Public land · Arkansas
Bayou DeView, Cache River National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas. Photo: USFWSCache River National Wildlife Refuge
National wildlife refuge · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- State
- Arkansas
- Type
- National wildlife refuge
- Managed by
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Size
- See official page
- Official page
- Agency page
A federal refuge set up in 1986 to protect bottomland hardwoods for wintering waterfowl. USFWS describes it as lying in the most important mallard wintering area in North America. Waterfowl hunting is allowed during the state season, mornings only.
Spot guideCache RiverTips, access, rules and live water levelsWaterfowl rules
- Waterfowl hunting is allowed during the Arkansas state season, until noon.Source: USFWS Cache River NWR hunting · Last checked Oct 22, 2026
- You need a signed free refuge permit (printed on the hunt brochure). Non-toxic shot only.Source: Cache River NWR 2026 hunt brochure (PDF) · Last checked Oct 22, 2026
- No entry before 4 a.m., no boats from midnight to 4 a.m., no afternoon scouting, and all gear out by 1 p.m.Source: Cache River NWR 2026 hunt brochure (PDF) · Last checked Oct 22, 2026
- Parties must stay 100 yards apart. The first party to reach a spot gets it.Source: Cache River NWR 2026 hunt brochure (PDF) · Last checked Oct 22, 2026
- Waterfowl sanctuaries are closed Nov 15–Feb 28.Source: Cache River NWR 2026 hunt brochure (PDF) · Last checked Oct 22, 2026
- New waterfowl draw hunt areas are closed to everyone else on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and opening days. Applications open Monday at noon and close Tuesday at noon (Central) during hunt weeks, through RecAccess.Source: USFWS 2026-27 Central Arkansas refuges hunting information · Last checked Oct 22, 2026
Access and ramps
- Motorized boats may launch only from the two designated ramps on the west side of the Howell Unit. Only non-motorized boats are allowed on the Dixie Farm Unit.Source: Cache River NWR 2026 hunt brochure (PDF) · Last checked Oct 22, 2026
- Many walk-in and boat access points cross private land. Get landowner permission first.Source: Cache River NWR 2026 hunt brochure (PDF) · Last checked Oct 22, 2026
Not confirmed yet
- The fee for the waterfowl draw-area permit is not clearly stated by USFWS.
- USFWS sources disagree on the quota deer hunt closure dates (Nov 8–16 vs. Nov 14–22) and on the youth waterfowl application window (Oct 1–30 vs. Nov 1–30). USFWS says an updated brochure may be released in October or November 2026. Check with the refuge before you go.
See something wrong or out of date? Report a correction.
Before you go
Check the rules and the water
Confirm this season’s rules on our state law pages or the agency’s own site, check draw and permit deadlines, and look at today’s river levels on the migration map. Areas can close or flood on short notice.