September 16, 2009 Edition

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Today's Topics

• Public meeting to focus on silver carp problem in Lake Chicot

• Arkansas wildlife officers assist Iowa with poaching cases

• AGFC making repairs to Bayou Meto WMA parking area

• Hunting accessories need to include ‘the book’

• Harrisburg team defends national championship

• Fall Family Fair scheduled for Jonesboro nature center

• AGFC night at I-30 Speedway is Sept. 26

• Boating education class schedule

• Hunter education class schedule  

• What’s open for hunting

• Coming up in the outdoors

Public meeting to focus on silver carp problem in Lake Chicot

LAKE VILLAGE – Problems with silver carp in Lake Chicot will be the focus of a public meeting in Lake Village later this month. Silver carp are one of four Asian carp species that have been introduced into the United States. Unlike the other three carp species, silver carp have a tendency to jump out of the water.

To address this problem, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has scheduled a public meeting on Sept. 24 to present the options for dealing with the carp problem. According to AGFC district fisheries supervisor Diana Andrews, one plan to deal with the problem is a silver carp kill. “Unfortunately, vibrations from boat motors seem to trigger the jumping and motoring through silver carp-infested waters can become dangerous when 20 pound fish are jumping out of the water and sometimes into the boat,” Andrews said.

Arkansas has been lucky in that the numbers of silver carp in the state’s waters, Andrews noted. “The numbers have not been high enough to create a real problem until the last few years. The numbers of silver carp in Lake Chicot have increased over the last few years and are now causing a problem,” she explained.

The AGFC has developed a management plan for silver carp in Lake Chicot that will be presented at the public meeting that will begin at 7 pm at the Chicot County Courthouse. All interested parties are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact the AGFC Southeast Regional Office toll-free at (877) 367-3559.

Arkansas wildlife officers assist Iowa with poaching cases

JEFFERSON, Iowa – What began from a chance encounter on a trespassing complaint two years ago has led to 18 people, from six states, pleading guilty to various poaching violations. Wildlife officers from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission helped uncover the poaching violations.

The investigation ended with guilty pleas for illegal taking or possession of whitetail deer, no valid deer tag, illegal use of a deer tag, illegal transportation of a deer and providing false information to a peace officer.

AGFC Chief of Enforcement Mike Knoedl said that Arkansas wildlife officers are constantly working with other states to uncover hunting and fishing violations. “We work closely with other states. We have a great working relationship with them since we have the same goals – to make sure people follow the rules and violators don’t take advantage of the resource,” Knoedl said.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources filed 48 state charges that included fines of $7,845 and $85,000 in liquidated damages for 12 illegally taken deer over a four year period in Greene County, Iowa.

Those charged include Daryl Thompson, 52, of Grand Junction, Iowa, Eric Poindexter, 32, Eufaula, Okla., David Miller, 42, of McAlester, Okla., Richard Densmore, 57, Wetumka, Okla., Marvin Autrey, 41, Wagoner, Okla., Anthony Bernhardt, 47, McAlester, Okla., Garrett Patterson, 27, McAlester, Okla., John Keys, 28, Stillwater, Okla., Andrew Oquist, 33, Knoxville, Ark., Randal Hurst, 43, Altus, Ark., Ricky Hurst, 48, Altus, Ark., Erick Hurst, 22, Altus, Ark., Steven Stubblefield, 43, Springfield, Tenn., Bryan Entrikin, 33, Ashland City, Tenn., Timmy Sanford, 29, Springfield, Tenn., Scott Keys, 38, Bossier City, La., Kenneth Gabriel, 59, Butler, Mo., and Tamara Kiner, 46, Grand Junction, Iowa.

The individuals forfeited 19 bows and accessories, 9 tree stands with ladders, 6 mounted deer heads, 5 skull capped deer racks, 1 ground blind, 1 rifle and 1 shotgun. The individuals are in the process of paying their fines and restitution.

The case arose during an unrelated poaching investigation in 2008 when Iowa DNR Conservation Officer Dan Pauley recalled a trespassing report where he had spoke with Daryl Thompson, of Grand Junction. Pauley received additional information from local residents about deer poaching and guiding activity in Greene County over the past few years that lead him back to Thompson.

In 2009, a nonresident who had pleaded guilty to poaching deer, provided information on other poaching activity that lead Pauley to other nonresidents who had similar experiences in Greene County.

This information and an analysis of license buying patterns sent Pauley and Iowa Conservation Officer Nathan Haupert to fellow game wardens in Oklahoma and Missouri.

The web started to build and would eventually include poachers in Iowa, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Louisiana and Tennessee.

“We interviewed a lot of people on the case and each interview would lead us to more individuals who were involved which would lead to more charges. Most of these interviews were done either over the phone with the suspects or by a game warden from the suspect’s home state. There were days when I would be on the phone for 10 or 12 hours,” said Pauley. “There are likely more deer out there than we know about, but we got them on what we could.”

Thompson likely met some of the individuals through business contacts he made while working out of state, and would line up the land and set up deer stands. Until 2007, many individuals would buy doe tags for use as a reason for them to be deer hunting in the woods while they waited for a trophy buck. The poached deer would not be tagged or reported. The Iowa DNR stopped selling nonresident archery doe tags in 2008.

Pauley said there is no evidence that Thompson profited financially from the arrangement.

Pauley, along with fellow officer Haupert, the Greene County Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lead the six month investigation. Officers from Oklahoma, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri and Iowa assisted in the case.

Iowans Charged with Illegal Pursuing of Bear in Arkansas

It seems like poaching turnabout is fair play.

Officials in Arkansas filed charges against Justin Thompson, 22, Grand Junction, Iowa, for hunting bear out of season and without a license. The Iowa officers assisted with that investigation. Scott Kiner, 48, from Grand Junction, Iowa, was charged with aiding and abetting hunting bear out of season. A juvenile from Iowa was issued a written warning.

AGFC making repairs to Bayou Meto WMA parking area 

HUMPHREY - The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will be making repairs to the vehicular bridge at the Harold Ives Temple Island parking area on the Bayou Wildlife Management Area beginning next week. The repairs are expected to take approximately two weeks to complete.

During this time, vehicles will not be allowed into the Harold Ives Temple parking area. Hunters and other user groups may only access this area by foot and are encouraged to use caution in the immediate vicinity of this bridge.

Hunting accessories need to include ‘the book’ 

LITTLE ROCK – A fun part of a hunting outing is the preparation, the getting together or items needed for the particular quest for wild game, big or small.

License, weapon, ammo or arrows, these are starters. Most hunters add many more essentials or desired accompaniments. Snacks, drinks, basic first aid needs, map – the list can be extensive.

A small but potentially important addition should be the 2009-2010 Hunting Guidebook of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. This is the rule book for hunting in condensed form. It also has things like forms for permission to hunt on private lake, forms for giving your game to someone else, deer tags and much more.

During deer and turkey season, don’t forget to use the AGFC’s new Telecheck system to check your game. The number is (877) 507-4263 and is toll-free. Call it from anywhere when you are ready to check your game. The new system replaces the check stations that were used for decades.

If you are an over-65 hunter or a younger-than-16 hunter, write this number down and keep it in your billfold. The number is in the AGFC’s Hunting Guidebook and is also on the game tags in the Guidebook. For others with wildlife conservation licenses or sportsmen’s licenses, the number also can be found on your hunting license tags.

Game-checking can be done two ways – the call to (877) 507-4263 or online at www.agfc.com. When you’ve finished checking your game, you’ll be given a check number that must be recorded on the license. So make sure you have a pen ready.

Don’t forget to take a guidebook along. They are free and available all over the state. One in your pocket, backpack or vehicle could come in handy.

Harrisburg team defends national championship

HARRISBURG - The Harrisburg Hornets have defended their Scholastic Clay Target Program Trap National Championship. The contest was held in five divisions Aug. 8-9 at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta, Ill.

Team members included Cameron Tedder, Jordan Harper, Cary Traynom, Bryce Holwick and Glenn Hill. Hill competed in the Academics Integrity Marksmanship competition where he took first place with a score of .941%. The AIM program is sponsored by the Amateur Trapshooting Association. Coaches for the team are Pat Turnage and Scott Harper.

Derek Brown, from Pocahontas, was the individual gold medal winner for the AIM sub-junior division with a score of 199.

The competitors also compete in the Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program that is a part of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. In only it’s third year, the AYSSP has over 450 volunteer coaches and almost 4,200 students in its ranks.

According to AYSSP coordinator Chuck Woodson, the program has gone far beyond its humble beginnings. “Its success can be easily documented with the growth we have had in only three years, but the real success goes beyond the numbers and beyond what we see at the tournaments,” Woodson said. “Its true success comes in the number of young people who have found a new love for the outdoors, the students who have found a sport and a niche where before they felt like an outcast, or the number of parents who are now big fans of the AGFC,” he added.

If you’re interested in becoming a coach, two training courses will be held. The first is Sept. 19 and the second is Dec. 12. Both courses will be held at the Lonoke Community Center in Lonoke. If you’re interested in becoming a coach, go to http://www.agfc.com/education-class/programs/ayssp/coaches.aspx and print off the application along with the background form and release. Make sure to have them notarized. Mail the forms to AYSSP, 2 Natural Resources Dr., Little Rock, AR 72205. There will be just two training courses, if you do not make it to one of those they will not be able to coach for the 2010 season.

AGFC night at I-30 Speedway is Sept. 26

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Game and Fish Night at I-30 Speedway in Little Rock will be Saturday, Sept. 26. The special event will raise funds for boating safety education work in the state.

From each adult paid admission, Speedway officials will donate $1 to the boating safety program of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in memory of the late sprint car driver Carl Dean Farish. Farish was killed in a boating accident.

Come early to see the agency’s mobile aquarium, along with exhibits, demonstrations and other displays. Adults wearing any article of camouflage clothing will get $1 off the regular admission price.

A special race will match several local Tv and radio personalities.

Gates will open at 5 p.m., and races will start at 7:30 p.m. I-30 Speedway is at Exit 126 off Interstate 30.

For more information, contact Steve “Wildman” Wilson at (501) 223-6408 or the Speedway at (501) 455-4567.

Sept. 17 – North Little Rock Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, Sherwood Forest in Sherwood. For more information contact Pat Mahan at (501) 743-6154 or northlittlerock@yahoo.com.

Sept. 19 – The Arkansas Fly Fishers invites anyone interesting in learning to fly fish to their free Fly Fishing 101 Event from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Westover Hills Presbyterian Church in Little Rock. Qualified AFF members with years of experience will be instructors and guide participants through the fundamentals of fly fishing. Learn about equipment, hands-on fly casting instruction, how to hire a guide, where to fish and how to tie flies. For more information go to www.arkansasflyfishers.com.

Sept. 19-20 - Arkansas Catfishing Association "Big Cat Classic" Tournament at Lake Dardanelle, U.S. Hwy 64 Ramp. Open tournament to the general public. For more information contact Paul Schweyer of Barling at paulschweyer@sbcglobal.net or (479) 452-1652 or (479) 719-0474, or Lee Fields of Pope County at leefields@centurytel.net or (479) 331-0399 or cell (870) 577-7289 or go to ArkCats.Org at http://arkcats.org/Home_Page.php.

Sept. 20 - Talkin’ Outdoors at the Corner Café with Steve “Wildman” Wilson, 9 a.m. on KARK Channel 4. Topic of the show will be "Canada Goose Hunting.”

Sept. 22 – 7th Annual Lonoke County CASA Outdoors at the Cabot Community Center. All proceeds from the live auction and the silent auction will be used to assist abused and neglected children in the 23rd Judicial District of Arkansas. Some premier hunting and fishing trips as well as various other outdoor related items will be auctioned to the highest bidder. Tickets are $20 per adult and $10 per child and are available from the Lonoke County CASA headquarters at (501) 676-6533. The doors open at 6 p.m.

Sept. 25 – Toad Suck Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, Knights of Columbus Hall in Conway. For more information contact Jeremy Abbott at (501) 428-3161 or jerabb@yahoo.com.

Sept. 26 - Talkin’ Outdoors at the Corner Café with Steve “Wildman” Wilson, 9 a.m. on KARK Channel 4. Topic of the show will be "Preseason Forecast.”

Sept. 26 - Delta Wings Chapter of Delta Waterfowl annual membership and fundraising event, Southland Park in West Memphis. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Live auction begins at 8 p.m. Contact Gary Harlow at gjharlow@aol.com, (870) 636-0551 or Bruce Colbert at (901) 517-8383.

Sept. 26 – West Logan County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, 1st Baptist Church in Booneville. For more information contact Josh Boersma at (479) 518-4250 or boersma66@yahoo.com.

Sept. 26 – National Hunting and Fishing Day at the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring the whole family – it’s free. There will be displays, activities such as the laser shot and knife making along with exhibitors. The nature center is located in the River Market District in downtown Little Rock.

Sept. 26 - Great Arkansas Cleanup, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Veterans Park/Riverfront Park in Dardanelle. Lunch will be served by the Yell County Wildlife Federation and Tyson Foods. For more information call Dardanelle City Hall at (479) 229-4500.

Sept. 26 – National Hunting and Fishing Day at the Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Conservation Education Center in Columbus, near Hope, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities are free for kids up to age 15. Bring your fishing pole, bait and tackle. Items for other activities will be provided. For more information call (870) 983-2790.

Sept. 28 – Bradley-Drew Chapter of Delta Waterfowl annual banquet, The River Restaurant in Monticello. There will be a partial HRC hunt test simulation at 5:30 p.m. for those interested. All retrievers and their owners are welcome to participate at no charge. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. Cost of admission to the event is $40 for a single, $50 for a couple, $15 for youth under age 16 and $150 for a sponsor ticket. Delta Waterfowl membership and dinner are included. There will be a live auction, silent auction and raffles for prints, guns and a variety of duck hunting gear. For more information contact Mike Reeves at (870) 460-0899.

Oct. 1 – Southwest Arkansas Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, Hope Country Club. For more information contact Larry England at (870) 703-4944 or ashleywarehouse@gmail.com.

Oct. 2-4 - Women’s Outdoor Weekend, Bull Shoals-White River State Park in Lakeview. During this three-day, two-night workshop, participants can attend different sessions like basic camping/backpacking skills, nature journaling, beginning bird-watching, introduction to fly fishing, beginning kayaking, Dutch oven cooking and more. Plenty of free time will be allotted to building friendships and honing newly developed outdoor skills. All gear and meals are included in the $125 registration fee. Space is limited, so early registration is advised. To register and attain more information, contact Bull Shoals-White River State Park at (870) 445-3629 or e-mail julie.lovett@arkansas.gov. The park is located at 129 Bull Shoals Park in Lakeview. If you’re traveling from Mountain Home, drive six miles north on Arkansas 5, then go eight miles west on Arkansas 178 to the park entrance. Turn left on Powerhouse Road.

Oct. 3 - Talkin’ Outdoors at the Corner Café with Steve “Wildman” Wilson, 9 a.m. on KARK Channel 4. Topic of the show will be "Arkansas’s Elk Herd.”

Oct. 3- Trinity Lodge and Scimitar Shriners Trap Shoot, adults $50 per person, youth (under 18) $40 per person. The price includes two rounds of trap, a rental gun (if needed), and ammunition. There will be three classes of shooters adult, youth, and veteran. The trap shoot will be held at the Remington Gun Club. Registration will be at 8 a.m. Fees will be collected the morning of the shoot. Registration forms need to be submitted in advance for the number of entrants to the event. Mail to: Mike Rushin, Jr. 14320 Cecil Drive, Little Rock, AR 72223.

Oct. 5 – Benton County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, The Quail Barn in Bentonville. For more information contact Todd Etzel at (501) 613-1874 or toddetzel@sbcglobal.net or Blayne Estes at (479) 721-3394 or baestes@cox.net.

Oct. 7 – Garland County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, The Quail Barn in Bentonville. For more information contact Todd Etzel at (501) 613-1874 or toddetzel@sbcglobal.net or Blayne Estes at (479) 721-3394 or baestes@cox.net.

Oct. 10 - Talkin’ Outdoors at the Corner Café with Steve “Wildman” Wilson, 9 a.m. on KARK Channel 4. Topic of the show will be "Arkansas Alligator Hunt.”

Oct. 10 - The Little Red River Action Team chapter 722 of Trout Unlimited in Heber Springs is hosting the 3rd annual fly fishing film tour in Little Rock. The event is a fundraiser for the chapter and will take place at the Clinton Library and Museum at 7 p.m. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. There will be finger food, a cash bar and TU merchandise for sale. This highly popular two hour mini-film festival features exciting segments from the sport's best filmmakers shot in foreign destinations like Papua New Guinea, Russia, Belize as well as domestic waters from California and Colorado to southern Louisiana and the Florida Keys. The films offer a great blend of sensational footage, hilarious comedy, poignant commentary and some of the largest and most impressive fish ever caught. The Fly Fishing Film Tour is an opportunity for fans of fly fishing to come together to celebrate their sport and support the Little Red River Action Team chapter of Trout Unlimited. The ticket sales are the fund raiser and will be available from TU board members as well as at the Little Red Fly Shop, Ozark Angler in Little Rock and Heber Springs, Lobo Landing, Lindsey's Rainbow Resort and Holland's Exxon in Heber Springs. Donations to the chapter will also be most welcomed. To learn more, please visit www.flyfishingfilmtour.com.

Oct. 10 - Union County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, American Legion in El Dorado. For more information contact John Mooney at (870) 310-3392 or john_mooney@arwp.uscourts.gov.

Oct. 12 – Crawford County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, Boys and Girls Club in Van Buren. For more information contact David Martin at (479) 806-7761 or huntnduck@yahoo.com.

Oct. 15 - Pine Bluff Razorback Chapter of Ducks Unlimited banquet at the Harbor Oaks Golf Course Restaurant in Pine Bluff. For more information contact Brian Hornsby at (870) 267-3885.

Oct. 15 - Rice ‘n Wings Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, Craighead County Fairgrounds in Jonesboro. For more information contact John Hardin at (870) 268-2449 or john.hardin@morganstanley.com.

Oct. 17 – Benton County Republican Women 1st Annual 2nd Amendment Fun Shoot, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Benton County Quail Barn located five miles west of Bentonville on Highway 72. For more Information contact Susan Johnston at sjohnston@daisy.com.

Oct. 17 - Talkin’ Outdoors at the Corner Café with Steve “Wildman” Wilson, 9 a.m. on KARK Channel 4. Topic of the show will be "Largemouth Bass Fishing.”

Oct. 22 – Central Arkansas Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, Clear Channel Building in Little Rock. For more information contact Jeff Marcussen at (501) 831-3818 or jmarcussen@baldwinshell.com.

Oct. 23 – Hot Spring County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, The Quail Barn in Bentonville. For more information contact Todd Etzel at (501) 613-1874 or toddetzel@sbcglobal.net or Blayne Estes at (479) 721-3394 or baestes@cox.net.

Oct. 24 - Talkin’ Outdoors at the Corner Café with Steve “Wildman” Wilson, 9 a.m. on KARK Channel 4. Topic of the show will be "Deer Hunting.”

Oct. 24 - Hurricane Lake Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, Carmichael Center in Searcy. For more information contact Larry Winningham at (501) 827-5080 or shelma@sbcglobal.net.

Oct. 24 - Fordyce Moro Creek Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet. For more information contact Chris Rich at (870) 313-2588 or bigrich_@hotmail.com.

Oct. 24 - Magnolia Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, Main Event Pavillion in Magnolia. For more information contact Greg Harrell at (870) 904-3710 or sra_sda@yahoo.com.

Oct. 26 - Drew County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, Monticello Country Club. For more information contact Paul Griffin at (870) 723-4030 or golferpaul21@yahoo.com.

Oct. 29 - Northwest Arkansas Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, Washington County Fairgrounds in Fayetteville. For more information contact Matt Brasel at (479) 426-2585 or Mbrasel@communityfirstbank.com.

Oct. 30-Nov. 1 - Want to learn more about trapping? A workshop is being held Oct. 30-Nov. 1 to give interested people tips and techniques for trapping in Arkansas. The workshop is sponsored by the Arkansas Trappers Association, Southwest Arkansas Fur Takers, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and North American Fur Auctions. Both advanced and beginner classes will be available. The workshop will be held at Camp Clearfork near Mount Ida on Highway 270. Lodging and meals are provided. Camping facilities and motels are located nearby as well. Groups are welcome. The cost for those 17 years of age and under is $10. For those 18 and over the price is $20. Reservations must be received by Sept. 30. For more information call Wallace Funderburk at (870) 867-2642.

Oct. 31 - Talkin’ Outdoors at the Corner Café with Steve “Wildman” Wilson, 9 a.m. on KARK Channel 4. Topic of the show will be "Deer Season Forecast.”

Nov. 5 – Texarkana Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, Four State Fairground Building. For more information contact James Morphew at (903) 832-5880 or morphewp@hooksisd.net.

Nov. 7  – The annual drawdown of both Lake Hamilton and Lake Catherine will be five feet this year. Both drawdowns begin Nov. 7 and will be completed by Nov. 15. Both lakes will drop 5 to 8 inches per day until completion. The lakes will be returned to normal levels in early March 2010.

Nov. 7 – Greers Ferry Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, Cleburne County Fairgrounds in Greers Ferry. For more information contact Larry Winningham at (501) 827-5080 or shelma@sbcglobal.net.

Nov. 7 – Delta Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, McGehee Country Club. For more information contact Troy Meaux at (870) 818-5658 or temeaux@yahoo.com.

Nov. 12 – Independence County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, Batesville National Guard Armory. For more information contact Shannon Huff at (870) 612-3757 or black_mallard@hotmail.com.

Nov. 19 – Phillips County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, Phillips County Community College in Helena-West Helena. For more information contact Jason Smith at (870) 995-6103 or jason6868@att.net.

Nov. 19 – Paragould Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, Paragould National Guard Armory. For more information contact Jerrod Brown at (870) 215-3212 or william.brown@smail.astate.edu.

Nov. 28 – Brookings Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, Big Tent at Brookings. For more information contact Eric and Carolann Wilmes at (870) 476-1580 or ufoundcarolann@hotmail.com.  

Dec. 5 – Clear Creek Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, Alma Boys and Girls Club. For more information contact Jeremy Teff at (479) 409-4646 or duckranger@gmail.com.

Dec. 5 – Cypress Bayou Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, Beebe National Guard Armory. For more information contact Barry Wolfe at (501) 681-4286 or wolfe.barry@gmail.com.

Dec. 5 – Poinsett County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, Trumann New Sports Complex. For more information contact Chris Gairhan at (870) 530-2899 or cgairhan@yahoo.com.

Dec. 12 – Brinkley Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, Brinkley Convention Center. For more information contact Jeff Robinson at (870) 734-1749.

Jan. 9, 2010 – Stuttgart Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, Occasions Banquet Hall. For more information contact Lester Sieber at (870) 673-1739 or 1A572042@yahoo.com.

Jan. 9, 2010 – Grant County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet. For more information contact Gary Smith at (870) 413-9197.

Jan. 16, 2010 – Chicot County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, Lake Village Country Club. For more information contact Daniel Clark at (870) 265-1616 or drc@pollution-management.com.

Jan. 23, 2010 – Bottomland Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, Tri County Farmer’s Association. For more information contact Stanley Powell at (870) 270-7331 or spowell4@yahoo.com.

Jan. 29, 2010 – White River Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, American Legion Building. For more information contact Rusty Lansford at (870) 468-6097.

Jan. 30, 2010 – Arkansas State Turkey Calling Contest, Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center in downtown Little Rock. Calling contest will begin at 10:30 a.m. Open winner pays $1,000, $500, $250, 150; friction winner pays $750, $350, $200 and youth winner pays $100, $75, $50. Sponsorships of the contest are available for $250. For more information contact Jim Wells at (870) 853-9262 daytime or (870) 853-6077 and leave a message or by email at jimw_71646@yahoo.com.

Jan. 30, 2010 – Three Rivers South Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, Arkansas County Fairground in DeWitt. For more information contact Gary Boyd at (870) 946-9430 or g.tboyd@futura.net.