DUCKS

From page A8

and public wetlands with pumping capabilities.

“Managers did not report any significant duck migrations. This week’s tally of 896,051 ducks was similar to the previous survey’s estimate of 917,394 ducks, 12% higher than the previous five-year average of 800,874 ducks, and 26% higher than the previous 20-year average of 713,869 ducks. Our estimate of 680,049 mallards was 7% above the previous fiveyear average of 634,020 mallards and 15% above the previous 20-year average of 591,989 mallards.

Mallards comprised 76% of the total ducks compared to 67% last year, 80% for the previous 5-year average, and 83% for the previous 20-year average. Snow goose numbers declined from 228,760 to 97,762.

We also tallied 15,557 white-fronted geese, and 3,376 Canada geese.

Raedeke noted that Missouuri was also seeing cases of Avian Influenza in December.

Continue Vigilance Concerning Avian Flu

Hunters are urged by the AGFC to maintain a vigilant lookout for any birds that might be infected or suffering from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. HPAI has been a concern of wildlife biologists this late fall and winter, especially with much evidence of it seen recently among migrating snow geese and other waterfowl and wintering birds in Arkansas. Hunters, outdoors enthusiasts and wildlife watchers are asked to report instances of dead or sick waterfowl that they encounter in the wild. The risk of humans contracting the disease remains low, but hunters can help further minimize that risk by following a few simple precautions (see below).

Anyone who observes concentrations of sick or dead birds should report their sighting by using the AGFC’s Avian Influenza Reporting Form.

More information on avian influenza information is available at AGFC, Ducks Unlimited, and USDA APHIS’s website.

Bag Limits

Remember: Daily bag limits are the same as seen in recent years. Hunters make harvest a bag limit of 6 ducks, which may include no more than 4 mallards (2 hens), 1 scaup, 3 wood ducks, 1 pintail, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 2 black ducks or 1 mottled duck. Beyond those exceptions, the limit is up to 6 ducks of a species, including teal. The merganser daily bag limit is 5, with only 2 hooded mergansers allowed. The daily bag limit for coots is 15. Nonlead shot must be used for waterfowl hunting in Arkansas. The possession limit for ducks, coots and mergansers is three times the daily bag limit. The daily bag limit for greater white-fronted geese 3, up from last year’s 2 birds per day. The daily limit for snow, blue and Ross’s geese is 20 per day.

Waterfowl season in Arkansas will closes at sunset Jan. 31.

Northeast Arkansas Waterfowl Reports

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— When the Ditch 81 extension gauge near Manila (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.

• 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. As of Dec. 27, the Black River level is 3.33 feet and falling.

• Upper Island GTR — Habitat: Mast crop is moderate within the GTRs.

Water Level: Current level is 269.35 feet msl. Target level is 269.5; 90% flooded.

• Lower Island GTR — Habitat: Mast crop is moderate within the GTRs.

Water Level: Current level is 268.3 feet msl. Target level is 268.0; 100% flooded.

• Upper Reyno GTR — Habitat: Mast crop is moderate within the GTRs.

Water Level: Current level is 267.15 feet msl. Target level is 266.9; 100% flooded.

• Lower Reyno GTR — Habitat: Mast crop is moderate within the GTRs.

Water Level: Current level is 266.8 feet msl. Target level is 266.3; 100% flooded.

• Winchester GTR — Habitat: Mast crop is moderate within the GTRs.

Water Level: Current level is 263.7 feet msl. Target level is 263.7; 100% flooded.

• Earl Buss Bayou DeView WMA — Boaters should use caution while using the Thompson Tract boat lane.

• South Oliver GTR Habitat: Mast production is good.

Water Level: Current gauge reading as of Dec. 27 is 1.45 feet. 100% flooded.

• Thompson Tract GTR — The Thompson Tract GTR will be allowed to rise and fall naturally without the gates being operated later and partially this season. This action in an effort to help the next generation of forest.

• Lake Hogue WRA — Habitat: Primarily deep open water habitat.

Water Level: Normal pool level.

• 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 Brake GTR — Habitat: Mast production is good. Water Level: Water level is 240 feet msl with a target level of 240.0 feet msl; 100% flooded.

• Rainey Brake GTR — Habitat: Mast production is good. Water Level: 100% flooded.

• Eagle Pond GTR — Habitat: Mast production is good. Water Level: 100% flooded.

• Phase III Moist-Soil Unit — Habitat: Fair wetland- type vegetation. Water Level: 95% flooded.