Deer Stand/Ground Blind Public Notice

Effective March 1 Arkabutla Lake, Sardis Lake, Enid Lake, and Grenada Lake will no longer allow deer stands to be left overnight on Government Property.

Past practices associated with the Deer Stand Policy led many users to the mistaken conclusion that a given area of public property was reserved by the deer stand owners.  This was never the intent of the deer stand policy.

Multiple past instances of conflicts between deer stand owners and/or other project users did result in a number of serious incidents.  In many instances, policy abuse also resulted in frequent damage to Government Property. This new policy is being instituted to provide an equal opportunity to all project users and to also provide a safer environment for the visiting public.   

Portable hunting stands, climbing devices, steps, or blinds that are not nailed or screwed into trees may be used.  These portable hunting stands, climbing devices, steps, or blinds must be occupied at all times. Fixed tower stands and shooting houses are prohibited. Stands or structures that are found in violation of this policy shall be considered an unauthorized structure and will be subject to summary removal or impoundment by project personnel.

New Duck Blind Policy – Effective March 1

Beginning March 1 new regulations will take effect regarding duck blinds on Arkabutla Lake, Sardis Lake, Enid Lake and Grenada Lake.  

Also effective Mach 1, duck blind permits will no longer be issued for project lands and waters.  Only temporary/portable blinds for waterfowl hunting will be permitted.  All blinds and associated equipment (decoys, camouflage, etc.) must be removed from project lands on a daily basis and may not remain on the project overnight.  Blinds that use nails, screws, or spikes to attach to trees are strictly prohibited.  Placement of duck blinds shall not be used as a means of reserving a favorite hunting location.

Past practices associated with the permitting of duck blinds led many users to the mistaken conclusion that a given area of the project was reserved for use only by the permit holder and guests.  This was never the intent of the duck blind permit program.  Multiple past instances of conflicts between permit holders and/or other project users resulted in a number of serious incidents.  This new policy is being instituted to provide an equal opportunity to all project users and to also provide a safer environment for the visiting public.

 Enid Lake High-Water

The staff at Enid Lake would like to remind all Enid Lake visitors to be extra cautious while visiting Enid Lake. With recent rains, the lake level has risen to 258.43 mean sea level, which is 21 feet high based on rule curve set by District Headquarters. Enid Lake staff would like to remind visitors that some secondary roadways around the lake may be inundated, and would like to remind all boaters to pay extra attention for submerged objects that may be hidden just beneath the surface of the water.

For more information on hunting regulations, day use waiver policies, or high water information please contact the Enid Lake Field Office at 662-563-4571 or visit http://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/Lakes/ms/enid/.