Damage at Jim Hinkle Spring River Hatchery was extensive. AGFC photo.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) is still assessing the damages caused by the recent storms and asks hunters and anglers to exercise additional caution when visiting turkey hunting sites or boat ramps this spring.
The AGFC’s Special Youth Turkey Hunt is this Saturday and Sunday while the regular statewide turkey season begins April 21.
AGFC Operations Division Chief Mike Cantrell says “We know there are still some roads underwater right now that will block access to some wildlife management areas, and we’re still receiving reports on county roads and roads within WMAs that have been washed out or otherwise compromised to vehicle traffic. All of our areas will remain open for turkey season and other access so that people can enjoy the outdoors and reengage with nature, but please be patient and observant as downed trees, washouts and other dangers may be present until our crews and various partner agencies have a chance to address them.”
Water levels still have not crested on some of Arkansas’s major rivers, and additional areas may experience flooding.
As a result of the storms, the Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery at Mammoth Spring will be temporarily closed as agency staff work to rebuild the road leading to the hatchery and assess the damage caused by the flood.
Cantrell says “The hatchery did flood, and we are still getting a bearing on the extent of the damage. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and patience as we work to make these areas safe again. Please stay safe and stay away from the Spring River State Fish Hatchery and Dam 3 Access to the Spring River area until further notice. We will provide updates on the situation as they become available.”
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