HAZEN – Deer hunters on the Mike Freeze Wattensaw Wildlife Management Area permit hunt may be allowed to hunt this weekend. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will not cancel the modern gun permit hunt due to floodwaters in Flood Prone Region D.
The hunt, originally scheduled for Nov. 27-Dec. 1, will begin as soon as water levels on the White River at Clarendon reach 27.0 feet. The White River at Clarendon is projected to fall to re‐opening levels by Nov. 28; however, this information is not guaranteed.
Here are a few answers to potential questions permit hunters may have:
How do I know when I can hunt?
Before hunting, please call the AGFC Wildlife Hotline toll free at (800) 440‐1477 and press option 7 or refer to www.agfc.com/hunting/misc_hunting/floodprone.aspx. When Flood Region D reopens, Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA permit holders may begin hunting the area. Information on the hotline and website is updated everyday by 3 p.m. each day.
How to request a refund?
Permit recipients do have the option to request a refund should they choose not to participate in the hunt. In order to be eligible for this option, permit cards must be returned to AGFC and postmarked no later than Nov. 28.
Requests for refunds should be mailed to:
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
ATTN: Permit Refunds
2 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205
All permit recipients requesting a refund will receive one preference point in addition to any previously accumulated preference points for WMA modern gun hunts.
What happens if Flood Prone Region D does not re‐open by the end of the hunt?
If Flood Prone Region D does not re‐open by the end of the hunt and no hunting opportunity is allowed on Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA, then a refund will be mailed to all permit hunt recipients. Should this occur, please allow 6‐8 weeks for refunds to be processed due to the quantity of hunts being cancelled. The primary applicant will receive a $10 refund for each eligible permit recipient.   Holders of the Lifetime Sportsman Permit (LSP) will not receive a refund since they do not pay for WMA permits.
For more information on the hunt, call Mikki Moore at (501) 223‐6440 or by email at mlmoore@agfc.state.ar.us.