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 Jan. 4, 2006.
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, with a high around 65. Northwest wind between 10 and 15 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 39. North northwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.

Thursday: Partly cloudy, with a high near 55. North northwest wind between 5 and 15 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low near 33. North northwest wind around 10 mph.

Friday: Partly cloudy, with a high around 47. North northwest wind around 10 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 28. North northwest wind around 5 mph becoming south southwest.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high around 57. South southwest wind between 5 and 15 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 40. South southwest wind between 5 and 15 mph.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high around 64. West southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low near 40.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high around 61.

NORTHEAST ARKANSAS -

Dave Donaldson Black River WMA:
Percent Flooded: 95%
Habitat Conditions: Good with an excellent mast crop.
Migrations/Observation: Few ducks observed.
Hunter Activity/Success: Moderate hunting pressure with little success being reported.
General Comments: Black River has fallen to 2.4 feet at Corning making navigation in the Little and Black rivers difficult. Water within the GTR's has also fallen due to the drought and low river stage.
Upper and Lower Island GTR's:
Percent Flooded: 95%.
Mervin, Viney and Barnes Slough GTR's:
Percent Flooded: 95%
Winchester Road, Rest Area and Canal Access GTR's:
Percent Flooded: 95%

Shirey Bay Rainey Brake WMA:
Percent Flooded: The Adam's Brake GTR is 40% flooded at 237.2 MSL. The Rainey Brake GTR is 60% flooded at 237.2 MSL. The Phase III moist soil unit is 50% flooded and the River Field moist soil unit is 100% flooded.
Habitat Conditions: The water source from Lake Charles has been depleted. The water level continues to drop in the GTR. Clear water conditions with a good mast crop.
Weather: Partly cloudy with no rain in the forecast for this week with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.
Migrations/Observations: A few ducks observed moving into the area.
Duck Abundance: Duck abundance fair over the weekend.
Hunter Activity/Success: Hunter activity was moderate over the weekend and Monday with fair hunter success.

St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA:
Percent Flooded: The Oak Donnick gauge is at 212.22 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 65% 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 will be above normal for the week with highs in the 50s and 60s and lows in the 30s and 40s with no chance of rain.
Migrations/Observations: Few ducks and a fair number of snow geese can be seen flying the river floodway.
Duck Abundance: A few ducks are using the moist soil units. A small number of ducks are using newly inundated timber and St. Francis Lake.
Hunter Activity/Success: Some hunters reporting good success on the north end of the area. Spotty success reported on the central and southern section of the area.

Earl Buss Bayou DeView WMA:
Percent Flooded: The current Thompson Tract gauge reading is 0.62 feet. The Martin and South Oliver Tracts are primarily dry due to lack of rainfall. A few natural sloughs may be found in the area.
Habitat Conditions: Acorn production is excellent.
Weather: High temperatures in the mid 50s to low 60s with little chance of precipitation.
Migrations/Observations: A few flocks of ducks, snow geese and white-fronted geese are moving through the area.
Duck Abundance: A few ducks are using the Thompson Tract.
Hunter Activity/Success: A moderate number of hunters have been using the area with most having little success.
General Comments: Boaters should be aware of submerged logs in shallow areas.

Big Lake WMA:
Percent Flooded: Area is 60% 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 with a present reading of 234.2. The Simmons Field Unit is 80% flooded.
Habitat Conditions: Acorn production is excellent in the timber. The Simmons Field Units have millet, sedges and smartweed scattered throughout.
Weather Conditions: Temperatures should be in the 50s to 60s for the highs and lows in the 30s to 40s for the week.
Migrations/Observations: Moderate numbers observed.
Duck Abundance: Fair with increased use of the area in the afternoons.
Hunter Activity/Success: Increased number of hunters using the area during the holidays. Hunters averaging very low number of ducks.
General Comments: Water level in the timber is low, but rising.

EASTCENTRAL ARKANSAS-

Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA:
Percent Flooded: 0% White River at Augusta is at 11.9 feet and Georgetown -0.3 feet.
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.
Weather: Mild conditions and very dry.
Migrations/Observations: No new flights noted.
Duck Abundance: Low.
Hunter Activity/Success: Poor.
General Comments: Water conditions are very low and will need significant rainfall for improvement.
North GTR:
Percent Flooded: 0%.
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.
Weather: Mild conditions and very dry.
Migrations/Observations: No new flights noted
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: No new flights noted
Duck Abundance: Low
Hunter Activity/Success: Poor
General Comments: Water conditions are very low and will need significant rainfall for improvement.

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 Paterson is presently at 3.1 feet and is forecasted to fall one-tenth this week. Very low water conditions exist on the Cache River corridor.

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 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 extreme low water conditions on Cache River and Bayou DeView. Cache River is presently at 3.1 feet and is forecasted to fall one-tenth this week.
Apple Lake Rest Area:
Percent Flooded: 10%.
Habitat Conditions: Good acorn crop.
Weather: Mild conditions
Migrations/Observations: A few ducks using the lake.
Duck Abundance: low
Hunter Activity/Success: Closed to access.
General Comments: Very low water conditions

Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA:
Percent Flooded: 50%.
Habitat Conditions: Main impoundments are near flood pool. Impoundment A and D are both six tenths below flood pool.
Weather: Mild conditions
Migrations/Observations: No new flights reported
Duck Abundance: Fair
Hunter Activity/Success: Heavy/Fair
General Comments: A quota permit draw (two hours before official shooting hours) is held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sundays throughout waterfowl season. Approximately 16 holes will be drawn on site each day. A computer online draw was established for (5) stations and (one) mobility impaired blind throughout 2005-2006 season. Starting Jan. 3, all hunters who have drawn an online permit must be present prior to the official on site quota permit draw to inform AGFC personnel that you will be hunting. If you do not check in prior to the draw, you're assigned hole will be placed in the draw for that particular day. Access to hunting stations has improved due to recent pumping efforts.

CENTRAL ARKANSAS-

Bell Slough and Camp Robinson WMAs:
Percent Flooded: 60%.
Habitat Conditions: Good mast crop.
Migrations/Observations: A few flights have been seen.
Duck Abundance: Few.
Hunter Activity/Success: High hunter activity with hit or miss success.
General Comments: Some groups are managing to kill a limit or two, but most are coming out with 1 to 2 ducks.
Rest Area:
Percent Flooded: 5%.
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: A few ducks are in the ditches and the gas line.
Duck Abundance: Very few.
Hunter Activity/Success: A few hunters are bagging wood ducks.
General Comments: Waiting on rainfall.
Rest Area:
Percent Flooded: 100%.
Habitat Conditions: Moderate seed production.
Migrations/Observations: A small number of mallards are using the rest area.
Duck Abundance: Few ducks.

Harris Brake WMA:
Percent Flooded: 95%
Habitat Conditions: Good mast crop.
Migrations/Observations: A few new ducks have been seen.
Duck Abundance: Few
Hunter Activity/Success: High hunter activity with limited success.
General Comments: Very little shooting is being heard in the area.

Lake Conway:
Percent Flooded: 100%.
Habitat Conditions: Normal
Migrations/Observations: None
Duck Abundance: Few ducks.
Hunter Activity/Success: High activity with limited success.
General Comments: Only Pierce and Dix Creeks are open to waterfowl hunting.

SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS-

Bayou Meto WMA:
Upper Vallier:
Percent Flooded: 0%.
Habitat Conditions: Fair
Migrations/Observations: Low
Duck Abundance: Low
Hunter Activity/Success: Low
Lower Vallier:
Percent Flooded: 0%.
Habitat Conditions: Fair
Migrations/Observations: Low
Duck Abundance: Low
Hunter Activity/Success: Low
Government Cypress:
Percent Flooded: 0%.
Habitat Conditions: Fair
Migrations/Observations: Low
Duck Abundance: Low
Hunter Activity/Success: Low
Buckingham Flats:
Percent Flooded: 100%.
Habitat Conditions: Fair
Migrations/Observations: Fair
Duck Abundance: Fair
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair
Temple Island:
Percent Flooded: 0%.
Habitat Conditions: Fair
Migrations/Observations: Low
Duck Abundance: Low
Hunter Activity/Success: Low
General Comments: Water levels too low to pump.
Halowell Rest Area:
Percent Flooded: 100%.
Habitat Conditions: Good
Migrations/Observations: Moderate
Duck Abundance: Moderate
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A
Wrape Plantation:
Percent Flooded: 100%.
Habitat Conditions: Good
Migrations/Observations: Moderate
Duck Abundance: Moderate
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A

Cut-Off Creek WMA:
Open Area
Percent Flooded: 10%.
Habitat Conditions: Good mast crop, conditions poor due to low water.
Migrations/Observations: Fair
Duck Abundance: Low
Hunter Activity/Success: Poor
General Comments: Deep Slough is at 129.5 MSL.
Rest Area:
Percent Flooded: 5%.
Habitat Conditions: Good mast crop, conditions poor due to low water.
Migrations/Observations: Fair
Duck Abundance: Low
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A.

Seven Devils WMA:
Percent Flooded: 20%.
Habitat Conditions: Poor due to low water.
Migrations/Observations: Fair
Duck Abundance: Low with a fair number of wood ducks.
Hunter Activity/Success: Few hunters with fair success.
General Comments: Gauge is at 129.0 MSL. Boating access is possible but shallow on west end. No boating on the east end.

Trusten Holder WMA at the 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
General Comments: Arkansas River gauge at Pendleton Ferry was at 26.1 feet on Jan. 3.

Choctaw Island WMA:
Percent Flooded: River water only, with variable levels of backwater flooding.
Habitat Conditions: Fair
Migrations/Observations: Low
Duck Abundance: Low
Hunter Activity/Success: Poor
Comments: Mississippi River gauge at Arkansas City was at 3.5 feet on Jan. 3.

Beryl Anthony Lower Ouachita WMA:
Percent Flooded: 0%.
Weather: Cool with little chance of rain.
Duck Abundance: No ducks reported.
General Comments: Area is dependent on the river to flood and it will need a lot of rain before the area floods.

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.

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: 25%
Habitat Conditions: The mast crop is good.
Weather: Cool
Migrations/Observations: Few ducks.
Duck Abundance: Low
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair
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

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS-

Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA:
Percent Flooded: 25%
Habitat Conditions: Lots of millet and natural vegetation.
Weather: Dry with no significant amounts of rain in forecast.
Migrations/Observations: Few ducks coming into the area.
Duck Abundance: Poor
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair
General Comments: Point Remove Creek is now being pumped.

Arkansas River Valley:
Percent Flooded: 25%
Habitat Conditions: Good
Weather: Mild conditions and very dry
Migrations/Observations: A few mallards and snow geese are in the area.
Duck Abundance: Low
Hunter Activity/Success: Low
General Comments: Need general rainfall and cold front to help move ducks into the area.

Dardanelle WMA:
Percent Flooded: 100%
Habitat Conditions: Good
Weather: Dry with no significant amount of rain in the forecast.
Migrations/Observations: Several flights of snow geese have moved into the area.
Duck Abundance: Moderate
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair
General Comments: Need general rainfall and cold front to help move ducks into the area.

Ozark Pool:
Percent Flooded: 100%
Habitat Conditions: Good
Weather: Dry with no significant amount of rain in the forecast.
Migrations/Observations: Several flights of snow geese observed.
Duck Abundance: Moderate
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair
General Comments: Need rainfall and cold front to help move ducks into the area.

Dyer Lake Cells:
Percent Flooded: 50%
Habitat Conditions: Good, with millet in the moist soil units.
Weather: Mild conditions and very dry.
Migrations/Observations: No new flights noted.
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: Mild conditions and very dry.
Migrations/Observations: No new flights noted.
Duck Abundance: Moderate
Hunter Activity/Success: Fair
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: A lot of hard mast.
Weather: Mild conditions and very dry.
Migrations/Observations: Very little migration activity.
Duck Abundance: Low
Hunter Activity/Success: Low
General Comments: Need general rainfall and cold weather to move birds into the area.

Lake Nimrod WMA:
Percent Flooded: 75%
Habitat Conditions: A lot of hard mast, some small grains planted in fields
Weather: Mild conditions and very dry.
Migrations/Observations: Starting to see a little migration activity.
Duck Abundance: Few
Hunter Activity/Success: Poor
General Comments: Need rainfall and cold weather to move into
the area.

Galla Creek WMA:
Percent Flooded: 100%
Habitat Conditions: Good mast crop.
Weather: Mild conditions and very dry.
Migrations/Observations: No new flights noted.
Duck Abundance: Poor
Hunter Activity/Success: Poor
General Comments: 100%

Johnson County Rest Area:
Percent Flooded: 40%
Habitat Conditions: Poor
Weather: Dry with little to no rainfall in forecast.
Migrations/Observations: Several mallards are moving through the area.
Duck Abundance: Moderate
Hunter Activity/Success: N/A
General Comments: No hunting.

Frog Bayou WMA:
Percent Flooded: 5%
Habitat Conditions: Poor
Weather: Extremely dry with mild temperatures.
Migrations/Observations: None observed.
Duck Abundance: No ducks sighted.
Hunter Activity/Success: Poor
General Comments: The water that is in the levee borrow is rapidly decreasing.

*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.



 

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