The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission heard the first reading of a regulations proposal from AGFC staff to establish a drawn permit hunt unit for waterfowl on a roughly 1,000-acre portion of the 30,000-acre St. Francis Sunken Lands Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in northeast Arkansas near Jonesboro during its meeting Thursday in Little Rock.
The regulation proposal was introduced to combat continued comments of concern from hunters regarding crowding and pressure on WMAs during duck season. The draw and hunting process for this section of the area, if the proposal is passed, will be similar to waterfowl draw opportunities on 10 other WMAs, but hunting locations would be available for drawing seven days per week during regular duck season.
The draw hunt area spans just under 5 miles along a portion of the river known as St. Francis Lake, and permit winners will be assigned marked locations for the day of their hunt. Permit winners will be able to bring three hunting companions on their designated hunt day. Permit winners and their guests must remain on public land within 150 yards of their designated location. The exact number of locations has not been finalized, but will be based on safety and consideration to distance from area boundaries and private land. Traditionally popular locations within the unit will be prioritized for inclusion in the draw…