The ebbs and flows of the mid-continent mallard population run hand in hand with our success afield: more ducks, better hunting and vice versa. That is no revelation, but with the breeding population trending in the wrong direction and a series of dry springs impacting duck production, the waterfowling community is buzzing wondering when duck hunting will get “good” again. Even some of the name-brand, historic clubs are feeling the pain.
One of the theories floating around is that duck hunting in Arkansas is over. Good hunting, as we once knew it, has passed the state by. I’ve even read chatter about Missouri and/or Kansas being the new duck capital of the world. Both places have excellent duck hunting currently and in the past.
Has a string of warmer, drier winters up and down the flyway contributed to mallards stopping short of the Deep South? Of course. Has the social media highlight reel from outfitters and primetime landowners in those states skewed reality? Indeed. But to label duck season in Arkansas as a “has been”… Not so fast.
Arkansas still has quality hunting that will bounce back when the mallard population upticks, provided we take care of our habitat and pressure management. Let’s judge whether Arkansas can retain the title when the ducks get right again and go from there.
In the meantime, we will keep publishing Greenhead, showcasing the past, present and future of Arkansas duck hunting. The 2025 edition marks the 16th effort, and it seems each one tops the previous in terms of quality of content, imagery and interesting stories. This year is no different.
Assistant Editor Caitlan Butler is getting a decent grasp on this whole duck hunting game and has contributed some great articles this year. She digs into the background of waterfowl biologist Ryan Askren and what led him to the Five Oaks Ag Research Center. Caitlan also profiles fanatical waterfowler Jerrad Hicks, G&H Decoys’ move to Arkansas and details a few grassroots movements to improve duck hunting. She also led the charge on the Conservation Champions special section sponsored by Ducks Unlimited. Finally, a piece on the new and first-class Darby’s Ranger lodge near Biscoe, built to introduce and accommodate veterans on their duck hunting adventures, will inspire.
Past contributor John Gordon is back in the fold for 2025 with the history and popularity of the golden retriever. Desha County rice farmer Jason Smith showcases his talent with a conservation-themed carton that rivals Ding Darling’s efforts from the 1930s.
My contributions include breaking down why we haven’t seen big pushes of mallards after the epic January cold fronts the past couple of seasons. I also dug into some Grand Prairie history with an homage to Otis McCollum’s Big Ditch Bottoms. My final feature, and perhaps my favorite, reflects on a book published in 1965 titled “Waterfowl Tomorrow” and compares the issues that faced ducks and duck hunting then to modern times.
Our photo essay assembles some incredible photography of hybrid and banded ducks. Both are considered trophies, but which one is more valued? Personal preference for sure.
As always, thanks to our advertisers for supporting the magazine and the incredible team that put this edition together.
Don’t go writing Arkansas duck hunting off just yet and best of luck this upcoming season,
Best of luck this season and find some positives in the sport besides the harvest.
Brent Birch
Editor
