Arkansas Duck Hunit

[The_Duck_Hunter]

Have any of you ever made the trip to Arkansas? If so, do you have any sugestions as to where to go (more importantly, where not to go)?

Also is the timber hunting the way to go there or do the fields produce equally as well? Please keep in mind I am after ducks more so than geese.
It seems the guides all charge between $300.00 & $350.00 a day so I want the most bang for my duck!

[Hougan]

I have a few options for you that are solid options. First off is do not go any further south than Jonesboro or Walnut Ridge. The birds have not gone al the way down th Stuttgart for the last severl years. I have two friends that run guide services in the forementioned cities. Charles Snapp runs the Davy Crockert guide service in Walnut Ridge. It is on one hand an all incusive package with meals, a lodge, room and a guide. You may hunt flooded fields or timer depending on the weather and the moon phase. Check the moon phase when you want to go. If it's not a full moon stay in the rice fields and forget the timer. You may also lease rice fileds from Snapp for around $400 a day. You bring your own rig down and you can hunt all day if you wish. Guided hunts are over at noon.

http://www.arkansaswaterfowl.com/

Charles Petty in Jonesboro runs another great club. They run out of the Super 8 Motel in Jonesbor. He has some of Arkansas' best spots. His hunts run around $150 a day or so. Don't quote me on that though. You will be very happy with either.

(870) 926-2748

If your open to other location I would strongly suggest calling Jeff Foiles in Pleasant Hills Illinois. He killed around 2000 ducks out of his main pit last year over a 50 acre flooded corn field. That field roosts about 8-12 K ducks a night. He has expanded his operation for this year and I have no doubt it will be spectacular. I cannot wait to hunt with Jeff again this year.

(217) 734-1434

If ya don't mind letting them know I sent I would apreciate it. I don't get paid but it lets them know I got thier back!

[The_Duck_Hunter]

Thank you very much. That was an informative response and I'm going to check all 3 out. Who knows, maybe I could go to Arkansas, then hit Ill. on the way back...........guess it depends on how their seasons coincide.

[mulf]

Hougan is right, stay north around the Black River. Iv'e heard good things about Snapps place also. I been to TwinRivers a few times. www.arkansasduckhunt.com (picture of our group is on there :D ) They are in the same camp area along the river. Jerry has always been GREAT to us. He has fields and timber to play in. Even if it's froze-up he will pump his fields to get you the only water around.
Be sure whoever you go with has their own ground to hunt. Arkansas won't let guides for hire on the WMAs down there anymore. Try to book as late as possible but before anything freezes. Just like any kind of hunting. It's great when the birds are there and sucks when they aren't. (The right guide can make it fun even when the birds don't cooperate).

[The_Duck_Hunter]

Thanks again for the info gents.!

[10Gauge]

DH,

I hunted near Stuttgart about 5 years ago with 2 different guides and hunted both flooded fields and timber on seperate days (2 day hunt). It was the WORSE duck hunting I have ever experienced!

Now let me explain.........I was there in early November and it was about 70 degrees both days, clear and sunny! Both guides told me late December (after Christmas) was the best hunting in that area. I'd suggest you talk to the guides you are considering and try to go as late as possible........freeze should not be an issue in flooded fields they bust the ice with an ATV and/or pump more water! In the timber this could be a problem!

The Good News.........this hunt didn't cost me a dime! I won it in a sporting clays tourny when Cabela's was doing a national shooting contest.

[sbe023]

for a cheaper hunt ,go to arkansas waterfowler.com. and put up a post for a day lease pit in arkansas. the price is usually $100.00 a day per shooter. i would reccomend northeast arkansas.