Arkansas is widely considered one of the best states for waterfowl hunting in the country, in part because of its classic flooded timber opportunities. But this year is shaping up to be a challenging one for folks hoping to chase ducks and geese in the Land of Opportunity.
That’s because Arkansas is in an extended drought. According to a recent press release from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), the state has experienced 14 months of drought—and wetlands are suffering as a result.
“Much of Arkansas is more than 20 inches behind in cumulative rainfall totals. That sort of deficit doesn’t disappear after a few 1-inch rains,” explains AGFC Director Doug Schoenrock. “Hunters may need to temper their expectations with the forecast we’re getting for the beginning of duck season.”
As of early October, the AGFC only had water to flood 42 percent of its moist-soil units. Private properties are also being impacted, with only 5 to 10 of the state’s 47 Waterfowl Rice Incentive Conservation Enhancement program hunt locations having adequate surface water available to flood. That’s not to mention that this year there is less rice on the landscape overall in Arkansas compared to recent years
Pumping groundwater is not a feasible option to address the issue, according to AGFC officials. “Pumping from the ground for wildlife causes a litany of issues, including the reduction of the water table farmers and cities depend upon,” says Schoenrock. “And the volume of water needed during this drought overcomes what we can responsibly pump.”
Officials say that the state’s hunters should expect fewer ducks and more challenging hunting this year, particularly early in the season, as timely rains could improve conditions later in the winter. Experts say that many ducks and geese that typically winter in Arkansas may instead push further south to wetlands along the Gulf Coast, or instead fly to different river systems in parts of Tennessee and Alabama, though it’s too early to tell how the full season, for which the first segment kicks off on November 21, will shape up.