The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) has announced expanded permit-based waterfowl hunting opportunities at select wildlife management areas (WMAs) and private fields across the state. Applications for permits open Nov. 12.

This initiative includes the addition of new locations managed under the permit system to reduce overcrowding and enhance the quality of hunting experiences. Management changes will affect Buckingham Flats Greentree Reservoir at George H. Dunklin Jr. Bayou Meto WMA, the Wiville West Tract at Rex Hancock Black Swamp WMA, Prairie Bayou WMA, the new Pat Fitts Oakwood WMA, and a portion of St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA.

### New Permit Hunts at Greentree Reservoirs A key development in the program includes reserved permit-based hunts at Buckingham Flats, the first greentree reservoir within the AGFC system to implement such a system. Brett Leach, AGFC Waterfowl Program coordinator, highlighted the importance of this update.

“It’s going to be a unique opportunity for waterfowl hunters to get out and hunt in a habitat type we previously didn’t have in our permit hunt system,” Leach said. “It also provides a less intimidating option for hunters learning the sport or introducing children to it.”

The Buckingham Flats permit area spans 639 acres within the 33,832-acre WMA and is expected to mitigate hunting pressure on surrounding public lands.

### Small WMAs Adapt to Demand Prairie Bayou WMA and the Wiville West Tract of Rex Hancock WMA, both featuring small moist-soil units, will also be managed through permits to manage crowd sizes. Hunting at these WMAs will now take place on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, with online permit availability for weekends. Tuesday and Thursday hunts will require self-issued on-site permits.

### St. Francis Sunken Lands Restriction In Poinsett County, a 715-acre section of St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA along the St. Francis River has been converted to permit-based hunting. Nine locations will be available, but water availability will determine the areas included in each weekly draw. Hunters are encouraged to scout the area beforehand, as its challenging terrain often requires floating blinds or large boats.

### Private Fields in WRICE Program Adjust to Drought The dry start to the hunting season has impacted rice fields participating in the Waterfowl Rice Incentive Conservation Enhancement (WRICE) Program, which supports waterfowl habitat on private lands. David Graves, WRICE Program coordinator, noted that water scarcity has limited opportunities but emphasized efforts to adapt.

“Fields with at least 4 inches of water will be available for duck hunts, while drier fields with less water will be allocated for goose hunts,” Graves explained. “Hunters can still target any legal waterfowl, but we recommend scouting to maximize their chances.”

The WRICE program provides habitat with waste grain and stubble to attract white-fronted geese, also known as specklebellies. Recent years have seen increased hunter interest in these geese as a rewarding alternative.

Permit hunters can apply for one waterfowl hunt at a WMA and one of each WRICE field type (duck and goose) between 3 p.m. Thursdays and midnight Sundays for hunts starting the following Saturday. Weekly updates on available locations will be posted at www.agfc.com/license, where hunters can also apply for permits. Applicants will receive confirmation notifications on Mondays.

For more information on hunting rules, maps, and detailed procedures, visit www.agfc.com/hunting/waterfowl/special-waterfowl-permit-hunts.