- Anthony Wright, Coastal TV Group
- Aug 18, 2026 Updated 3 hrs ago
- Trumann mayor opposes proposed duck hunting lottery at St. Francis Sunken Lands | Local & State News | kjnbtv.com
Some local elected officials are speaking out against a proposed change to duck hunting access at a popular spot in Northeast Arkansas.
Trumann Mayor Jay Paul Woods is opposing a proposed lottery system for duck hunting at the St. Francis Sunken Lands Wildlife Management Area in Northeast Arkansas.
Woods says he has been speaking with state lawmakers about his concerns, and several legislators and senators he contacted share similar concerns.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is considering the proposal for about 1,000 acres of the 30,000-acre wildlife management area.
The proposed St. Francis River Permit Unit would cover the lower portion of the WMA and stretch nearly five miles along St. Francis Lake.
Game and Fish Commissioner Philip Tappan told Woods the proposal is intended to reduce crowding and conflicts among hunters while improving the hunting experience.
If approved, hunters would apply for specific days through a draw. Selected hunters would then be assigned a marked hunting location.
Each permit holder could bring up to three guests, but the group would have to remain on public land within 150 yards of its designated location.
The commission says it continues to receive concerns from hunters about crowding and hunting pressure on wildlife management areas during waterfowl season.
The commission is accepting public comments on the proposal for 30 days.
Commissioners are expected to consider and vote on the regulation change during their August 19 and 20 meetings in Little Rock.