Title 50

SECTION 32.23

32.23 Arkansas.

§ 32.23 Arkansas.

The following refuge units are open for hunting and/or fishing as governed by applicable Federal and State regulations, and are listed in alphabetical order with additional refuge-specific regulations.

(a) Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge - (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, snipe, woodcock, and dove on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We require refuge hunting permits (signed brochure). The permits are nontransferable, and anyone on refuge land in possession of hunting equipment must possess a signed permit at all times.

(ii) We prohibit migratory game bird hunting on the refuge during the quota gun deer hunt.

(iii) With the exception of hunting for woodcock, we prohibit migratory game bird hunting after 12 p.m. (noon) during the regular State waterfowl hunting season.

(iv) You may not possess more than 25 shotgun shells while in the field. The field possession limit for shells does not apply to goose hunting during the State Conservation Order.

(v) We prohibit hunting closer than 100 yards (90 meters) to another hunter or hunting party.

(vi) You must remove decoys, blinds, boats, and all other equipment by 1 p.m. (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

(vii) Hunters may enter the refuge beginning at 4 a.m. and must exit by 1 hour after legal shooting time ends.

(viii) Boats displaying valid registration may be left on the refuge from March 1 through October 31. We prohibit the use of boats from 12 a.m. (midnight) to 4 a.m. during duck season.

(ix) We allow the use of dogs when migratory game bird hunting.

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, quail, raccoon, opossum, beaver, muskrat, nutria, armadillo, and coyote on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (vii), and (viii) of this section apply.

(ii) Hunters may use shotguns and rifles chambered for rimfire cartridges.

(iii) We allow squirrel hunting September 1 through February 28, except for season closure of the refuge during the quota gun deer hunt.

(iv) We allow rabbit and quail hunting as governed by the State season, except for season closure of the refuge during the quota gun deer hunt.

(v) We allow the use of dogs when hunting upland game. We require the use of dogs when hunting raccoon and opossum at night, 30 minutes after legal sunset to 30 minutes before legal sunrise.

(vi) Hunters may take beaver, muskrat, nutria, armadillo, and coyote during any refuge hunt with those weapons legal during those hunts, subject to applicable State seasons and regulations.

(vii) We limit hunting after legal sunset to raccoon/opossum hunting.

(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of deer, feral hog, and turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (vii), and (viii) of this section apply.

(ii) We allow archery/crossbow deer hunting as governed by the State season, except for season closure of the refuge during the quota gun deer hunt.

(iii) Muzzleloader hunting season for deer will begin in October and continue for a period of up to 9 days in all hunting units with annual season dates and bag limits provided on the hunt brochure/permit.

(iv) The modern gun hunting season for deer will begin in November and continue for a period of up to 9 days in all hunting units with annual season dates and bag limits provided in the hunt brochure/permit.

(v) We prohibit spring and fall gun hunting for turkey.

(vi) You may use only shotguns with rifled slugs, muzzleloaders, and legal pistols for modern gun deer hunting on the Farm Unit.

(vii) We allow only portable deer stands. You may erect stands 7 days prior to the refuge deer season and must remove them from the waterfowl sanctuaries prior to November 15, except for stands used by quota gun deer hunt permit holders (fee/signature required), which you must remove by the last day of the quota gun deer hunt. You must remove all stands on the remainder of the refuge within 7 days of the closure of archery season (see § 27.93 of this chapter). We prohibit leaving any tree stand, ground blind, or game camera on the refuge without the owner's Arkansas Game and Fish customer identification number clearly written on it in a conspicuous location.

(viii) We prohibit the possession or use of buckshot for hunting on all refuge lands.

(ix) We prohibit hunting from mowed and/or graveled road rights-of-way.

(x) We allow only quota gun deer hunt permit holders on the refuge during the quota gun deer hunt and only for the purposes of deer hunting. We close the refuge to all other entry and public use during the quota gun deer hunt.

(xi) We close waterfowl sanctuaries to all entry and hunting from November 15 to February 28, except for quota gun deer hunt permit holders who may hunt in the sanctuary when the season overlaps with these dates.

(xii) Hunters may enter the refuge at 4 a.m. and remain until 1 hour after legal shooting time.

(xiii) You may take feral hog only during the refuge quota gun and muzzleloader deer hunts and as governed by State Wildlife Management Area (WMA) regulations.

(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The condition set forth at paragraph (a)(1)(viii) of this section applies.

(ii) Anglers may enter the refuge beginning 1/2 hour before legal sunrise and must exit by 1 hour after legal sunset.

(iii) We prohibit the take or possession of turtles and/or mollusks (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

(b) Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (1) [Reserved]

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, nutria, coyote, beaver, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We require refuge hunt permits. The permits (found on the front cover of the annual hunt brochure/permit - signature required) are nontransferable, and anyone on refuge land in possession of hunting equipment must sign and carry the permit at all times.

(ii) Hunters may only hunt during designated days and times.

(iii) We allow take of nutria, beaver, and coyote during any refuge hunt with the device allowed for that hunt subject to applicable State seasons and regulations.

(iv) You may take opossum when hunting raccoon.

(v) We require dogs for hunting of raccoon and opossum after legal sunset.

(vi) When hunting, you may only use shotguns and rifles chambered for rimfire cartridges.

(vii) We prohibit hunting from mowed and/or gravel road rights-of-way.

(viii) We limit nighttime use, 30 minutes after legal sunset to 30 minutes before legal sunrise, to fishing, frogging, and/or raccoon/opossum hunting.

(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (b)(2)(i), (iii), and (vii) of this section apply.

(ii) Hunters may only hunt during designated days and times.

(iii) Hunters may use only bows or crossbows.

(iv) Hunters may use only biodegradable materials to mark trails.

(v) We allow only portable deer stands. You may erect stands 7 days prior to the refuge deer season and must remove them 7 days after the closure of archery season (see § 27.93 of this chapter). We prohibit leaving any tree stand, ground blind, or game camera on the refuge without the owner's Arkansas Game and Fish customer identification number clearly written on it in a conspicuous location.

(vi) Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must leave 1 hour after legal sunset.

(4) Sport fishing. We allow fishing and frogging on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The condition set forth at paragraph (b)(2)(viii) of this section applies.

(ii) Anglers may launch boats only in designated areas.

(iii) We allow frogging from the beginning of the State frogging season through October 31.

(iv) We prohibit the take or possession of turtles and/or mollusks (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

(c) Cache River National Wildlife Refuge - (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, snipe, woodcock, and dove on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We require refuge hunting permits. These permits (found on the front cover of the annual hunt brochure/permit - signature required) are nontransferable, and anyone on the refuge in possession of hunting equipment must sign and carry the permit at all times.

(ii) With the exception of hunting for woodcock, we prohibit migratory game bird hunting after 12 p.m. (noon) during the regular State waterfowl hunting season.

(iii) You must remove decoys, blinds, boats, and all other equipment by 1 p.m. each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

(iv) Waterfowl hunters may enter the refuge at 4 a.m. and hunt until 12 p.m. (noon).

(v) Boats displaying valid registration may be left on the refuge from March 1 through October 31. We prohibit boats on the refuge from 12 a.m. (midnight) to 4 a.m. during duck season.

(vi) We allow the use of dogs when migratory game bird hunting.

(vii) We allow waterfowl hunting on flooded refuge roads.

(viii) We close all other hunts during the quota gun deer hunt.

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, quail, raccoon, opossum, beaver, muskrat, nutria, armadillo, and coyote on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (v), and (viii) of this section apply.

(ii) We allow squirrel hunting September 1 through February 28, except for refuge-wide season closure during the quota gun deer hunt.

(iii) We allow rabbit and quail hunting as governed by the State season, except for season closure of the refuge during the quota gun deer hunt.

(iv) We allow the use of dogs when hunting upland game. We require the use of dogs when hunting raccoon and opossum at night, 30 minutes after legal sunset to 30 minutes before legal sunrise.

(v) You may take beaver, muskrat, nutria, armadillo, and coyote during any refuge hunt with those weapons legal during those hunts subject to applicable State seasons and regulations.

(vi) We prohibit hunting from mowed and/or graveled refuge roads except by waterfowl hunters during flooded conditions.

(vii) You may use only shotguns and rifles chambered for rimfire cartridges when hunting.

(viii) We limit nighttime use, 30 minutes after legal sunset to 30 minutes before legal sunrise, to fishing, frogging, and/or raccoon/opossum hunting.

(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of deer, feral hog, and turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i) and (viii) and (c)(2)(v) and (vi) of this section apply.

(ii) We allow archery/crossbow deer hunting as governed by the State season, except for season closure of the refuge during the quota gun deer hunt.

(iii) Muzzleloader hunting season for deer will begin in October and will continue for a period of up to 9 days, with annual season dates and bag limits provided on the hunt brochure/permit.

(iv) Modern gun deer hunting will begin in November and continue for a period of up to 11 days, with annual season dates and bag limits provided in the refuge hunt brochure/permit.

(v) Hunters may take feral hog only during the quota gun and muzzleloader deer hunts and as governed by State Wildlife Management Area (WMA) regulations

(vi) Hunters may only use shotguns with rifled slugs, muzzleloaders, or legal pistols for modern gun deer hunting on the Dixie Farm Unit Waterfowl Sanctuary, adjacent waterfowl hunt area, and Plunkett Farm Unit Waterfowl Sanctuary.

(vii) We allow only portable stands. Hunters may erect stands 7 days prior to the refuge deer season and must remove them from the waterfowl sanctuaries prior to November 15, and from the rest of the refuge within 7 days of the closure of archery season (see § 27.93 of this chapter). We prohibit leaving any tree stand, ground blind, or game camera on the refuge without the owner's Arkansas Game and Fish customer identification number clearly written on it in a conspicuous location.

(viii) We prohibit the possession or use of buckshot for hunting on all refuge lands.

(ix) We prohibit hunting from mowed and/or graveled road rights-of-way.

(4) Sport fishing. We allow fishing and frogging on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(v) and (c)(2)(viii) of this section apply.

(ii) We close waterfowl sanctuaries to all entry and fishing/frogging from November 15 to February 28. We prohibit refuge-wide entry and fishing during the quota gun deer hunt.

(iii) We prohibit the take or possession of turtles and/or mollusks (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

(d) Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge - (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl (ducks, mergansers, and coots) on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We require an annual public use permit (signed brochure) to hunt and fish.

(ii) We allow waterfowl hunting from legal shooting hours until 12 p.m. (noon).

(iii) We allow the use of dogs when migratory game bird hunting.

(iv) You must remove blinds, blind material, and decoys from the refuge by 1 p.m. each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

(v) Waterfowl hunters may enter the North Unit, Jack's Bay Hunt Area, and Levee Hunt Area no earlier than 4 a.m.

(vi) We prohibit boating from November 1 through January 31 in the South Unit Waterfowl Hunt Areas, except from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m. on designated waterfowl hunt days.

(vii) We allow waterfowl hunting on outlying tracts; paragraph (d)(1)(v) of this section applies.

(viii) We only allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for wildlife-dependent hunting and fishing activities. We prohibit the use of ATVs after December 15 each year in designated South Unit areas as shown in refuge user brochure.

(ix) We prohibit the use of decoys that contain moving parts or electrical components, except that you may use manually operated jerk strings to simulate decoy movement.

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, and all furbearers (as governed by State law) on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The condition set forth at paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section applies.

(ii) We allow hunting of rabbit and squirrel on the North Unit from September 1 through January 31.

(iii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting rabbit and squirrel from December 1 through January 31 on the North Unit only.

(iv) We allow rabbit and squirrel hunting on the South Unit from September 1 through November 30.

(v) We allow furbearer (as governed by State law) hunting. The annual public use permit (signed brochure) provides season dates and methods.

(vi) We allow the use of dogs for hunting furbearers from legal sunset to legal sunrise. Hunters must tether or pen all dogs used for furbearer hunting from legal sunrise to legal sunset and any time they are not involved in actual hunting.

(3) Big game hunting. We allow the hunting of white-tailed deer, feral hog, and turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The condition set forth at paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section applies.

(ii) Archery deer seasons on the North Unit are from October 1 through January 31 except during quota muzzleloader and quota gun deer hunts, when the archery season is closed.

(iii) Archery deer seasons on the South Unit are from October 1 through December 31 except during quota muzzleloader and quota gun deer hunts, when the archery season is closed.

(iv) Muzzleloader season for deer will begin in October and will continue for a period of up to 3 days of quota hunting in the North and South Units, and no more than 4 days of non-quota hunting in the North Unit.

(v) The gun deer hunt will begin in November and will continue for a period of no more than 3 days of quota hunting in the North and South Units, and no more than 2 days of non-quota hunting in the North Unit.

(vi) We restrict hunt participants for quota hunts to those drawn for a quota permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application - National Wildlife Refuge System). The permits are nontransferable and nonrefundable.

(vii) We close the refuge to all non-quota hunting during refuge-wide quota muzzleloader and quota gun deer hunts.

(viii) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a “deer drive” as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.

(ix) We prohibit firearm deer hunting from or across roads, ATV trails, levees, and maintained utility rights-of-way.

(x) You may only use portable deer stands. You may erect stands up to 7 days before each hunt, but you must remove them within 7 days after each hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter). All unattended deer stands on the refuge must have the owner's hunting license number clearly displayed.

(xi) We close the Kansas Lake Area to all entry on December 1 and reopen it on March 1.

(xii) We prohibit the possession of buckshot on the refuge.

(xiii) We prohibit the possession and/or use of toxic shot by hunters using shotguns (see § 32.2(k)) when hunting deer or turkey.

(xiv) Hunters who are hunting deer during a firearm season may kill feral hogs with weapons legal for those seasons. Feral hogs may be taken incidentally with archery equipment from November 1 through December 31.

(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing, frogging, and crawfishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The condition set forth at paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section applies.

(ii) We allow fishing year-round in LaGrue, Essex, Prairie, Scrubgrass and Brooks Bayous, Big Island Chute, Moon, and Belknap Lakes next to Arkansas Highway 1, Indian Bay, the Arkansas Post Canal and adjacent drainage ditches; borrow ditches located adjacent to the west bank of that portion of the White River Levee north of the Graham Burke pumping station; and all waters in the refuge-owned North Unit and scattered tracts. We open all other South Unit refuge waters to sport fishing from March 1 through November 30 unless posted otherwise.

(iii) We allow frogging on all refuge-owned waters open for sport fishing as follows: We allow frogging on the South Unit from the beginning of the State season through November 30; we allow frogging on the North Unit for the entire State season.

(iv) We prohibit all commercial and recreational harvest of turtle on all property administered by Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge.

(v) We prohibit take or possession of any freshwater mussel, and we do not open to mussel shelling.

(e) Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge - (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, and coot on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We allow hunting of duck, goose, and coot during the State waterfowl season except during scheduled refuge quota gun deer hunts.

(ii) Hunting of duck, goose, and coot ends at 12 p.m. (noon) each day.

(iii) We allow only portable blinds. You must remove all duck hunting equipment (portable blinds, boats, guns, and decoys) from the hunt area by 1:30 p.m. each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

(iv) We close areas of the refuge posted with “Area Closed” signs and identify them on the refuge hunt brochure map as a waterfowl sanctuary. We close waterfowl sanctuaries to all public entry and public use during the waterfowl hunting season.

(v) Hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge public use regulations brochure/access permit (signed brochure) while hunting.

(vi) All youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, who possesses a valid state hunting license. One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.

(vii) We allow only all-terrain vehicles/utility-type vehicles (ATVs/UTVs) for hunting and fishing activities.

(viii) You may use horses and mules on roads and ATV/UTV trails (when open to motor vehicle and ATV/UTV traffic, respectively) as a mode of transportation for hunting and fishing activities on the refuge except during the quota deer hunts.

(ix) We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 meters) of roads and trails open to motor vehicle use (including ATV/UTV trails).

(x) You may take beaver, nutria, and coyote during any daytime refuge hunt with weapons and ammunition allowed for that hunt. There is no bag limit.

(xi) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.

(xii) We prohibit leaving any boat on the refuge. You must remove boat(s) at the end of each day's hunt.

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, and furbearers (as governed by State law) on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (e)(1)(iv) through (ix) and (xi) of this section apply.

(ii) We allow hunting for quail, squirrel, rabbit, and furbearers (as governed by State law) on the refuge during State seasons through January 31. We close upland game hunting during refuge quota gun deer hunts.

(iii) We do not open for spring squirrel hunting season, or summer/early fall raccoon hunting season.

(iv) We allow the use of dogs for squirrel and rabbit hunting from December 1 through January 31 and for quail and raccoon/opossum hunting during the open season on the refuge for these species.

(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, feral hog, and turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (e)(1)(v) through (ix) of this section apply.

(ii) We allow archery deer hunting on the refuge from the opening of the State season through January 31.

(iii) We close archery deer hunting during the quota gun deer hunts.

(iv) We allow muzzleloader deer hunting during the October State muzzleloader season for this deer management zone. The refuge will conduct one 4-day quota modern gun hunt for deer, typically in November. The refuge also may conduct one mobility-impaired hunt for deer typically in early November.

(v) Total deer harvested refuge-wide is two deer (two does, or one buck and one doe, as governed by State law) regardless of method.

(vi) During the deer and turkey hunts, hunters may possess lead ammunition legal for taking deer and turkey. We prohibit buckshot for gun deer hunting.

(vii) You may only use portable deer stands erected no earlier than the opening day of archery season, and you must remove them no later than January 31 each year (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

(viii) We prohibit the use of deer decoy(s).

(ix) We open spring archery turkey hunting during the State spring turkey season. We do not open for fall archery turkey season.

(x) We close spring archery turkey hunting during scheduled turkey quota gun hunts.

(xi) We restrict quota hunt participants to those selected for a quota permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application - National Wildlife Refuge System), except that one nonhunting adult age 21 or older possessing a valid hunting license must accompany the youth hunter age 15 and younger.

(xii) An adult age 21 or older possessing a valid hunting license must accompany and be within sight and normal voice contact of hunters age 15 and younger. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.

(xiii) We authorize the use of tree stands, ground blinds, and game cameras on the refuge if the owner's State hunting license number is clearly written on them in a conspicuous location. You must remove game cameras from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt.

(xiv) We restrict hunt participants for quota hunts to those drawn for a quota permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application - National Wildlife Refuge System). These permits are nontransferable, and the permit fees are nonrefundable.

(xv) The incidental taking of feral hogs will be governed by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations concerning the taking of feral hogs on State Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Subject to State regulations, we allow incidental take of feral hogs on State WMAs during daytime refuge hunts (without the use of dogs) with legal hunting equipment and ammunition allowed for that hunt. There is no bag limit. We prohibit transport or possession of live hogs.

(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing, frogging, and crawfishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (e)(1)(v), (vi), and (xii) of this section apply.

(ii) We prohibit fishing in the waterfowl sanctuary area when the sanctuary is closed, with the exception of the main channel of the Ouachita and Saline Rivers and the borrow pits along Highway 82. We post the waterfowl sanctuary area with “Area Closed” signs and identify those areas in refuge hunt brochures.

(iii) We allow fishing only in areas accessible from the Ouachita and Saline Rivers and from Eagle, Jones, and Pereogeethe Lakes during the refuge quota gun deer hunts.

(iv) You must reset trotlines when receding water levels expose them.

(f) Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge. (1) [Reserved]

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, beaver, armadillo, coyote, and bobcat on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We require refuge hunting permits (found on the front cover of the annual hunt brochure/permit - signature required). The permits are nontransferable, and anyone on refuge land in possession of hunting equipment must sign and carry a permit at all times. Your hunt permit will also act as your entrance pass to the refuge.

(ii) During the refuge archery season, you may take only squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, beaver, armadillo, coyote, or bobcat.

(iii) We allow the use of dogs when gun hunting raccoon and opossum every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until legal sunrise during the month of February.

(iv) We only allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for hunters and anglers with disabilities. We require a refuge ATV permit (Special Use Permit; FWS Form 3-1383-G) issued by the refuge manager.

(v) We allow the use of nonmotorized boats during the refuge fishing/boating season (March 1 through October 31), but hunters must remove boats at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(2)(i), (iv), and (v) of this section apply.

(ii) We allow archery/crossbow hunting for white-tailed deer and turkey.

(iii) The refuge will conduct one youth-only (between ages 6 and 15 at the beginning of the gun deer season in Zone 7) quota gun deer hunt. We restrict hunt participants to those selected for a quota permit (electronic form), except that one nonhunting adult must accompany the youth hunter during the youth hunt.

(iv) We open spring archery turkey hunting during the State turkey season.

(v) We close the refuge to all entry and public use during scheduled youth quota gun hunts, except for those allowed to participate in the youth quota gun hunt.

(vi) The refuge will conduct two youth-only (age 6 to 15 at the beginning of the spring turkey season) quota spring gun turkey hunts, each 2 days in length. We restrict hunt participants to those selected for a quota permit, except that one nonhunting adult age 21 or older must accompany the youth hunter during the youth hunt.

(vii) We allow only portable deer stands. You may erect stands 7 days before the start of the season and must remove the stands from the refuge within 7 days after the season ends (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

(viii) You must permanently affix the owner's Arkansas Game and Fish customer identification number to all tree stands, ground blinds, and game cameras on the refuge.

(ix) We prohibit organized drives. We define a “drive” as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause game to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the game.

(x) You must check all game at the refuge check station.

(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing and frogging on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(2)(iv) and (f)(3)(v) of this section apply.

(ii) We open the waters of the refuge to fishing only from March 1 through October 31 from legal sunrise to legal sunset.

(iii) Anglers must remove boats from the refuge at the end of each day's fishing activity (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

(iv) We prohibit the take and possession of turtles and/or mollusks (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

(g) Overflow National Wildlife Refuge - (1) (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of American woodcock, duck, goose, and coot on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) You must possess and carry a refuge public use regulations brochure/access permit (signed brochure) while hunting.

(ii) Hunting of duck, goose, and coot ends at 12 p.m. (noon) each day.

(iii) We allow only portable blinds. Hunters must remove portable blinds, boats, and decoys from the hunt area by 1:30 p.m. each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

(iv) We allow only all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)/utility-type vehicles (UTVs) for hunting activities.

(v) You may use horses on roads and ATV/UTV trails (when open to motor vehicle and ATV/UTV traffic, respectively) as a mode of transportation for hunting activities on the refuge.

(vi) We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 meters) of roads and trails open to motor vehicle use (including ATV/UTV trails).

(vii) You may take beaver, nutria, and coyote during any daytime refuge hunt with weapons and ammunition legal for that hunt. There is no bag limit. We prohibit transportation or possession of live hog.

(viii) We allow boats on the refuge between the hours of 4 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. during waterfowl season.

(ix) Hunters may not enter the refuge until 4 a.m., with the exception of designated parking areas.

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, and furbearers (as governed by State law) on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (g)(1)(iv) through (vii) of this section apply.

(ii) We allow hunting during State seasons for quail, squirrel, rabbit, and furbearers (as governed by State law) through January 31. State regulations governing appropriate zones apply.

(iii) We do not open for the spring squirrel hunting season or the summer/fall raccoon hunting season.

(iv) When upland game hunting, we prohibit possession of lead ammunition except that you may possess rimfire rifle lead ammunition no larger than .22 caliber.

(v) We allow the use of dogs for squirrel and rabbit hunting from December 1 through January 31, and for quail and raccoon/opossum hunting during the open season on the refuge for these species.

(vi) We allow nighttime raccoon and opossum hunting.

(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, feral hog, and turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (g)(1)(iv) through (vii) of this section apply.

(ii) We allow muzzleloader deer hunting during the first State muzzleloader season for this zone. State regulations governing appropriate zones apply.

(iii) We prohibit buckshot for gun deer hunting.

(iv) The bag limit for the muzzleloader deer hunt is two deer, with no more than one buck.

(v) You may only use portable deer stands erected no earlier than the opening day of archery season, and you must remove them no later than January 31 each year (see § 27.93 of this chapter). The limit is one deer stand, blind, etc., per person.

(vi) We prohibit the use of deer decoy(s).

(vii) We restrict quota hunt participants on these hunts to those selected for a quota permit (electronic form), except that one nonhunting adult age 21 or older and possessing a valid hunting license must accompany a youth hunter age 15 or younger.

(viii) The incidental taking of feral hogs will be governed by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations concerning the taking of feral hogs on State Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Subject to State regulations, we allow incidental take of feral hogs on State WMAs during daytime refuge hunts (without the use of dogs) with legal hunting equipment and ammunition allowed for that hunt. There is no bag limit. We prohibit transport or possession of live hogs.

(4) [Reserved]

(h) Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge - (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck, coot, and goose on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We close migratory game bird hunting during scheduled quota refuge gun deer hunts.

(ii) Hunting ends at 12 p.m. (noon) each day.

(iii) We allow only portable blinds. You must remove portable blinds, boats, and decoys from the hunt area by 1:30 p.m. each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

(iv) You must possess and carry a refuge public use regulations brochure/access permit (signed brochure) while hunting.

(v) We allow only all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)/utility-type vehicles (UTVs) for hunting and fishing activities.

(vi) You may use horses and mules only on roads and ATV/UTV trails (when open to motor vehicle and ATV/UTV traffic, respectively) as a mode of transportation for on-refuge hunting and fishing activities, except during refuge muzzleloader and quota deer hunts.

(vii) We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 meters) of roads and trails open to motor vehicle use (including ATV/UTV trails).

(viii) You may take beaver, nutria, and coyote during any daytime refuge hunt with weapons and ammunition allowed for that hunt. We prohibit the use of dogs to take these species. There is no bag limit.

(ix) We allow the use of dogs when waterfowl hunting.

(x) We authorize the use of tree stands, game cameras, and boats while hunting and fishing on the refuge. The owner's Arkansas Game and Fish customer identification number must be affixed to, or clearly written on, them in a conspicuous manner.

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, and furbearers (as governed by State law) on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We allow hunting on the refuge during State seasons for this zone for squirrel, rabbit, and furbearers through January 31. We list specific hunting season dates annually in the refuge hunt brochure. We close upland game hunting during refuge quota deer hunts.

(ii) We do not open to spring squirrel hunting season, or summer/early fall raccoon hunting season.

(iii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (h)(1)(iv) through (viii) of this section apply.

(iv) We allow the use of dogs when squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, and opossum hunting from the opening of hunting season through January 31.

(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, feral hog, and turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We allow archery deer hunting on the refuge from the opening of the State season through January 31. State regulations governing appropriate zones apply.

(ii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (h)(1)(iv) through (viii) of this section apply.

(iii) We close archery deer hunting during the quota gun deer hunts.

(iv) We allow muzzleloader deer hunting for the first 5 days of the early State muzzleloader season for this deer management zone. The bag limit for the refuge muzzleloader hunt is two deer, with no more than one buck.

(v) We prohibit buckshot for gun deer hunting.

(vi) We restrict hunt participants for quota hunts to those drawn for a quota permit. These permits are nontransferable, and permit fees are nonrefundable.

(vii) The quota gun deer hunt bag limit is two deer, with no more than one buck (one buck and one doe). Exception: Youth hunters participating in the refuge youth deer hunt and hunters participating in the refuge mobility-impaired hunt may harvest the legal State bag limit without antler restrictions.

(viii) We do not open for fall archery turkey season.

(ix) We close spring archery turkey hunting during scheduled turkey quota permit gun hunts.

(x) You may use only portable deer stands erected no sooner than 2 days before the opening of the State deer season, and you must remove them no later than January 31 each year (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

(xi) We prohibit the use of deer decoy(s).

(xii) We restrict hunt participants during quota hunts to those selected for a quota permit, except that one nonhunting adult age 21 or older and possessing a valid hunting license must accompany a youth hunter.

(xiii) We allow tree stands, ground blinds, boats, or game cameras on the refuge only if the owner's Arkansas Game and Fish customer identification number is affixed to, or clearly written on, them in a conspicuous location.

(xiv) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a “deer drive” as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.

(xv) We prohibit all public use, except fishing and access for fishing, during quota hunts.

(xvi) We allow the taking of feral hogs on the refuge only during the muzzleloader and modern gun quota permit deer hunts and with weapons and ammunition allowed for that hunt. There is no bag limit. You may not transport or possess live hogs.

(4) Sport fishing. We allow fishing, frogging, and the taking of crawfish on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) You must reset trotlines when exposed by receding water levels.

(ii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (h)(1)(iv) through (viii) and (x) of this section apply.

(iii) We prohibit taking or possessing turtles or mollusks (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

(i) Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge - (1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of snow goose on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We require refuge hunting permits. The permits (found on the front cover of the annual hunt brochure/permit - signature required) are nontransferable, and anyone on refuge land in possession of hunting equipment must sign and carry them at all times.

(ii) Hunters may only hunt during designated days and times.

(iii) Hunters may enter the refuge at 4 a.m. and must leave the refuge by 1 hour after legal sunset.

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, nutria, beaver, coyote, feral hog, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (i)(1)(i) through (iii) of this section apply.

(ii) You may use only shotguns and rifles chambered for rimfire cartridges when hunting.

(iii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.

(iv) You may take nutria, beaver, and coyote during any refuge hunt with those weapons legal during those hunts, subject to applicable State seasons and regulations.

(v) You may take feral hog only during the refuge quota gun deer hunt and as governed by State Wildlife Management Area (WMA) regulations.

(vi) We limit nighttime hunting to raccoon/opossum hunting.

(vii) We close all other hunts during the quota gun deer hunt. We allow only quota gun deer hunt permit (fee/signature required) holders to enter the refuge during this hunt and only for deer hunting.

(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (i)(1)(i) through (iii) and (i)(2)(iv) through (vii) of this section apply.

(ii) We prohibit hunting from mowed and/or graveled road rights-of-way.

(iii) We allow only portable deer stands. You may erect stands 7 days prior to the refuge deer season and must remove them from the waterfowl sanctuaries by December 1. You must remove all stands on the remainder of the refuge within 7 days of the closure of archery season (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

(iv) We prohibit the possession or use of buckshot for hunting on all refuge lands.

(v) We allow tree stands, ground blinds, and game cameras on the refuge only if the owner's Arkansas Game and Fish customer identification number is clearly written on them in a conspicuous location.

(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We allow fishing from March 1 through October 31 from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise to 1/2 hour after legal sunset.

(ii) We prohibit the possession or use of yo-yos, jugs, or other floating containers; drops or limb lines; trotlines; and commercial fishing tackle.

(iii) We allow bank fishing.

(iv) We prohibit the take or possession of frogs, mollusks, and/or turtles (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

(v) Anglers may launch boats only in designated areas.

(vi) Anglers must remove all boats from the refuge at the end of each day's fishing activity (see § 27.93 of this chapter). We prohibit airboats, personal watercraft, and hovercraft.

[84 FR 47675, Sept. 10, 2019, as amended at 85 FR 54105, Aug. 31, 2020]