The Southern Outdoorsman
Delta Waterfowl
Ducks Unlimited
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Hunt Arkansas
Southern Duck Hunter
Arkansas Waterfowler
Stuttgart Net
American Waterfowler
Conservation Cafe (Missouri Discussion Board)
Ducks at a Distance
Duck Data
Bird Banding Laboratory
National Weather Service - Little Rock
Corp of Eng. - River and Lake Levels
Sunrise and Sunset Table
KATV Ch. 7 - Weather Radar
Fort Thompson Sporting Goods
Macks Prairie Wings
Herters
Steel Shot Selection Guide
|
There is no better place on earth than the Delta region of Arkansas for waterfowl hunting. Arkansas, the Natural State, is known as the Mallard Capitol of the world, and with very good reason. In the fall and winter months many ducks begin their migration southward to Arkansas through the Mississippi and Central Flyways. Because of excellent water, food and other habitat conditions they stay the winter unless unusually cold temperatures prevail. Arkansas is best known for it's Flooded Timber hunting. While many people hunt flooded rice fields, sloughs and ponds, timber hunting is the preferred choice for most. The Arkansas River is another excellent location for finding ducks, however hunters should beware of the many hazards associated with hunting there.
It is common to see mallards by the tens of thousands. On occasion when the conditions are right, they can be seen in the hundreds of thousands. The sky will literally darken overhead. While mallards are the most sought after duck in Arkansas, we also have numerous other species. Some of the more common are Wood Ducks, Pintails, Widgeon, Teal, Ringnecks, Shovelers and Gadwall. We also see an occasional Canvasback, Redhead or Bufflehead. There are several other species that could also be added to the list. We have had a split season in recent years starting in mid to late November and running through mid to late January with a 1 week break during Christmas. Geese are abundant and offer a different but challeging form of waterfowl hunting. Primarily we see Snows and Specklebellies with a good number of Canadas. Our Snow Goose season is liberal due to their recent population explosion that has resulted in the destruction of large areas of their arctic nesting grounds.
We've acquired a new field lease in Jefferson County near the world renowned Bayou Meto. We also hunt several public Wildlife Management Areas. Most of our hunting is done by wading rather than boating. We like to work our ducks and land them, without skybusting. I'd rather quit duck hunting than have to constantly resort pass shooting. There's nothing more pleasing than to work a group of ducks and sit them down in flooded timber.
We encourage all waterfowl hunters to take a youngster duck hunting. Teach him or her to hunt legally, ethically and how to do it right. You'll bless that person with something they'll cherish the rest of their life.
I hope you find my site interesting and informative. I also hope you'll come back since we plan to continue updating the site.
Visit the The Southern Outdoorsman Discussion Forums. There you will find some good waterfowl and general outdoors discussion and meet some of the finest and most knowledgeable outdoorsmen around. Good Luck and God Bless.
Please sign my GUESTBOOK.