Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Wattensaw WMA.
Those of us who live in the Hot Springs area do not have to travel far to experience a totally different landscape than what we are accustomed to. In fact, we can drive less than two hours in practically any direction and notice a drastic change. Go due north and, at the drop of a hat, you are in the midst of the River Valley section of the state, and will eventually find yourself traversing the jagged substrate of the Ozark Plateaus if you continue in a northerly direction.
The West Gulf Coastal Plains await those of us who head out in a southern or southwestern direction, and the Mississippi Alluvial Plains await those of us who embark upon an expedition to the east.
Each section of the state sports its own personal characteristics deeming it interesting and worthy of exploration. I, personally, am most comfortable in the mountainous areas, and for good reason. A Ouachita Mountain native, I am accustomed to kicking around in a rocky and often somewhat rugged terrain.
Those from our section of the state are adept at using the ridgelines and waterways as reference points, rendering it relatively easy to keep one's bearings. And, we all too often take for granted an abundance of crystal-clear streams meandering through our neck of the woods.
But that's no indication other sections of the state fail to be worthy of investigation. In fact, I've always found the terrain of eastern Arkansas intriguing.
In all honesty, my excursions into the heart of the plains of eastern Arkansas always leaves me a little unnerved, as I find myself concerned that I might lose my sense of direction. Something as simple as returning to the truck might become an all-day ordeal.
Despite my insecurities, I still manage to enjoy each and every excursion to this particular section of the state, I simply carry along my trusty ol' GPS, and try to also have a compass on hand, in the event my high-tech gadgetry fails. And, with every journey, I grow more comfortable with navigating a forest where everything appears to look the same.
Eastern Arkansas is no different from the Ouachitas in the sense that there are specific locations that are more appealing to the outdoorsman than others. I, too, have happened upon destinations that continue to beckon my return.
I initially visited the Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA on a squirrel hunt with my friend, Taylor Bellott, several years ago. Arriving at the break day, it didn't take long to figure out this particular destination was bountiful with bushytails. And with time, I came to the conclusion that many other perks lurked in the wildlife management area, as well.
Sandy and I recently stopped by the Wattensaw WMA while on our way back home from a shoot in Mississippi. A couple of hours of daylight were still ahead of us as we neared the destination. That in mind, we took the Hazen/Highway 11 exit off Interstate 40. Within a few miles, we were making a right-hand turn onto a dirt road leading into the heart of the wildlife management area.
There are two roads, that I am aware of, on the north side of the interstate that lead into the WMA. The first road, about 1.5 miles north of I-40, is easily identified as a large sign is located at Highway 11's edge.
The other access road is located about 1.5 miles farther north and also turns right off Highway 11. But I am confident there are other access points also, as the designated area is situated on both sides of the interstate encompassing nearly 17,000 acres.
Around 270 acres of the designated property consist of beaver ponds. As one would suspect, these ponds provide a perfect habitat for an array of critters and plants to thrive. Reptiles and amphibians likely thrive in this particular environment, as do many mammals and water-loving birds.
Another 113 acres of the WMA consists of nine reservoirs and two oxbow lakes. As do the beaver ponds, these areas provide an optimal habitat for native plants and animals. As a result, furbearers are plentiful, lending to reputable raccoon hunting opportunities. However, photographers might also consider these as great locations with photo ops galore.
In the neighborhood of 96 acres of streams cut their way through the wildlife management area, lending to even more opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to experience their favorite activity to its fullest.
In fact, Wattensaw Bayou, Hurricane Creek, Miller Creek, Clark Creek, Barkley Branch and Bell Branch all meander through the designated area. That in mind, a designated water trail has been laid out, providing paddlers with an opportunity to get a very interesting perspective of the wildlife management area and its inhabitants.
Paddlers have two options, or can embark upon the entire journey during one excursion. The section from Robinwood Road to the Fire Tower Road lends to the longest excursion, consisting of about 4.3 miles of paddling. The route beginning at the North Road and ending at Robinwood Road is a little shorter jaunt, measuring in at about 3.5 miles.
Paddlers should expect very little flow during normal conditions, which in turn lends to more paddling. It is suggested one should expect to travel between one and two miles per hour, according to water levels and rate of paddling.
Lets not forget the 2,024 acres of fields and 14,419 acres of timberland awaiting those who visit the wildlife management area. The fields are managed on a rotational basis, via bush hogging, discing and planting. The timberland consists of primarily oak. The understory is fairly open, especially during the winter months, after the leaves have fallen from the trees.
Add a predominantly oak forest, fields and plenty of water and you have a recipe for hunting opportunities aplenty. All types of game are pursued on the Mike Freeze Wattensaw Wildlife Management area, including waterfowl. However, the area is most noted for producing large-bodied whitetails with impressive antlers.
Those considering Wattensaw as a potential deer hunting destination must be aware that specific regulations have been posted on the designated area. First and foremost, a permit must be acquired from the AGFC for modern gun and muzzleloader hunting. It should also be understood that the three-point rule is in effect. A legal buck must have a 12-inch inside spread or a 15-inch main beam.
One can rest assured, a lot of folks will be pursuing whitetails within the perimeters of the Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA in the weeks to come. But there are many other reasons to visit the area, as well. It matters not if one is obsessed with hunting or if they are most interested in simply getting out and enjoying nature at its finest. It matters not what one likes to do, Wattensaw has something to offer to all who enjoy time in the wonderful outdoors.
Local on 10/28/2016