Hunting

Each winter, a 3,500-acre green tree reservoir is managed to provide wintering waterfowl habitat for mallard, wood duck and other waterfowl species. When water levels are adequate, Overflow NWR can provide the classic green timber waterfowl hunting experience that eastern Arkansas is famous for. The amount of flooded acreage is rainfall dependent and can vary annually.

Waterfowl hunting hours end at noon. No more than 25 shotgun shells can be possessed per hunter per day. Deer season is primarily limited to archery and crossbow, but during the first statewide muzzleloader season either archery tackle or muzzleloading rifles may be used. Wild turkey may be taken during the state spring season but is limited to archery tackle and crossbows. Youth hunting opportunities exist for deer, turkey and waterfowl. Visitors should contact the refuge or visit the website before their visit for the most up-to-date information and regulations. Because of the diversity of habitats and water levels, preseason scouting is recommended for those unfamiliar with the 13,000-acre refuge.

The Youth Only Waterfowl Unit (marked with white “Area Beyond This Sign Closed” signs) is closed to all entry from November 1st through February 15th, with the exception of drawn permit holders. Only successfully drawn youth hunters (15 years old or younger) will be allowed to hunt during specified days.

Waterfowl Sanctuary Road

Open September 1 to October 31, then from April 2 to June 30 for wildlife viewing and photography.

Length: .75 miles

When open, vehicles must remain on the established road as indicated on the map of the Public Use Brochure. Vehicles may be parked alongside the open road in a manner that will not interfere with the normal flow of traffic, or park no more than 20ft off the graveled road. For questions or concerns, contact the refuge office.

(Please note: the road closures are from November 1 to April 1, and then from July 1 to Aug 31.)