River Flooding Hampers Duck Hunting Access

The Ohio River at Cairo is expected to crest near 42 feet and remain near that level for several days. 

Biologists are closely monitoring conditions for this weekend's hunts at the Ballard Wildlife Management Area. Ballard hunts will be subject to cancellation if high water blocks safe access to the area. 

The rising Mississippi River levels could possibly affect hunter access at the Doug Travis Wildlife Management Area for the start of the second split of duck season. 

Flooding has reportedly already cut off vehicle access to blind sites 16 and 17 at Doug Travis. Water also crossed Fish Lake Road and the gravel road leading to the Indian Camp Slough Boat Ramp. This will impact vehicle access to blind sites 5-9 and 11-14, including the disabled access blind 13. The boat ramp is used to access blind sites 3, 4, and 10.

Hunters should call the Ballard Wildlife Management Area's information line at 270-224-2244 for the latest updates before leaving for their hunt. You can also find current information online at the link below. 

At the Doug Travis WMA, blind owners' rights and procedures for designated blind sites is remaining unchanged during the high water, including for hunters using boats to access sites that are normally reached by walking and wading.

Waterfowl hunters must hunt within 10 yards of the designated blind site, even during high water. Walk-in hunting units are remaining open to walk-in/boat-in hunting as appropriate, and closed rest area boundaries will remain in effect during the high water.

Hunters should use extra caution when wading or boating during high water, and always check water depths before driving a vehicle or launching boats where water covers the roads.