Arkansas is a haven for duck hunters, drawing enthusiasts from all over due to its vast wetlands, rivers, and bayous that create ideal habitats for waterfowl. While popular destinations like Bayou Meto and Stuttgart’s Grand Prairie are world-renowned for duck hunting, they often attract large crowds. For hunters seeking quieter, lesser-known spots, Arkansas has several hidden gems that offer fantastic hunting opportunities without the packed blinds. Here’s a look at five underrated duck hunting spots in Arkansas that you may not have tried yet.
1. Cache River National Wildlife Refuge
Location: Northeast Arkansas, spanning Prairie, Monroe, and Woodruff counties
Why It’s Great:
Cache River National Wildlife Refuge is one of Arkansas’s best-kept secrets when it comes to duck hunting. With thousands of acres of flooded timber, oxbow lakes, and wetland areas, it’s ideal for attracting migratory waterfowl. The refuge is part of the Mississippi Flyway, which is a major route for migrating ducks.
What Makes It Underrated:
While the nearby White River Refuge often attracts more attention, Cache River provides a similar experience without the same level of traffic. With plenty of secluded spots and diverse habitats, hunters here can experience high numbers of mallards, gadwalls, and teal. However, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with regulations as certain areas within the refuge are designated as wildlife sanctuaries and may have hunting restrictions.
2. Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge
Location: Pope County, near Dardanelle
Why It’s Great:
Holla Bend NWR is nestled along the Arkansas River, and its large oxbow lakes and flooded bottomlands attract plenty of ducks during the winter season. With more than 7,000 acres of protected land, this spot provides excellent opportunities for both ducks and geese. The refuge is well-known for its diversity of wildlife, making it a fantastic spot to enjoy the Arkansas outdoors in solitude.
What Makes It Underrated:
Despite its rich habitat, Holla Bend remains underutilized by duck hunters compared to other more famous refuges. With minimal hunting pressure, ducks are less wary here, providing better opportunities for a successful hunt. The area also offers breathtaking views of the Arkansas River, making it a beautiful and rewarding experience.
3. Hurricane Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
Location: Near Bald Knob, White County
Why It’s Great:
Hurricane Lake WMA is known for its extensive flooded timber and diverse hunting environments, making it one of Arkansas’s hidden gems for waterfowl. With a mix of timber, open water, and brushy fields, it offers an excellent range of spots for different hunting styles. Hurricane Lake is particularly popular among locals who are looking to avoid the crowded and well-known areas.
What Makes It Underrated:
While other WMAs like Bayou Meto receive significant attention, Hurricane Lake remains under the radar. Its varied landscape and relatively low hunting pressure create an opportunity for more successful hunting without constant competition. Plus, the area has several access points and is less densely packed than other hotspots, giving hunters more room to find the perfect spot.
4. Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge (North Unit)
Location: North of St. Charles, Arkansas, stretching through Monroe, Woodruff, and Prairie counties
Why It’s Great:
The White River NWR’s North Unit is a dream for hunters who appreciate a more remote experience. The refuge spans over 160,000 acres, offering endless options for duck hunting. The bottomland hardwood forests flood seasonally, creating prime habitat for mallards, pintails, and teal. The North Unit is less accessible, and this challenging access can be an advantage for those looking to avoid crowded areas.
What Makes It Underrated:
While the South Unit of White River NWR is popular, the North Unit sees fewer hunters due to its limited accessibility. Hunters willing to venture into the more isolated sections will find exceptional hunting in pristine, less disturbed environments. This area also offers ample public land access for duck hunting, making it one of Arkansas’s best-kept secrets.
5. Black River Wildlife Management Area
Location: Northeast Arkansas, in Clay and Randolph counties
Why It’s Great:
Black River WMA consists of over 25,000 acres of managed wetlands, bottomland hardwoods, and sloughs that attract large numbers of waterfowl. The WMA has designated rest areas that help keep ducks in the area throughout the hunting season. This creates great opportunities for hunters looking for secluded spots with reliable duck activity.
What Makes It Underrated:
Despite its size and proximity to the popular Cache River area, Black River WMA often gets overlooked by out-of-state hunters who gravitate toward the more publicized locations. Black River’s unique layout provides plenty of opportunity for those willing to explore its less accessible backwaters. Hunters who make the trip here will find an abundance of ducks without as much competition, particularly later in the season.
Conclusion
For duck hunters seeking a quieter experience in Arkansas’s rich hunting grounds, these underrated spots offer excellent opportunities. From the vast wilderness of Cache River NWR to the serene beauty of Black River WMA, each location provides a unique hunting experience with ample waterfowl populations and fewer crowds. Exploring these hidden gems not only offers a more solitary hunt but also gives hunters a chance to experience the natural beauty and diversity of Arkansas’s landscapes. Just remember to check local hunting regulations and prepare for more remote conditions, and you’ll be on your way to discovering Arkansas’s best-kept duck hunting secrets.
