments: The Cache River at Patterson is presently at 3.32 feet. Very low water conditions exist on the Cache River corridor.
Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 75 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Main impoundments are 6 inches below full pool.<br />
Weather: Mild conditions.<br />
Migrations/Observations: New flights seen using impoundments A and D.<br />
Duck Abundance: Fair<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
General Comments: A quota permit draw (two hours before official shooting hours) is held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sundays throughout waterfowl season. Approximately 18 permits will be drawn on site opening day. A computer online draw established for 5 stations and one mobility impaired blind throughout the season. Hunting stations within impoundments A and D can be accessed by boat. Walk-in hunters can access hunting stations not within impoundments A and D.
CENTRAL ARKANSAS -
Bell Slough WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 30 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Moderate mast crop.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Fair numbers of wood ducks.<br />
Duck Abundance: Very few.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: None<br />
General Comments: Little to no water.<br />
Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 5 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Excellent seed production.<br />
Migrations/Observations: None<br />
Duck Abundance: No ducks<br />
General Comments: Borrow ditches are full. Waiting on rainfall.
Holland Bottoms WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 0 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good mast crop.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Fair numbers of wood ducks in the ditches.<br />
Duck Abundance: Very few.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: None<br />
General Comments: Waiting on rainfall.<br />
Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Excellent seed production.<br />
Migrations/Observations: None<br />
Duck Abundance: No ducks.
Harris Brake WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 90 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Moderate mast crop.<br />
Migrations/Observations: None<br />
Duck Abundance: Very few.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: None<br />
General Comments: Fair numbers of wood ducks.
Lake Conway:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Normal<br />
Migrations/Observations: None<br />
Duck Abundance: Very few ducks.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: None<br />
General Comments: Only Pierce and Dix Creeks are open to waterfowl hunting.
SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS -
Bayou Meto WMA:<br />
Upper Vallier:<br />
Percent Flooded: 45 percent.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
Lower Vallier:<br />
Percent Flooded: 85 percent.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
Government Cypress:<br />
Percent Flooded: 40 percent.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
Buckingham Flats:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
Temple Island:<br />
Percent Flooded: 90 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: 40 percent.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
Wrape Plantation:<br />
Percent Flooded: 75 percent.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A
Cut-Off Creek WMA:<br />
Open Area<br />
Percent Flooded: 0 percent.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Few<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 5 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: 5 percent.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Few<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A
Trusten Holder WMA at Arkansas River:<br />
Percent Flooded: River water only. Variable levels of backwater flooding.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Migrations/Observations: Few gadwalls, teal and few mallards are in the river only.<br />
Duck Abundance: Few<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
General Comments: Arkansas River gauge at Pendleton Ferry was at 26.7<br />
feet on Nov. 13.
Choctaw Island WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: River water only, with variable levels of backwater flooding.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Fair<br />
Migrations/Observations: Very low.<br />
Duck Abundance: Very low.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
Comments: Mississippi River gauge at Arkansas City was at 4.1 feet on Nov. 13.
Beryl Anthony Lower Ouachita WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 0 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Fair<br />
Migrations/Observations: A few wood ducks.<br />
Weather Conditions: Opening day is calling for scattered showers with 60 percent chance of rain, with a low of 41 and high of 69.<br />
Water Levels: 65.0 MSL above and 53.5 MSL below the Felsenthal Lock and Dam.<br />
Duck Abundance: Very few ducks.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
General Comments: The area will begin to flood when water levels exceed 65.0 feet MSL.
SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS -
Dr. Lester Sitzes, III Bois d' Arc Lake Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Rain predicted for upcoming week.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Few ducks.<br />
Duck Abundance: Very few ducks.<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: 50 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Rain predicted for the upcoming week.<br />
Migrations/Observations: None observed at this time.<br />
Duck Abundance: Poor<br />
General Comments: Rest area is completely closed to duck hunting.<br />
Greentree Reservoir:<br />
Percent Flooded: 60 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Red oak acorn production is good.<br />
Weather: Rain predicted for up coming week.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Few<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
General Comments: Water level is continuing to rise.<br />
Little Grassy:<br />
Percent Flooded: 50 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Excellent<br />
Weather: Rain predicted for upcoming week.<br />
Migrations/Observations: None observed at this time.<br />
Duck Abundance: None observed.<br />
General Comments: Walk in only.
Millwood Lake:<br />
Percent Flooded: 259.46 MSL.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Stable.<br />
Weather: Rain predicted for upcoming week.<br />
Migrations/Observations:There were large concentrations of ducks on each side of the lake observed during the water flight observations made last week .<br />
Duck Abundance: Moderate. Mostly gadwalls.<br />
General Comments: There will be a 3' draw down beginning Nov.26. This will expose vast amount of mud flats. Access will be limited.
Sulphur River WMA:<br />
Mercer Bayou:<br />
Percent Flooded: 75 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good.<br />
Weather: Rain predicted for upcoming week<br />
Migrations/Observations:No new ducks observed.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
General Comments:Habitat is in good shape due to the summer rain.<br />
Henry Moore Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: 80 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Rain predicted for the upcoming week.<br />
Migrations/Observations: No new flights observed.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
General Comments:Habitat very good, good seed production in moist sail areas.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS -
Petit Jean WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded:<br />
Black Lands Moist Soil Units-100 percent<br />
Slaty Crossing Moist Soil Units-100 percent<br />
Pullen Pond-0 percent<br />
Pond Creek-0 percent<br />
Slaty Pond-10 percent<br />
Santa Fe-0 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: No hard mast crop in the timber, but the millet did well in the Black Lands fields.<br />
Weather: Highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Very few ducks.<br />
Duck Abundance: Very few.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
General Comments: Need cooler weather to push ducks into the area and rain to keep them in the area.
Lake Nimrod WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 80 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Very poor hard mast crop in the timber, but native grasses did well in field systems.<br />
Weather: Highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Below average number of mallards, fair numbers of wood ducks, gadwall and teal.<br />
Duck Abundance: Poor to fair.<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A<br />
General Comments: Need cooler weather to push ducks into the area and rain to keep them in the area.
Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 90 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: An abundance of natural vegetation.<br />
Weather: Warm<br />
Migrations/Observations: Very few.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
General Comments: No new migrations.
Galla Creek WMA:<br />
General Comments: This area will not be flooded this year due to the channel restoration in progress.
Arkansas River Valley:<br />
Habitat Conditions: Extremely dry with poor habitat conditions.<br />
Weather: Mild<br />
Migrations/Observations: Very few ducks<br />
Duck Abundance: Very low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: NA<br />
General Comments: Need rain and cold weather to push ducks into the area.
Dardanelle WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Mild<br />
Migrations/Observations: There are a few ducks around islands near Spradra, but the majority of ducks are around Morrison Bluff.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: NA<br />
General Comments: Need rain and cold weather to push ducks into the River Valley
Ozark Pool:<br />
Percent Flooded: 100 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Clear and mild.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Very few ducks.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: NA<br />
General Comments: Need rain and cold weather to push ducks into the area.
Dyer Lake Cells:<br />
Percent Flooded: Moist soil units are 100 percent flooded.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Good<br />
Weather: Clear and mild.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Low. Mostly gadwalls are on the lake.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: NA<br />
General Comments: Need rain and cold weather to push ducks into the area.
Johnson County Rest Area:<br />
Percent Flooded: Over 50 percent flooded.<br />
Habitat Conditions: Moist soil units are good.<br />
Weather: Clear and mild.<br />
Migrations/Observations: Very few ducks. Mostly shoveler's.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
Hunter Activity/Success: NA<br />
General Comments: No hunting.
Frog Bayou WMA:<br />
Percent Flooded: 75 percent<br />
Habitat Conditions: Golden millet planted in three units.<br />
Weather: Mild<br />
Migrations/Observations: Few. Small ducks, mostly gadwall and teal.<br />
Duck Abundance: Low<br />
General Comments: Plenty of water and good habitat. Just need cold weather.
*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/waterlevel...ls.html<br />
Sunrise/sunset tables are available at: http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/RS_OneDay.html and in the Arkansas Waterfowl Regulations Guide.