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.  

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