Arkansas Drought Hits Fourteen Months Amid Duck Decline

The state faces persistent dry conditions as national waterfowl populations show significant declines in mallard numbers.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Current Conditions

Cracked, parched mud flats of a dried wetland under hazy, late afternoon sun in Arkansas. — Arkansas enters its fourteenth month of drought, compounding challenges for North American mallard populations as wetland habitats dry up across the region. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Are local outdoor recreation opportunities in your area getting worse due to prolonged drought?

Arkansas has entered its fourteenth consecutive month of drought, a period of sustained dryness that coincides with challenging trends in North American waterfowl populations. New data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shows a sharp drop in key duck species.

Why it matters

Low winter precipitation in Arkansas and diminished temporary wetland habitats in the Prairie Pothole Region threaten annual duck production and local hunting conditions. These environmental factors are critical to sustaining the waterfowl migration corridors that rely on these regions.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported a May pond count of 4.8 million in the Prairie Pothole Region, which is 9% below the long-term average. Meanwhile, the mallard population has declined 11% since 2025.

The players

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

This federal agency is responsible for the management and conservation of fish, wildlife, and natural habitats across the United States.

The details

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducts an annual survey of temporary wetland habitat conditions in the Prairie Pothole Region to track duck production. While mallards and pintails are struggling, shoveler numbers have bucked the trend, rising 19% from last year and currently standing 24% above their long-term average.

1993 marked the lowest previous spring count for mallards.
2004 recorded the lowest previous pond count in the region.
2025 saw the lowest pond count since 2004.
2026 has been marked by ongoing drought conditions in Arkansas.
October 2026 represents the fourteenth month of consecutive drought in Arkansas.

Hunting
Oct. 23
Arkansas Volunteers Maintain Wildlife Areas
Agriculture
Oct. 21
Arkansas Rice Acreage Falls in 2026
Current Conditions
Oct. 16
Cold Front Brings Fire Risks to Arkansas

Seasonal Patterns

The current mallard spring count represents a significant decline, reaching levels not observed since the 1993 benchmark. This shift mirrors broader challenges in maintaining wetland habitats compared to long-term historical averages.

Residents and hunters should monitor state-issued water and wildlife advisories for potential restrictions due to the prolonged drought. Staying informed through official resources helps ensure compliance with safety and conservation measures during dry conditions.

The takeaway

The sustained drought underscores the dependency of migratory birds on stable wetland habitats across North America. Conservation efforts in prairie regions remain vital to reversing population declines in mallards and pintails.