Annual winter floods create hundreds of thousands of acres of flooded forested wetland. Duck hunters call this flooded timber. And, this environment is a magnet for ducks. There’s a fresh supply of acorn and aquatic life that fill their bellies. You’ll most likely find flooded timber in Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee and Missouri. Flooded Timber Arkansas is a big attraction for hunters. The ducks are so plentiful that they drop down through the trees and land on your boots. Hunting in flooded timber is a special art. Hunters manuever the wet lands trying to find out where most of the ducks are. They want to be ready for the next morning’s hunt. Hunters either wade or use a boat to get around. The best boat for hunting in flooded timber is a johnboat with a semi-vee bow. Hunters need a boat that is stable and safe. Hunters have to be careful when wading. There are plenty of stump holes and thick stands of hardwoods invisible beneath the water. Experts say it’s important to pay attention to the weather. The best day for duck hunting in flooded timber is sunny and cold.
Ducks prefer landing in flooded timber in gaps in the treetops. Hunters hide next to large trees. When ducks are circling, hunters need to stay in the shadows and keep still. Never face the sun, because the ducks will see you. The mallard is the target of choice, followed by the wood duck. One old hunter said, “mallard hunting in timber is largely responsible for the development of the duck call.” Mallards need audio cues from the other ducks to find out where they’re feeding. The duck call imitates these cues. Decoys are helpful when you’re hunting Flooded Timber Arkansas. Hunters like decoys that have movement. Veterans say it’s the water movement that persuades circling ducks to land. If you want to try this, you’ll need some special gear. Most timber hunters wear waders made with tough outer material. A backpack or shoulder bag is handy for carrying shells, food, hand warmers and the GPS. It’s highly recommended to have a face mask, wading staff and shotgun sling. People have been hunting in flooded timber for hundreds of years. Outdoors adventure lovers should give this ancient ritual a try.