Duck Hunting Near Jonesboro, AR – The Ultimate Waterfowl Experience

October 27, 2025

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Discover top-rated guided hunts, private blinds, and expert local guides with Bayou Bottoms Guide Service.

If you're searching for duck hunting near Jonesboro, Arkansas, you’re already in the right part of the country. Northeast Arkansas is legendary for its waterfowl opportunities, and Jonesboro serves as a hub for hunters looking to access the rich fields, flooded timber, and flyway zones just minutes away.

At Bayou Bottoms Guide Service, we offer fully guided duck hunts just outside of Jonesboro in Fisher, AR—right in the heart of mallard country. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or booking your first trip, here's why this area is one of the best places to chase greenheads, and what you can expect on your next hunt.

Why Jonesboro, AR Is a Hotspot for Duck Hunting

Jonesboro is located in Craighead County, just west of the St. Francis Sunken Lands and Cache River National Wildlife Refuge—prime real estate in the Mississippi Flyway. Each winter, hundreds of thousands of ducks migrate through this region, feeding in Arkansas’s flooded rice fields and resting in its flooded timber.

Key advantages of hunting near Jonesboro include:

  • Proximity to both public and private land hotspots

  • Access to diverse waterfowl habitat (fields, timber, sloughs)

  • Reliable migration activity from November to January

  • Rich hunting culture and local support for hunters

Whether you’re a local or coming in from out of state, Jonesboro provides easy access to some of the best duck hunting Arkansas has to offer.

Types of Duck Hunting Available Near Jonesboro

Flooded Timber Hunts

Flooded timber is the crown jewel of Arkansas duck hunting. Watching mallards drop through the trees is an experience every serious waterfowler should have.

At Bayou Bottoms, our timber hunts are conducted on private land with managed water levels and blind placement for optimal success.

Flooded Rice Fields and Sloughs

Rice fields and moist soil units attract large numbers of mallards, gadwalls, and pintails. These open setups are ideal for hunting groups and offer consistent shooting opportunities.

We scout daily to ensure you’re hunting where the birds are feeding.

Pit Blinds and A-Frames

Our pit and A-frame blinds are comfortable, concealed, and positioned in high-traffic flight zones. Whether you're after a traditional timber hunt or a more spacious field experience, we’ve got you covered.

When to Hunt Ducks Near Jonesboro

The best time for duck hunting near Jonesboro is typically:

  • Late November – Good for early-season birds and warm-weather hunts

  • Mid-December – Cooler weather begins to push new birds into the area

  • Late December through January – Peak of the migration, most consistent success

[For current season dates, visit AGFC – https://www.agfc.com/en/hunting/migratory-birds/waterfowl/]

At Bayou Bottoms, we recommend booking late December or early January for the highest duck concentrations and best cold-front activity.

What to Expect on a Guided Hunt with Bayou Bottoms

Expert Scouting

We scout every day during the season to monitor bird movement and feeding patterns. This ensures you’re always hunting where the birds are, not where they were yesterday.

Private Access

Unlike public land where competition is fierce, our hunts take place on exclusive private land, giving you a more relaxed and productive hunting experience.

All-Inclusive Packages

We provide:

  • Decoy spreads

  • Blinds

  • Calling

  • Transportation to and from the field

  • Lodging options for overnight or weekend trips

All you need to bring is your gear, license, and appetite for action.

Gear Tips for Hunting in Northeast Arkansas

If you’re planning a hunt near Jonesboro, be sure to pack appropriately for cold, wet, and unpredictable weather. Recommended gear includes:

  • Breathable waders with insulation

  • Waterproof jacket in appropriate camo pattern

  • Face mask or face paint for concealment

  • 12-gauge shotgun with No. 2 or No. 3 steel shot

  • Headlamp, dry bag, and extra socks/gloves

Need a full checklist? Visit our blog post: [Duck Hunting Gear Checklist – https://bayoubottoms.com/blog/duck-hunting-gear-checklist]

Local Lodging and Travel Info

Jonesboro offers a wide range of accommodations, including:

  • Hotels and motels

  • Hunting-friendly lodges

  • Local restaurants and outfitters

Bayou Bottoms also offers lodging packages as part of select hunt packages for groups and returning clients.

We are located about 30 minutes south of Jonesboro, in Fisher, AR—just far enough out to avoid crowds, but close enough for easy travel and supplies.

FAQs About Duck Hunting Near Jonesboro, AR

Is public land duck hunting available near Jonesboro?

Yes, public areas like Shirey Bay Rainey Brake WMA, St. Francis Sunken Lands, and parts of the Cache River NWR are popular with hunters. However, they often get crowded and require early arrival.

How do guided hunts compare to public land hunts?

Guided hunts offer:

  • Higher success rates

  • Less pressure

  • More comfortable blinds

  • Scouting done for you

If you're short on time or want to maximize your trip, a private guided hunt is the best way to go.

What species of ducks can I expect?

You can expect:

  • Mallards (dominant species)

  • Gadwall

  • Wigeon

  • Teal

  • Shovelers

  • Pintail, especially in fields

Can I bring a group?

Absolutely. We accommodate groups and offer multi-blind setups and custom packages for hunting buddies, families, and corporate outings.

Book Your Duck Hunt Near Jonesboro Today

When you book with Bayou Bottoms Guide Service, you’re not just getting a hunt—you’re getting a professionally guided experience backed by local knowledge, private land access, and the best duck habitat in Arkansas.

We're located just minutes from Jonesboro in Fisher, AR, and we offer:

  • Fully guided morning hunts

  • Timber and field options

  • Flexible packages for individuals and groups

  • Personalized service from experienced waterfowlers

Whether you're new to duck hunting or looking to upgrade your next trip, we’ll put you in the birds and handle the rest.

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