Aerial survey reveals very low duck numbers in the state

Aerial survey reveals very low duck numbers in the state

Northeast Arkansas Waterfowl Report

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Game and Fish Commission biologists conducted the November 2016 aerial waterfowl survey last week and earlier this week in Arkansas. The numbers were not surprising.

Observers estimated only 269,561 ducks in the Delta, including 82,912 mallards. They also recorded only 7,444 ducks in the surveyed portion of the Arkansas River Valley, including just 917 mallards. The southwest Arkansas total duck count was 14,690 with 5,165 mallards. Observers in the Delta estimated less than 70,000 light geese, but over 340,000 greater whitefronted geese. The Delta mallard and total duck population estimates are the lowest recorded since the AGFC began formal surveys in November 2009 and well below the 2009-2016 longterm November averages of 251,870 mallars and 809,840 total ducks.

Most mallards in the Delta were in the Bayou Meto-Lower Arkansas and Big Creek survey zones, with lower numbers in the Little River Ditches (primarily on Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge) and Lower White survey zones.

Biologists flew only a limited survey in the Arkansas River Valley because of extremely low habitat availability. In the valley, biologists saw most mallards and other ducks in the permanent waters of Lake Dardanelle. Estimates for all ducks and mallards were low, with the only noticeable concentration in the East Dardanelle Reservoir survey zone, which is not surprising given the extremely dry conditions. Observers counted well over half the ducks in southwest Arkansas along the Red River from U.S. Highway 82 to the Sulphur River.

Biologists observed nearly 50 percent of mallards in the Delta in buttonbush (buckbrush) and agricultural reservoirs. These more consistently flooded habitats represented most available habitat in the Delta. Another 40 percent of mallards in the Delta were observed in moist-soil habitats and flooded agricultural fields artificially flooded in anticipation of duck season opening day. Observers noted most other dabbling ducks (primarily gadwalls) in oxbow lakes.

Much like November 2015, this survey period was preceded by extremely dry, warm conditions. Unlike last year,however, rainfall and widespread flooding did not occur before this survey, or before the opening day of duck season. The unseasonably warm temperatures and extreme shortage of available habitat resulted in record low mallard and total duck counts in the Delta and low counts in a limited Arkansas River Valley survey. Very little rainfall is forecast in the near future, so conditions are not likely to change during this first segment of duck season. In addition,observers noted extensive fall tillage of agricultural fields throughout the Delta, which will reduce landscape-scale food availability for waterfowl during the 2016-17 wintering period, even if fall and winter rains eventually increase natural flooding. A major cold front the day before duck season opening day likely moved many ducks south, but many likely overflew the dry Arkansas landscape for regions with more reliable water, such as south Louisiana. Even before the latest front, Louisiana duck counts indicated high numbers.

Dry conditions are not unusual during early fall, and duck migrations and higher duck counts typically coincide with historic periods of natural flooding from mid-December to early January. Nonetheless, this year could be setting up as one of the very dry years that occurs as part of the normal multi-year rainfall cycle.

Biologists will fly the next aerial waterfowl survey the week of Dec. 5 and, weather permitting, preceding the opening of the second duck season segment Dec. 8.

Arkansas hunters should be aware of two significant changes in waterfowl hunting regulations on AGFC wildlife management areas: the use of decoys that simulate wing movement and any mechanical devices that create movement or ripples on the water except a traditional jerk string is prohibited on WMAs, and hunters must exit inundated areas of WMAs by noon. Waterfowl hunters also should be aware that It is unlawful to operate a boat in any manner that is hazardous to persons or property on any part of a WMA including ramps, structures, boat lanes or other areas. Intentional violation of boating safety laws carry a fine of up to $5,000, a possible jail sentence of up to 90 days, revocation of the ability to access any WMA in Arkansas for one year and the loss of hunting and fishing privileges for one year.

Earl Buss Bayou DeView WMA

Boaters should use caution while using the Thompson Tract boat run.

South Oliver GTR Habitat: Mast production has been good.

Water Level: The area is currently 5% flooded. All of the available water is present within the natural slough on the north end of this GTR and south end of the North Oliver Tract.

Thompson Tract GTR Habitat: Mast production has been good.

Water Level: 0% Lake Hogue WRA Habitat: A small amount of beneficial wetland plants is located along the east side of the lake.

Water Level: Normal pool level.

Big Lake WMA

When the Ditch 81 extension gauge near Manilla (upstream of the Big Lake north-end control structure) reads 17.5 feet, water is beginning to come over the north levee degrade on Big Lake WMA. When the Ditch 81 Extension gauge reads 18.0 feet or higher, the water level on the WMA will rise quickly and hunters should exercise caution while on the area. Be aware of underwater logs in boat runs and hangers in trees.

North Woods GTR Habitat: Mast production is good.

Water Level: Bois d’Arc gauge currently reads 234.4 Target level is 235.5. 70% flooded.

South Woods GTR Habitat: Mast production is good.

Water Level: The 7-Mile gauge is currently at 233.3 feet. Target level is 234.5 feet with 60% flooded.

Simmons Field Habitat: A good amount of millet, smartweed and sedge is present. Seed production is good.

Water Level: 0% St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA

Hunt Area

Habitat: Mast production is considered fair within the timber and floodways this year. However, there are some spotty areas among the higher elevations that have above average mast production.

Water Level: Water levels in the huntable areas are dependent on the St. Francis River. The water level at Oak Donnick is 206.01 feet with less than 5% of the huntable area flooded.

Snowden WRA Habitat: There is a small amount of beneficial wetland plants within the borrow areas. Conditions are currently poor within the waterfowl rest area.

Water Level: 0% Payneway WRA Habitat: There is a small amount of beneficial wetland plants within the borrow areas. Conditions are considered below average with the waterfowl rest area.

Water Level: Pool A: 0% Pool B: 0% Pool C: 0% Pool D: 0% Shirey Bay Rainey Brake WMA Waterfowl hunters should be aware of hangers and submerged logs within the boat runs and GTRs. Please exercise caution when accessing the area. In addition, hunters should allow safe passage when parking vehicles along roadsides. Vehicles blocking access will be moved.

Adam's Brake GTR Habitat: Good mast crop within the GTR.

Water Level: Water level is 234.8 MSL with a target level of 240.0 MSL. 60% flooded.

Rainey Brake GTR Habitat: Good mast crop within the GTR.

Water Level: 90% Eagle Pond GTR Habitat: Good mast crop within the GTR.

Water Level: 80% Phase III Moist-soil Unit Habitat: Average wetlandtype vegetation.

Water Level: 0% Charles Crisp Moist-soil Unit Habitat: Average wetlandtype vegetation.

Water Level: 0% Ward Field Moist-soil Unit Habitat: Good abundance of wetland-type vegetation.

Water Level: 0% River Field Moist-soil Unit Habitat: Good abundance of wetland-type vegetation.

Water Level: 0% Dave Donaldson Black River WMA Waterfowl hunters should be aware of hangers and submerged logs within the boat runs and GTRs. Please exercise caution when accessing the area. Please remember to keep boats off the levees so AGFC personnel can access the area. Boats blocking access will be moved. Unattended trailers are not to be left overnight on parking areas.

Upper Island GTR

Habitat: Average abundance of mast crop within the GTRs.

Water Level: Water level is 269.5. Target level is 269.5 MSL. 100% flooded.

Lower Island GTR Habitat: Average abundance of mast crop within the GTRs.

Water Level: Water level is 268.2. Target level is 268.0 MSL. 100% flooded.

Upper Reyno GTR Habitat: Average abundance of mast crop within the GTRs.

Water Level: Water level is 266.8. Target level is 266.9 MSL. 90% flooded.

Lower Reyno GTR Habitat: Average abundance of mast crop within the GTRs.

Water Level: Water level is 265.9. Target level is 266.3 MSL. 80% flooded.

Winchester GTR Habitat: Average abundance of mast crop within the GTRs.

Water Level: Water level is 263.2. Target level is 263.7 MSL. 75% flooded.

From Keith Stephens