Migration Alert: Arctic Blast Might Make or Break the Season for Arkansas Waterfowlers

The Arkansas waterfowl season has had its highs and lows, with the latter being reported more often by hunters who continue to be frustrated by difficult conditions and a lack of ducks. With the latest round of Arctic air sweeping into the state this weekend, many are optimistic about the prospects for the final weeks of the season. However, frigid temperatures may leave many hunters dealing with ice, especially in shallow-water habitats like agricultural fields. 

Boo Mahfouz, legendary guide at Slick's just outside of Stuttgart, has seen an uptick in duck numbers, but is concerned for what's to come. "Up until the first freeze, we had some really good hunts," he says. "And we had a good number of ducks. When the freeze hit, the ducks just weren't using the timber, and we were seeing very few birds. Now the timber is open, and we are seeing ducks come back a bit. The next few days before this freeze should be really good." While he remains optimistic, Mahfouz is concerned that there may not be enough time left in the season after the timber thaws for the hunting to get right again. 

One bright spot this season has been more public hunting opportunities on Arkansas rivers. The White and Cache River watersheds received substantial rainfall in mid- to late December, which created backwater flooding and provided more room for public hunters to roam. 

Dr. Jerad Henson, project manager of ecosystem and sustainability services for Ducks Unlimited, grew up hunting along the White River and explains that while early hunting was tough, success increased as the season went on. "Once the White River went out, the hunting improved, but it also came with a significant increase in pressure," he says. "There are still a few pockets of ducks around, and some hunters who are willing to work to find them are having success." 

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission released their December aerial waterfowl survey results just before Christmas, and the data reflected dry conditions and few concentrations of ducks. Mallard numbers were once again below the long-term average. However, the survey was conducted on December 9–13 before major rivers rose above flood stage. The results of the January aerial waterfowl survey have not been released.

Henson is fairly optimistic about the last couple of weeks of the season, but he knows the conditions will be difficult. "As we head into this next freeze, I'm assuming some ducks will move into the river systems," he says. "It is certainly going to be a race to the finish with the weather."
 
With a little less than two weeks left in the general duck season, most Arkansas hunters are gearing up for a strong finish—or at least hoping for one.