There are numerous other prime spots within this region, such as Wattensaw WMA (19,184 acres in Prairie County), which is now called Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA; Dagmar WMA (9,720 acres in Monroe County), which will soon be known as Sheffield Nelson Dagmar; and the University of Arkansas Pine Tree Experimental Station Wildlife Demonstration Area in St. Francis County (11,850 acres).

THE MOUNTAINS
Holla Bend NWR
“The Bend,” as it is known locally, lies along the south shore of the Arkansas River southeast of Dardanelle. This facility’s 9,000-plus acres have long been bowhunting only, but last fall a one-day youth gun hunt was held. That hunt took place on Dec. 15, after the refuge bow season, which runs Oct. 1-Dec. 10.

Since its heyday in the 80s and 90s, Holla Bend has been known for the quality of its bucks. The largest documented buck taken there was Danny Reed’s 208 4/8-inch non-typical in 1999. Holla Bend exists primarily as a waterfowl resting station. For years most of the acreage was farmed cooperatively by locals, who would leave part of their crop in the fields in lieu of rent. Today, a substantial portion of that cropland -- as much as 40 to 50 percent -- has become part of a bottomland hardwood restoration program. The days of 140-175 deer being taken in a season are gone, but biologists tell me that the quality remains high.

Last fall, a total of 45 deer fell to archers -- 29 bucks and 16 does. A special $12.50 permit is required to hunt the area. The best time to hunt “The Bend” is after gun season opens in November, when pressure on surrounding lands moves deer to the refuge.

Fort Chaffee WMA
One of the ill effects of the Iraq war manifested itself last fall, when the 39th Infantry Battalion was activated and sent to Fort Chaffee for training. That resulted in Chaffee being closed to the many area hunters who use this 66,000-acre facility southeast of Fort Smith.

But there’s an upside: There should be more deer on Chaffee this fall -- many with an additional year of age on them!

The topography of this WMA consists of gently rolling terrain cut by several fairly steep ridges. Aside from the hardwood bottoms, food sources are limited, and more food plots have been built in recent years. Deer have also been known to feed on the openings created as impact areas, where no hunting is allowed.

As with about all premier bow areas, Chaffee’s desirability is enhanced by its ban on gun hunting. Typically, only a two-day permit muzzleloader hunt and two-day modern gun hunt take place in late November. Bow season follows statewide guidelines. All hunters are required to attend an orientation class to secure a permit, which costs $20 for two years. Class schedules and locations can be obtained by calling (479) 484-3995.

In both the Ouachitas and the Ozarks, there are other prime areas for bowhunters. Since deer, especially older bucks, tend to avoid human contact, bowhunters should naturally look for spots where that contact will be lessened. The various walk-in turkey areas and wilderness areas scattered throughout the two regions fill that criteria perfectly. Since vehicle traffic is forbidden inside these areas, many are under-hunted. The National Forest Service ban on 4-wheelers, particularly in the Ozarks, has also helped create areas where hunters willing to burn some shoe leather can find buck security zones.