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Weekly Waterfowl Report
Arkansas
Game and Fish Commission
Keith
Stephens (501) 223-6342, e-mail:
kastephens@agfc.state.ar.us
The Arkansas Game
and Fish Commission's waterfowl report for Dec. 20, 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:
Periods of rain and possibly a
thunderstorm. High near 59. Southeast wind around 15 mph. Chance of
precipitation is 100 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and
half an inch possible.
Tonight:
Periods of rain and possibly a
thunderstorm, mainly before 2 a.m., then a chance of rain and thunderstorms
after 4 a.m. Low around 48. South-southeast wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west.
Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth
and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday:
A 40 percent chance of rain and
thunderstorms, mainly before 11 a.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming
mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Southwest wind around 10 mph. New
rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts
possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday Night:
Partly cloudy, with a low around
44. West-southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.
Friday:
Partly cloudy, with a high near 54.
Northwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.
Friday Night:
Mostly clear, with a low around 34.
North-northwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday:
Partly cloudy, with a high near 53.
North-northeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.
Saturday Night:
A 20 percent chance of showers.
Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. North-northeast wind around 10 mph.
Sunday:
A 20 percent chance of showers.
Partly cloudy, with a high near 47. North-northeast wind between 10 and 15
mph.
Sunday Night:
A 30 percent chance of rain.
Cloudy, with a low around 34.
Christmas Day:
A 30 percent chance of rain. Partly
cloudy, with a high near 47.
Monday Night:
Mostly clear, with a low around 32.
Tuesday:
Sunny, with a high near 46.
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
–
Dave Donaldson Black River
WMA:
Percent Flooded:
100 percent in the GTRs and
100 percent in the moist soil units. The Black River was at 10.4
feet at Corning on Dec. 20, Hubble gauge was at 269.25 MSL, and
Brookings was at 267.9 MSL. The Upper Reno gauge was at 261.0 MSL,
the Lower Reno was at 267.8 MSL, and Winchester was at 262 MSL.
Habitat Conditions:
Good
Weather Conditions:
The week will remain warm.
Highs for the week will range from 49 to 62 degrees. Lows for the
week will range from 36 to 52 degrees.
Duck Abundance:
Moderate numbers are on the
area. Lake Ashbaugh has high numbers. Ducks are not moving off the
lake until later in the mornings or after the noon hour. This week
more ducks have been in the fields than in the woods, but it is day
to day on where they are going to be.
Hunter
activity/Success:
Fair to moderate success
depending on location. Great hunting toward the end of last week,
then it dropped off during the weekend. Heavy hunting pressure
late last week and over the weekend, with varying levels of success.
Shirey Bay-Rainey Brake
WMA:
Percent Flooded:
The Adam’s Brake GTR and
Rainey Brake GTR are 100 percent flooded. The Phase III, River
Field, Charles Crisp and Ward Field moist soil units are 100 percent
flooded.
Habitat Conditions:
Good mast crop.
Weather:
Rain likely.
Migrations/Observations:
No new ducks have been observed moving into the area this week.
Duck Abundance:
Fair.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Hunter activity has been
moderate with good success.
St. Francis Sunken Lands
WMA:
Percent Flooded:
The Snowden Waterfowl Rest Area is 70 percent flooded and the
Payneway WRA is 10 percent flooded. The St. Francis River level at
Oak Donnick was 213.34 MSL on Dec. 20.
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
considered good.
Weather Conditions:
Temperatures will reach the mid 50s to lower 60s for much of the
week with rain predicted Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. Colder
temperatures are expected next week.
Migrations/Observations:
No new migrations of ducks have been seen.
Duck Abundance:
Poor.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Hunting pressure slowed
over the weekend because of warmer temperatures.
Earl Buss Bayou DeView
WMA:
Percent Flooded:
The Thompson and South Oliver Tracts are 100 percent flooded with
current gauge readings at 1.25 feet and 1.72 feet, respectively.
Habitat Conditions:
Acorn production is good. A good stand of smartweed and sedges is
located within the natural sloughs and along the edges of Lake Hogue
Waterfowl Rest Area.
Weather Conditions:
Mostly cloudy with highs in
the low 60s and lows in the mid 30s throughout the week. Rain is
expected Wednesday and Thursday.
Migrations/Observations:
A few ducks, with most
utilizing adjacent agricultural fields.
Duck Abundance:
Low on the WMA.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Hunting pressure is low with fair success.
Big Lake WMA:
Percent Flooded:
The 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 235.9 MSL.
The target is 234.5 MSL in the south woods with a present reading of
235.0 MSL. The Simmons Field unit is 100 percent flooded.
Habitat Conditions:
Acorn production is good in
the timber. The Simmons Field units have millet and sorghum in the
80-acre north field on the east side. There is millet, smartweed and
sedges scattered throughout.
Weather Conditions:
Clear and sunny throughout the week. Highs in the 60s. Lows in the
upper 30s to low 40s.
Migrations/Observations:
No new ducks observed over the past week.
Duck Abundance:
Fair.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Hunting pressure low.
Success is fair.
EAST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS
-
Henry Gray Hurricane Lake
WMA
Percent Flooded:
100 percent. White River at
Augusta was at 23 feet on Dec. 20 and 12.2 feet at Georgetown.
Habitat Conditions:
Good acorn crop.
Weather:
Mild and wet conditions are expected throughout this week.
Migrations/Observations:
Low number of ducks.
Duck Abundance:
Low.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Low.
General Comments:
Forecast rain could affect water levels.
North GTR:
Percent Flooded:
100 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Good acorn crop.
Weather:
Mild conditions are expected throughout this week.
Migrations/Observations:
Low population of ducks.
Duck Abundance:
Low.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Poor.
South GTR:
Percent Flooded:
100 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Good acorn crop.
Weather:
Mild conditions are
expected throughout this week.
Migrations/Observations:
Low duck numbers.
Duck Abundance:
Low.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Poor.
Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek
Bottoms WMA:
Percent Flooded:
100 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
White River is currently 12.2 feet at Georgetown. The area is now
100 percent flooded.
Weather:
Mild and wet conditions are expected throughout this week.
Migrations/Observations:
No new flights have been reported.
Duck Abundance:
Moderate.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Moderate number of hunters having fair success.
General Comments:
A quota permit draw (two hours before official shooting hours) is
held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday throughout waterfowl
season. Approximately 23 holes will be available during the general
draw. A computer online draw has been established for 5 stations and
1 mobility-impaired blind throughout the season.
Rex Hancock Black Swamp
WMA:
Percent Flooded:
90 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Good acorn crop.
Weather:
Mild and wet conditions are
expected throughout this week.
Migrations/Observations:
A few new flights noted this weekend.
Duck Abundance:
Fair.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Fair.
General Comments:
The Cache River at
Patterson was at 8.8 feet and falling on Dec. 20.
Dagmar WMA:
Percent Flooded:
20 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Good acorn crop.
Weather:
Mild and wet conditions are
expected for most of the week.
Migrations/Observations:
No new flights observed.
Duck Abundance:
Few ducks observed.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Moderate to poor.
General Comments:
A few mallards are being
reported. Bayou DeView is falling. Cache River at Cotton Plant was
at 10.1 feet and falling on Dec. 20.
Mud Slough GTR:
Percent Flooded:
98 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Good acorn crop.
Weather:
Mild conditions.
Migrations/Observations:
No new flights.
Duck Abundance:
A few wood ducks being harvested.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Moderate/poor.
General Comments:
Very few mallards are being reported. Water level is .4 feet below
maximum flood pool.
Apple Lake Rest Area:
Percent Flooded:
50 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Good acorn crop.
Weather:
Mild and wet conditions.
Migrations/Observations:
A variety of waterfowl species are using the lake.
Duck Abundance:
Low.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Closed.
General Comments:
Apple Lake will remain closed to access until after waterfowl
season.
CENTRAL ARKANSAS -
Bell Slough WMA:
Percent Flooded:
70 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Moderate mast crop.
Migrations/Observations:
Several new flights seen.
Duck Abundance:
Very few.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Hunter success has been
sporadic.
Rest Area:
Percent Flooded:
60 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Good seed production.
Migrations/Observations:
None.
Duck Abundance:
Few ducks.
Holland Bottoms WMA:
Percent Flooded:
20 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Good mast crop.
Migrations/Observations:
Fair numbers of wood ducks
in the ditches.
Duck Abundance:
Very few.
Hunter Activity/Success:
None noted.
General Comments:
Rainfall required for overflow flooding.
Rest Area:
Percent Flooded:
100 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Moderate seed production.
Migrations/Observations:
A few mallards have been
seen on the rest area.
Duck Abundance:
Few.
Harris Brake WMA:
Percent Flooded:
100 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Moderate mast crop.
Migrations/Observations:
A few new flights of ducks.
Duck Abundance:
Plenty of wood ducks.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Early shooting with poor success.
General Comments:
Closed Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Lake Conway:
Percent Flooded:
60 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Normal.
Migrations/Observations:
Few ducks seen.
Duck Abundance:
Very few ducks.
Hunter Activity/Success:
None noted.
General Comments:
Lake drawdown in progress through Jan. 1. Only Pierce and Dix Creeks
are open to waterfowl hunting.
SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS
-
Bayou Meto WMA:
General Comments:
Cannon Brake is 60 percent flooded at 174.9 MSL.
Upper Vallier:
Percent Flooded:
80 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Good.
Migrations/Observations:
Low.
Duck Abundance:
Low.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Low.
Lower Vallier:
Percent Flooded:
99 percent flooded at 179.4
MSL.
Habitat Conditions:
Good.
Migrations/Observations:
Low.
Duck Abundance:
Low.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Low.
Government Cypress:
Percent Flooded:
90
percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Good.
Migrations/Observations:
Low.
Duck Abundance:
Low.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Low.
Buckingham Flats:
Percent Flooded:
100 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Good.
Migrations/Observations:
Low.
Duck Abundance:
Low.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Low.
Temple Island:
Percent Flooded:
100 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Good.
Migrations/Observations:
Low
Duck Abundance:
Low
Hunter Activity/Success:
Low.
Halowell Rest Area:
Percent Flooded:
100 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Good.
Migrations/Observations:
Low.
Duck Abundance:
Low.
Wrape Plantation:
Percent Flooded:
100 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Good.
Migrations/Observations:
Low.
Duck Abundance:
Low.
Hunter Activity/Success:
N/A
Cut-Off Creek WMA:
Open Area
Percent Flooded:
95 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Excellent.
Migrations/Observations:
A few more ducks.
Duck Abundance:
Low.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Fair number of hunters with
moderate success.
General Comments:
Deep Slough is at 131.0 MSL.
Rest Area:
Percent Flooded:
100 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Excellent.
Migrations/Observations:
A few more ducks.
Duck Abundance:
Few.
Seven Devils WMA:
Percent Flooded:
50 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Fair.
Migrations/Observations:
A few more ducks.
Duck Abundance:
Few.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Fair number of hunters with
a little success.
General Comments:
129.5 MSL. Water is still too low for good boating access.
Trusten Holder WMA at
Arkansas River:
Percent Flooded:
River water only with variable levels of backwater flooding.
Habitat Conditions:
Good.
Migrations/Observations:
Few ducks.
Duck Abundance:
Few.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Fair.
General Comments:
Arkansas River gauge at Pendleton Ferry was at 26.2 feet on Dec. 18.
Choctaw Island WMA:
Percent Flooded:
River water only with variable levels of backwater flooding.
Habitat Conditions:
Fair.
Migrations/Observations:
Low.
Duck Abundance:
Low.
Comments:
Mississippi River gauge at
Arkansas City was at 11.7 feet on
Dec. 18.
Beryl Anthony Lower
Ouachita WMA:
Percent Flooded:
0 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Fair.
Migrations/Observations:
A few wood ducks.
Water Levels:
52.6 feet above sea level below the Felsenthal Lock and Dam. The
area will begin to flood when water levels exceed 65 feet above sea
level.
Duck Abundance:
A few small groups of wood ducks have been reported by hunters.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Low.
General Comments:
A few pockets of water have formed from the recent rain. Water
levels are up 1 foot from normal.
SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS
-
Dr. Lester Sitzes, III
Bois d’ Arc Lake Rest Area:
Percent Flooded:
80 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Good.
Weather:
Mild.
Migrations/Observations:
No new ducks observed.
Duck Abundance:
A few mallards and wood ducks.
Hunter Activity/Success:
N/A
General Comments:
Lake is closed to duck hunting.
Dr. Lester Sitzes, III
Bois d’ Arc WMA:
Red Slough Rest Area:
Percent Flooded:
5 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Poor.
Weather:
Warm.
Migrations/Observations:
Few wood ducks.
Duck Abundance:
Poor.
Hunter Activity/Success:
N/A
General Comments:
Rest area closed to duck hunting.
Greentree
Reservoir:
Percent Flooded:
5 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Good mast crop. Conditions
should improve with rain and cooler weather.
Weather:
Warm.
Migrations/Observations:
A few mallards and gadwalls.
Duck Abundance:
Poor.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Fair.
General Comments:
Walk in hunting only. The water is too low for boat access.
Little Grassy:
Percent Flooded:
Dry.
Habitat Conditions:
Poor.
Weather:
Mild.
Migrations/Observations:
No ducks.
Duck Abundance:
Poor.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Poor.
General Comments:
Walk-in access only.
Millwood Lake:
Percent Flooded:
259.47 MSL.
Habitat Conditions:
Water level rising slowly.
Weather:
Mild.
Migrations/Observations:
Diving duck numbers are
starting to increase.
Duck Abundance:
Moderate.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Fair.
General Comments:
A few limits are still
being taken.
Sulphur River WMA:
Mercer Bayou:
Percent Flooded:
50 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Water level is stable.
Habitat is poor due to drought conditions.
Weather:
Cooler temperatures predicted.
Migrations/Observations:
No new ducks observed.
Duck Abundance:
Few. Mostly wood ducks, gadwalls, blue-winged and green-winged teal,
as well as a few mallards.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Poor.
Henry Moore Rest Area:
Percent Flooded:
75 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Good. Seed production in
the moist soil openings has been good.
Weather:
Cooler temperatures
predicted.
Migrations/Observations:
No new ducks observed.
Duck Abundance:
Good number of ducks.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
-
Ed Gordon Point Remove
WMA:
Percent Flooded:
100 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Some cells have been planted with millet and others have natural
vegetation.
Weather:
Rain and cooler weather expected.
Migrations/Observations:
Very few.
Duck Abundance:
Low.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Quite a few hunters taking a few ducks.
General Comments:
No new migrations.
Arkansas River Valley:
Percent Flooded:
100 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Good.
Weather:
Scattered showers
throughout the week with highs in the upper 60s and lows in the 40s.
Migrations/Observations:
No new migrations.
Duck Abundance:
Fair.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Fair.
General Comments:
Ducks are scattered.
Dardanelle WMA:
Percent Flooded:
100 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Moist soil units are 100 percent flooded. High-energy seeds are
scattered throughout the WMA.
Weather:
Scattered showers throughout the week with highs in the upper 60s
and lows in the 40s.
Migrations/Observations:
No new migrations.
Duck Abundance:
Fair.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Fair.
General Comments:
Ducks are scattered.
Ozark Pool:
Percent Flooded:
100 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Moist soil units are flooded. Good millet crop and moist soil
plants.
Weather:
Scattered showers
throughout the week, with highs in the upper 60s and lows in the
40s.
Migrations/Observations:
New migrations last week.
Duck Abundance:
Fair.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Moderate.
General Comments:
Still seeing new migrations.
Dyer Lake Cells:
Percent Flooded:
100 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Good habitat conditions. Moist soil units produced excellent food
along with a good millet crop.
Weather:
Scattered showers
throughout the week, with highs in the upper 60s and lows in the
40s.
Migrations/Observations:
No new migrations.
Duck Abundance:
Poor.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Poor.
General Comments:
Need cold weather and new migrations.
Arkansas River Pool 9:
Percent Flooded:
100 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Good. Agricultural fields along the river have good water.
Weather:
Scattered showers
throughout the week with highs in the upper 60s and lows in the 40s.
Migrations/Observations:
No new migrations.
Duck Abundance:
Few.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Fair.
Petit Jean WMA:
Black Lands Moist Soil
Units -100 percent.
Slaty Crossing Moist Soil
Units- 100 percent.
Pullen Pond - 100 percent.
Pond Creek - 100 percent.
Slaty Pond - 100 percent.
Santa Fe - 100 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Excellent hard mast crop in the timber and millet did well in Black
Lands fields.
Weather:
Highs in the 60s and lows
in the low 40s.
Migrations/Observations:
Very few ducks.
Duck Abundance:
Few.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Poor.
General Comments:
Need cold weather to push ducks into the area.
Lake Nimrod WMA:
Percent Flooded:
100 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Excellent hard mast crop in the timber and millet did well in field
systems.
Weather:
Mostly sunny. Highs in the
60s and lows in the low 40s.
Migrations/Observations:
None.
Duck Abundance:
Few.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Poor.
General Comments:
Need cold weather and new migrations.
Galla Creek WMA:
Percent Flooded:
100 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Fair mast crop with higher water due to heavy rain.
Weather:
Rain and cooler weather
expected.
Migrations/Observations:
Very few.
Duck Abundance:
Low.
Hunter Activity/Success:
A few hunters are having some success.
Johnson County Rest Area:
Percent Flooded:
60 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Good.
Weather:
Scattered showers
throughout the week with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s.
Duck Abundance:
Fair.
Hunter Activity/Success:
N/A
General Comments:
No hunting.
Frog Bayou WMA:
Percent Flooded:
100 percent.
Habitat Conditions:
Good stands of native
vegetation.
Weather:
Scattered showers throughout the week with highs in the 60s and lows
in the 40s.
Migrations/Observations:
No new migrations over the
weekend.
Duck Abundance:
Few.
Hunter Activity/Success:
Poor.
General Comments:
Need cold weather and new migrations.
*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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