Fellas,
Spring squirrel hunting opens May 10th-June 8th statewide. I was wondering if anyone may be interested in getting a hunt (maybe some fishing) together in either the White River Wildlife Refuge, Wattensaw Wildlife Mgmt Area, or Gulf Mountain Wildlife Mgmt Area (open to other suggestions). I have been in the Refuge on several occasions and is very scenic. There are lots of cypress lined oxbow lakes and many campgrounds. I've not been in Wattensaw or Gulf Mountain, but have heard many good things about both. This time of year is very pleasant to camp/hunt before things start to heat up and the skeeters get too bad.
Bob
Sounds good Bob. I've been to Gulf Mountain WMA and Wattensaw, but not The White River Refuge. I'm up for any of those.
Lin
Sounds great let me know the ends and outs.
Sounds good to me also. The White river may not be down by then as high is it is now, so maybe some of the "higher" ground areas might be a better place, let me know.
BOB
Hey guys,
I'm open to some suggestions. I do know that the WR Refuge holds plenty of squirrels, and it has plenty of space and offers some good fishing. I do have a canoe I can load up.
Anyone have any experiences they can share about Wattensaw and Gulf Mountain regarding squirrel hunting?
I would think that the earlier the better. Early-mid May is mighty fine camping weather.
There is a traditional only shoot in Pine Bluff on May 10 & 11th that is always lots of fun. I'm not sure who plans to attend to the shoot, but I can take or leave it.
Bob
Ordered some Flu Flu's today.
Lin
I could probably be talked into this one too.
I haven't ever hunted here, but have heard good things about it. Could also be some good recon for future whitetail or hog pursuits?
Barry
Back in the 80's I hunted Gulf Mountain for deer for several years running. That was in the Fall and there seemed to be lots of squirrels. I dont know what their Spring habits are like.
I've also hunted for deer in Wattensaw. So where ever we go, it will be a learning experience for me.
Lin
I have some land pretty close to Gulf Mtn. This year there were a lot of squirrels. I've never squirrel hunted at Gulf but the land is the same as mine. Pretty steep in some places and not so bad in others. Overall there should be plenty of rats I would think.
The more I hear about Gulf Mountain, the more I like the area. What do you guys think of that opening weekend(9-11th)?
Barry, we're talking you into it...especially if you've never hunted Arkansas, this would be a good opportunity to get to know some of the country. That particular part of Arkansas is very scenic.
Bob
Bob,
9th - 11th sounds like a good week-end for me and a good time to chase some tree rats.
I will look forward to meeting you and the other gentlemen. If we are doing some fishing, I can bring my boat, if needed?
That weekend sounds good to me also. Let me know of any more details.
Fellas,
Alright then, lets make it that opening weekend (9th-11th) at Gulf Mountain Wildlife Management Area. There are 6 primitive campsites, one is adjacent to a small pond, located by Andrew and Stefoder Rd. (most southwestern campsite if using the Arkansas Fish and Game map from their website). You can also see the location from Google Earth. I'm open to other suggestions, the pond just looked enticing.
Barry, I don't know how big/deep the S. Fork of the Little Red River is, or where a launch ramp is located, but we could check.
I may try to head up that way within the next few weeks and do some looking around.
Bob
Hey fellas, the south fork of the little red is not big enough for a boat. It is more of a wade and fish river, more like a big creek. There are some smallmouth bass, rockbass, and goggle eye in there, not very big but still a lot of fun when you can get into them. I'll try to get over that way in the next few weeks and check out the area for some tree rats.
BOB
This Texan would love to join you guys huntin them tree rats in the hills of Ark, but that is Mothers Day weekend and I will have to take a raincheck. Better check your calendar. Would hate to see any of you guys in hot water with the ladies in yourlife. Good luck. :banghead:
Uh Oh, I forgot all about Mother's Day....thanks for the reminder Bill. We could always bump the date to the following weekend. What do the rest of you think?
Bob
I probably can go either weekend, and will do my best. Picked up Flu Flu's and Thermacell yesterday. This sounds like alot of fun.
Reckon Curtis can come? He might get lost in these hills.
Lin
If it were bumped to the following weekend I could likely come, too. Been talking to cousin ArkyBob and hated that I couldn't come.
I can make it that weekend also. Probably would be better for almost all of us anyway. Looking forward to getting togather, this sounds like it could be a lot of fun.
BOB
Okay then, lets make it the 16-18th.
Bob
Sounds good, I'm in!!!!!
I look forward to meeting you fellas. Post any updates as they develop.
Bob
I'll do my best to be there.
ttt
I am o.k. for either one. If bumping it until the following week-end means we can get a few others in who could't attend otherwise, maybe that's the deal?
Buck
Hey Buck
The date was changed to the next weekend because of Mothers Day. Look back up the thread. Hope you can make it that weekend. Looking forward to getting togather with everyone.
BOB
Bob,
Thanks pal. I had just caught the updates and was editing my post. I am also looking forward to getting together with everyone.
Barry
What fletching and heads are you guys going to bring for these squirrels?
Lin
I got a couple of flu-flu arrows this weekend. I'm going to use judo points and another similar head called a devastater. The devastater isn't quite as durable but they have replacement "prongs". I got them at Archer's Advantage in LR.
BOB
Fellas,
Mustering up the interest again. I hope to get up to Gulf Mountain this weekend and scout out the area & campsites. We did bump the dates to the weekend after Mother's Day (16th-18th).
On another note, If I'm not mistaken, Pine Bluff Bowhunters is hosting a traditional only shoot Saturday. This is usually a pretty good shoot.
Bob
Bump to the top......just another week away.
Hey Starkman, I'm still planning on being there next weekend. Let me know where you find a place to camp. Hopefully all of the others will still be able to attend. I probably will have my 9 year old son with me also.... He shoots a longbow!! PowDuck is hopefully going to be there also. I'll contact him tomorrow and find out for sure. I look forward to seeing everyone there.
BOB
Bob, hopefully the weather will simmer down by then. When there aren't any tornadoes or rain, the weather has been perfect for camping. I'm looking forward to it as well.
Bob
TTT
One week away, who else is coming? I'm sure it will be a great time. Hope to see several people there. See ya
BOB
TTT
Should be a perfect weekend for a hunt.
Bob
Hey Starkman, did you ever get out to Gulf Mtn to check out the area for a camp site? I'm planning to be there by 5:00 or so on Friday what are everone else's plans? Should be great weather based on the forcast. PowDuck is not going to make it this weekend, I talked to him on Sat. I'm pretty sure that my son will be with me so that will be lot's of fun also. Looking forward to seeing you guys there. BOB
Hi Bob,
No, I never made it out there. I ended up spending the weekend visiting the Mother In-Law. The weather should be perfect for once. It seems as if we've had rain every weekend. I've heard many good things about the area and I don't think there is a bad spot in the area. I'm going to pull the map up again and look up what may be good spots. There is a campsite by a small pond on the southwestern most part of the WMA. I too intend to get out there early afternoon Friday, but not sure exactly what time....most likely before 5:00. I don't know who else still plans on going, but this is nice time of year to get out in the woods, and a good excuse to do a little shooting.
Bob
You guys have a great time. I hate that I can't make it. Diesel prices are just too high right now and I've had to make other "have to" trips and just can't do it this weekend. Oh well, looks like yard work again.
Boy's I luv shootin and frying bushytails about as well as anything.If I wasn't trying to put my time in and get ready for bear quest II I would have to invite myself.I'm a little disapointed I can't get in on that.My mouth is watering.squirrles,biscuits an gravey fried tators.Holy smokes :banghead: Ya'll have fun :campfire:
Maybe next time Hill Boy.
Bob and whoever still plans on going, there are six campgrounds on the WMA, the one I hope to set camp at is located by Andrew and Stefoder Rd.
This may change upon arrival. So if you see a Metallic Khaki '08 Ram 4 door, 4x4 it'll most likely be me.
Bob
Well how did it go? Inquirng minds want to know.
Yes inquiring minds do want to know.Did ya'll see any hogs, or snakes while chasing bushy tales. :campfire: