September 23, 2009 Edition

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Today's Topics

• Work continues on ice storm-damaged WMAs

• Fans of AGFC continue to grow on Facebook and Twitter

• Toll-free number is a must for deer and turkey hunters

• Elk hunter scores the second time around

• Turkey Trot, calling contest coming up at Yellville

• Hunting and Fishing Day to be celebrated at AGFC nature and education centers

• Trapping workshop scheduled for Oct. 30-Nov. 1

• Boating education class schedule

• Hunter education class schedule  

• What’s open for hunting

• Coming up in the outdoors

Work continues on ice storm-damaged WMAs

POCAHONTAS – Work continues on three of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission wildlife management areas that received the heaviest damage during this year’s ice storm. In the first week of work by contractors, workers have completed about 40 percent of the initial contract work on Dave Donaldson Black River WMA, 40 percent on Big Lake WMA and about 50 percent of the debris removal on St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA. Barring any significant weather-related delays, the projected completion dates for the debris clean-up will be well ahead of the 45-day contract limit.

As work continues, the cost of debris removal may exceed the amounts approved for reimbursement under current FEMA project worksheets for Dave Donaldson Black River and Big Lake WMAs. The AGFC is working to provide documentation that will establish a reasonable need to exceed the current project cost and secure an approval for a project overrun request from FEMA. The AGFC will be working through the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management to secure FEMA’s approval of this request.

Waterfowl hunters who use the St. Francis Sunken Lands and Dave Donaldson Black River WMAs were permitted to began removing ice storm debris from the main river channels on Sept. 19. Hunters are only allowed access on the Black River and Little River channels of the Dave Donaldson Black River WMA to remove ice storm debris from the main channels until FEMA contractors are finished with debris removal in other sections of the management area.

On the St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA, sportsmen only have access to the St. Francis River channel proper, including St. Francis Lake and the borrow pits adjacent to the east and west levees of the St. Francis River floodway, to remove ice storm debris from the main channel. Hunters also are allowed to perform routine maintenance on public blinds in the St. Francis WMA and waterfowl hunting holes directly accessible from the river channel proper, the main levee borrow pits and St. Francis Lake.

Hunters do not have early access on Big Lake WMA due to the absence of a major river system. Since there is no major river system on Big Lake WMA, FEMA clean-up eligibility guidelines must be strictly adhered to. As FEMA clean-up contractors complete their work in a portion of Dave Donaldson Black River, St. Francis Sunken Lands and Big Lake WMAs, the AGFC is using its Web site (http://www.agfc.com/hunting/fema.aspx) to post information.

The Web site will inform the public when they can access designated portions of the management areas outside the initially restricted river channel areas in order to maintain existing public duck blinds, existing public waterfowl hunting holes and existing boat lanes during daylight hours only.

This week, a pre-bid meeting will be held for contractors to discuss debris removal on Earl Buss Bayou DeView WMA and W.E. Brewer Scatter Creek WMA. Contractors also will be bidding on ice storm debris removal for Gulf Mountain, Harold Alexander, Jamestown, Robert Hankins Mud Creek, Shirey Bay Rainey Brake, Gene Rush, Harold Hensley Searcy County and Loafers Glory WMAs as well as the Fred Berry Conservation Center in Marion County.

Debris removal activities may be underway during some hunting seasons, but no seasons will be cancelled. As the work continues, hunters and outdoorsmen are encouraged to use caution in the areas where debris may still be on the ground or hanging from trees.

Fans of AGFC continue to grow on Facebook and Twitter

LITTLE ROCK – With over 4,000 people following the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission on Facebook and Twitter, the state’s outdoorsmen are staying informed using social media. The social media networking project is designed to promote public participation and expand the AGFC’s ability to share information with the public.

According to the AGFC’s Web Developer, Angela Sanchez, these social media networking sites have given the public another opportunity to stay informed on such items as hunting season dates and educational programs. “We're really excited about the overwhelming public response. The number of AGFC fans on Facebook and followers on Twitter is growing every day and we're glad people are interested in what we have to offer,” Sanchez said.

Getting connected is simple.

For Facebook users, AGFC now has an official Facebook page. Go to www.facebook.com/argameandfish and become a fan to receive news and updates.

For Twitter users, go to www.twitter.com/argameandfish and get tweets on AGFC. You can even have AGFC tweets sent to your cell phone so even out in the field, you’re still in touch.

Toll-free number is a must for deer and turkey hunters   LITTLE ROCK – Deer and turkey hunters will want to keep one number handy as they head into the woods. It’s a number required for taking a buck, a doe or a turkey. The number is (877) 507-4263 and it’s toll-free. Call it from anywhere when you are ready to check your deer or turkey. The toll-free number is part of the new checking system of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission – replacing the check stations that were used for years. If you are an over-65 hunter or a younger-than-16 hunter, you will do well to write this number down and keep it in your billfold. The number is in the Hunting Guidebook of the AGFC if you carry that with you and is also on the game tags in the Guidebook. For others with wildlife conservation licenses or sportsmen’s licenses, the checking number is on the tags. Checking of deer and turkey 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.

Elk hunter scores the second time around  

PONCA – If at first you don’t succeed…Horace Smith believes in the old adage. He kept trying.

And he came up with a fine 6x6 bull elk that weighed 801 pounds on the second day of the September 2009 elk hunt in Arkansas’ Buffalo River country.

The hunt opened Monday, Sept. 21, and closes Friday, Sept. 25. Four hunters have bull permits, and there is a quota of three elk in a simultaneous elk hunt on private lands.

Smith is an attorney from Daytona Beach, Fla. He won an Arkansas elk hunting permit in 2008 at an auction of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. He didn’t get an elk. But the experience was enjoyable, and the challenge was still there. Smith bid again this year for an elk permit and won again.

His permit was for Arkansas Elk Zone 3, most of which is the Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

On the first day of the 2009 hunt, Smith got close, very close, to a large bull. But he didn’t know the bull was just a few feet away from a brush pile where he hid. The bull detected Smith and bounded away before Smith could get into shooting position.

The next morning, Smith, hunting with Bert Haralson of Augusta, tried a portion of Gene Rush WMA called the Upper Pecan Field. It includes a wildlife opening created to improve habitat for elk and other animals.

There was a bull elk across the field, and Smith plotted a plan to get closer to it. Then, he said, “I saw movement out of the corner of my eye, and there was this 6X6 bull on the edge of the field.” The term means six points on each side of the elk’s antlers.

Smith got his rifle into position and fired at 50 yards range. The bull was hit solidly but didn’t fall. Smith fired again, and the elk went down. He was using a 7mm Magnum rifle, a Blauser bolt action firearm made in Germany.

Smith has hunted elk for a number of years in western states. He met Bert and Cheryl Haralson at Elk Foundation functions and heard stories from other hunters who had been with the Haralsons on Arkansas elk hunts. Smith and his wife stayed with the Haralsons at their cabin near Mount Judea in Newton County, close to Gene Rush WMA.

Smith isn’t the only hunter to bag a trophy this week, two other hunters also have scored nice elk. Daniel Dickerson of Bryant took a 5x5 bull elk in Zone 2 and Mike Smith of Little Rock got a 5x5 elk in the private lands hunt in Zone A.

Arkansas is in its 12th year of limited hunting of elk. The big animals were restored to the state after an absence of well over a hundred years, with the first imports made in 1981. Today, there are 450 to 500 elk living in the Buffalo River area.

Another hunt is scheduled Dec. 7-11 when 22 hunters with permits will be in the field. The permits are free and are issued by random drawing at the annual Buffalo River Festival in Jasper each June. Applications, also free, for the permits can be made each year during the month of May, but these are for Arkansas residents only.

The AGFC donates two permits each year to the Elk Foundation for fundraisers, and 85 percent of the money generated is returned to Arkansas for elk program projects.

Turkey Trot, calling contest coming up at Yellville YELLVILLE - The 64th annual Turkey Trot, featuring the oldest wild turkey calling contest in the nation, will be Oct. 9-10 on the Yellville town square. Other activities will include a parade, quilt show, 5K run, lip sync contest, pizza gobble, art show, and turkey dinner. Live music, food and craft booths and a rodeo will round out the festivities. Also part of the annual event will be the Miss Turkey Trot and Miss Drumsticks beauty pageants. Visit www.yellville.com or phone 870-449-4676 for details.

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Hunting and Fishing Day to be celebrated at AGFC nature and education centers LITTLE ROCK – Congress formalized the National Hunting and Fishing Day annual celebration 37 years ago and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will be marking the day along with the rest of the country on Saturday, Sept. 26. The AGFC will be celebrating the day at several of its nature centers and conservation education centers around the state. To check out all of the activities, go to http://www.agfc.com/education-class/agfc-edu-nature-centers.aspx.

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Trapping workshop scheduled for Oct. 30-Nov. 1 MOUNT IDA - 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.

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. 22 – Conway Chapter of Delta Waterfowl banquet, Centennial Valley Country Club, 6 p.m. Tickets are $40 per adult and $55 for couples. Youth tickets are $25. The ticket costs cover the cost of the meal and a one year membership to Delta Waterfowl. There will be raffles for guns, prints, etc. For more information contact Daniel Merritt at (501) 472-7012.

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.