Public Lands and Outdoor Traditions
Hunting and fishing are deeply rooted traditions in Lafayette County, woven into the county’s rural identity and land stewardship practices. Generations of residents have relied on outdoor recreation not only for enjoyment, but also for wildlife management, food sourcing, and maintaining a connection to the land.
Lafayette County’s location within the Red River basin and the Southwest Arkansas timber belt creates a diverse range of habitats and water systems that support both game species and fisheries throughout the year. Public opportunities are anchored by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) managed lands and lakes, while private timber and agricultural holdings provide additional access through lease arrangements or landowner permission.
Lafayette County’s outdoor landscape includes pine plantations, mixed hardwood forests, bottomland timber, agricultural fields, wetland corridors, and reservoir shorelines. These land types support different game species and fisheries and influence seasonal movement patterns and habitat use.
Pine and mixed hardwood stands provide cover and forage for white-tailed deer and wild turkey, while bottomland areas near bayous and creeks support small game and seasonal migratory birds. Agricultural acreage contributes supplemental food sources that can influence wildlife patterns in fall and winter.
Water resources—including reservoirs, smaller lakes, and flowing bayous—support fishing opportunities and provide important habitat for aquatic species across the county.
The Lafayette County Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is the primary public hunting land within the county. Managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the WMA includes forested acreage and bottomland habitat designed to support sustainable hunting and wildlife conservation.
The area is managed through controlled access, habitat improvement, and species monitoring. Hunting is allowed during designated seasons, with regulations varying by species, weapon type, and time of year. Some hunts may require additional permits or participation in managed hunt programs.
Official maps, access points, season dates, and WMA-specific rules: agfc.com/wma/lafayette-county-wma
In addition to the Lafayette County WMA, hunters may access other AGFC-managed WMAs in surrounding counties within a reasonable driving distance. These areas expand public land opportunities and provide access to additional habitat types not found within Lafayette County alone.
Statewide directory of Wildlife Management Areas: agfc.com
Lafayette County supports a broad range of game species common to Southwest Arkansas. White-tailed deer remain the primary focus for many hunters, supported by extensive forested habitat and seasonal agricultural food sources.
Wild turkey populations are present throughout suitable habitat, with spring seasons drawing hunters to mixed hardwood and bottomland areas. Small game species such as squirrel and rabbit provide additional opportunities through fall and winter.
Seasonal migratory birds, including waterfowl, may be pursued in appropriate wetland and bottomland areas when conditions allow. Availability can vary based on rainfall, water levels, and annual migration patterns.
Hunting seasons and legal methods are established annually by AGFC. Approved methods may include archery equipment, modern firearms, muzzleloaders, and shotguns, depending on species and season.
Wildlife Management Areas often impose additional restrictions on weapon types, access dates, or hunting hours beyond statewide rules. WMA-specific regulations always supersede general regulations when hunting on public lands.
Fishing in Lafayette County is centered around reservoirs and managed lakes, along with bayous and creeks that provide seasonal opportunities depending on water levels and conditions. Public fishing access is supported through AGFC-managed resources and public lakes where applicable.
For anglers, the most important planning factors are access points, bank versus boat opportunities, seasonal lake levels, and current regulations. For lake-specific updates, AGFC resources provide the most reliable official information.
Lake Erling is one of Lafayette County’s most prominent fishing and outdoor recreation assets near the Louisiana state line. It is closely connected to the Lafayette County WMA and is managed and monitored by state agencies, including invasive species response efforts.
WMA information: agfc.com/wma/lafayette-county-wma
Lake June is a long-standing fishing and recreation destination near Stamps. AGFC has documented restoration and revitalization work aimed at improving the lake’s fisheries and long-term public value.
Lake June updates: agfc.com/news/lake-june-revitalized-and-ready-for-rain Official lake map (PDF): agfc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/lakejune.pdf
Bayou Dorcheat (near Buckner) and Bodcau Creek (near Stamps) are monitored by USGS stations, providing publicly available stream data that can be useful for understanding seasonal conditions in the broader watershed.
Bayou Dorcheat (USGS): waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/07348600 Bodcau Creek (USGS): waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/07349430
Public hunting and fishing access in Lafayette County is primarily provided through AGFC-managed lands and lakes. Outside of WMAs and public access points, outdoor recreation occurs largely on private property through lease agreements or direct landowner permission.
Timber companies, agricultural landowners, and individual property owners play a significant role in outdoor access across the county. Respect for property boundaries, posted signage, and access agreements is essential to maintaining long-term opportunities.
All hunters and anglers must comply with Arkansas regulations, including licensing requirements, season dates, bag limits, method restrictions, and any WMA-specific rules. Certain hunts require additional permits or participation in managed hunt programs.
Safety remains a top priority. Wear blaze orange during modern firearm seasons, identify targets clearly, and remain aware of other land users. For boating and fishing, practice safe water use and pay attention to changing conditions.
Official regulations and annual guides: agfc.com/regulations
