Bayou Meto Wildlife Management Area

• Overview
• Reservoirs
• Rivers
• Fishing
• Boat Ramps
• Explore

Bayou Meto Wildlife Management Area is a 33,832-acre public land located in the state of Arkansas, not Missouri. It is recognized as one of the most significant wintering areas for waterfowl in the Mississippi Flyway. The area is managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and offers a range of outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, bird watching, hiking, and wildlife photography.

Visitors to Bayou Meto Wildlife Management Area can explore the diverse habitats, which include bottomland hardwood forests, wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural fields. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobcat, and over 300 bird species, including bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and wood ducks.

Some specific points of interest to see at Bayou Meto Wildlife Management Area include the Halowell Observation Tower, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding wetlands and is an excellent spot for bird watching. The area also has several hiking trails, including the Delta View Trail, which leads visitors through a cypress-tupelo swamp.

One interesting fact about the area is that it was once used as a bombing range during World War II by the U.S. Army Air Corps. Many of the roads and trails in the area were originally built for military vehicles.

The best time of year to visit Bayou Meto Wildlife Management Area varies depending on your interests. The fall and winter months are popular for hunting and bird watching, while the spring and summer months are ideal for fishing and hiking. However, visitors should be aware that the area is prone to flooding during the winter and early spring months.