Woodruff County stands as a premier destination for waterfowl hunting, offering a world-class experience that attracts hunters from across the globe. Situated directly in the heart of the Mississippi Flyway, the county’s combination of iconic flooded timber and vast rice fields creates the perfect wintering grounds for millions of ducks and geese. The excitement of hunting mallards as they “cup” their wings to land in the flooded woods is a quintessential Arkansas Delta experience. With thousands of acres of public lands in the Cache River National Wildlife Refuge and Rex Hancock Wildlife Management Area, hunters have access to some of the best habitat in the country, providing opportunities for both guided hunts and a true DIY challenge.
While waterfowl hunting is the main draw, Woodruff County also offers diverse hunting opportunities for other species. The bottomland hardwood forests provide excellent habitat for a healthy population of white-tailed deer, with generous bag limits and a mix of public and private land access. For the serious hunter, pursuing a challenging hunt for wild turkey and other small game is also a popular option. The abundant forests and fields of Woodruff County are also perfect for the pursuit of small game like squirrels and rabbits.
The unique landscape of this region, with its sprawling fields, dense forests, and expansive wetlands, ensures that no matter your preferred game, you can find a rewarding and authentic hunting experience that is uniquely tied to the storied history and rich ecology of the Arkansas Delta.
Prime Public Hunting Grounds
Cache River National Wildlife Refuge
Hunters, prepare for an unparalleled waterfowl experience at Cache River National Wildlife Refuge. At 72,000 acres, this is a prime destination for hunting, with exceptional winter concentrations of snow geese, mallards, and other ducks, offering you a high-quality hunt.
Rex Hancock Wildlife Management Area
A prime destination for serious hunters, encompassing over 7,200 acres of prime bottomlands and wetlands. This expansive area offers a challenging and rewarding hunting experience within its ancient bald cypress-water tupelo habitat. Known for exceptional wood duck populations.
Hurricane Lake
Offering a premier public land hunting experience on 17,000 acres of prime bottomland hardwoods and numerous oxbow lakes. Hunters can navigate the area’s interior by boat via its multiple public boat launches and access points, making it a top destination for those seeking to pursue a challenging hunt for ducks, deer, and small game.
Regulations & Permit Requirements
All hunters must possess valid Arkansas hunting licenses and appropriate stamps. Check the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission website for current regulations and permit requirements.
When hunting on the Wildlife Refuge all hunters must sign and carry the General Hunting Permit all times while on the refuge and in possession of hunting gear. Download the refuge-specific hunting regulations: General Hunting Permit / Public Use Regulations brochure
Hunt Like a Local
Teal
An exciting, fast-paced challenge, as these early migrants zip through the air, offering a unique and action-packed start to the season.
Duck, Coot and Merganser
The ultimate waterfowl thrill is the heart-pounding combination of ducks cupping their wings over flooded timber, the unique challenge of fast-flying mergansers, and the chance to add a few coots to your bag, all within the world-renowned Arkansas Delta.
Geese
The challenge of a goose hunt is about outsmarting these wary birds over vast agricultural fields, requiring expert calling and a flawless decoy spread to bring them into range.
Deer
A premier destination for deer hunters, offering a healthy population, generous bag limits, and vast public lands
Dove
The thrill of dove hunting is the heart-pounding action of fast-flying birds zipping over meticulously managed fields of sunflowers and wheat.
Turkey
The pursuit of the eastern wild turkey—a large and intelligent game bird with a storied history—offers a unique and rewarding challenge for hunters.
Bear
A hunt for North America’s most widespread bear species, known for coats that range from classic black to various shades of cinnamon, brown, or even gray.
