October 7, 2009 Edition

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Today's Topics

• North Arkansas hunters need to look up – carefully

• Current Arkansas deer harvest now available online

• Procedure for checking a deer consistent for all

• Cache River NWR to hold special youth waterfowl hunt

• Presentation to focus on duck season forecast

• Ken Reeves: From elk hunting to a mercy flight

• Boating education class schedule

• Hunter education class schedule  

• What’s open for hunting

• Coming up in the outdoors

North Arkansas hunters need to look up – carefully

POCAHONTAS – In the logging industry, they talk of danger from “widow makers.” Hunters in north Arkansas also need to be aware of possible overhead perils.

A widow maker is a tree that is cut, but hangs up against another tree. For hunters, the danger is hanging limbs, results of last winter’s extensive ice storms.

Rick Chastain, Assistant Chief of Wildlife Management with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, said, “There is a lot of debris in the woods all across north Arkansas. In some places it is going to be difficult for hunters to get around. Everybody needs to look up. Look for hanging limbs that could fall when you don’t expect it.”

He added, “Some of these limbs have been hanging for months now, but with the colder weather and the passage of strong weather systems, they may break loose and fall.” In some instances, vines may be holding the overhead limbs, and these vines will die back in fall and winter.

Hunters setting up stands should check carefully all around, not just the tree where they will put a stand or lean one against.

Chastain said, “The agencies with public land in north Arkansas - AGFC, Corps of Engineers, Forest Service – all are trying to cope with restoring public access. Some secondary roads are not cleaned out yet, so hunters may have to find alternate routes.”

The ice storm’s heaviest damage was in a swath across the Ozark National Forest and through northeast Arkansas into the Missouri Bootheel.

Chastain said, “The hard mast crop like acorns was affected in many places. This could potentially alter usual feeding patterns of deer and other wildlife, so hunters may have to adjust. There may be long-term benefits, though. The branches that are gone will let more sunlight reach the forest floor. Next spring forests should get a jump start on producing more browse in a lot of areas.”

He said no AGFC wildlife management areas are closed to hunting. Contract crews are going to work cleaning up the debris, especially the hanging limbs and leaning trees, along public access routes such as roads, mobility-impaired trails, boat lanes and camping areas. The AGFC will work with contractor crews and make every attempt to not conduct debris clean-up activities on wildlife management areas during scheduled permit hunts, Chastain said.

Along with the areas popular with deer hunters, some AGFC management areas that host waterfowl in migration periods were also hard hit by the ice storm. Big Lake, Dave Donaldson Black River and St. Francis Sunken Lands had extensive damage that will impede boat traffic in some spots.

The AGFC has developed a link on its web page (http://www.agfc.com/hunting/fema.aspx) to help keep the public informed about the ice storm clean-up activities. Everyone is encouraged to visit this site for updated information.

Current Arkansas deer harvest now available online

LITTLE ROCK – Deer hunters interested in studying the state’s deer harvest can now get real-time data on the season. Hunters can check the deer harvest numbers at https://dev.ark.org/gamecheck/reports.php.

The information is available as a result of the agency’s use of the online and telephone checking system for deer. The new telephone checking system replaced the old check stations that were in use for many years.

In addition to ease of use, faster data processing and real-time data reporting, the new process has enabled the AGFC to analyze the deer harvest by date. According to the AGFC’s Assistant Chief of Operations Matt Hodges, the information will allow the agency to chart trends during the season. “It also will provide valuable details about the effects of season structure on harvest,” Hodges said.

Hodges said the information hunters are providing is invaluable to the agency. “It is critical that hunters provide us accurate data and give us all of the information requested – especially birth dates,” he explained.

To provide the information over a cell phone, hunters must call from an area where a cell phone signal is strongest. “Hunters have 24 hours to check their game, so we’re asking people using a cell phone to go to a location with a signal stronger than one bar. Hunters need a good signal so their information comes through as strong as possible on the system,” Hodges said. “It’s not going to work if you don’t have the signal strength,” he added.

As of right now, checking deer can be done in one of two ways, the call to (877) 507-4263 or online at http://gamecheck.agfc.com. In the near future there will be a third option. The AGFC is currently waiting on approval from Apple for release of its new iPhone application.

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. Once you have finished entering all the required information, the system will provide you with a check number that must be immediately written on your hunting tag. After three failed attempts you will have the option to connect with a live operator who can assist you.

Procedure for checking a deer consistent for all 

LITTLE ROCK – The question comes up frequently these days: How does a hunter under age 16 check a deer, since there are no more wildlife check stations in Arkansas?

The procedure for a person under 16 checking a deer is the same as for someone over 16 - except for the tag from a license attached to the deer. The young person has to use a tag from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s 2009-2010 Hunting Guidebook (a pullout in the center) or a plain piece of paper with information written on it - name, time, date, zone, type of deer, method (archery, modern gun, etc.) Put this tag on the deer before it is moved. Then check it by phone at (877) 507-4363 or online at http://gamecheck.agfc.com.

This same procedure applies to persons over 65 with lifetime hunting licenses, but they need to include their license number.

Cache River NWR to hold special youth waterfowl hunt

AUGUSTA – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that the Cache River National Wildlife Refuge will be holding a special youth only waterfowl hunt and program. The refuge recently acquired 1,180 acres along Bayou DeView in Woodruff County and will designate this area as a Special Youth Only Waterfowl Hunt Area.

Youth (ages 15 and younger) can apply for permits to occupy one of five designated blinds. The will be allowed to hunt waterfowl on drawn weekend dates during the regular duck season. A successfully drawn hunter will also be allowed to invite one youth (age 15 or younger) as a guest to participate in the hunt. At least one adult, not less than 21 years old, must supervise the youth hunters, but will not be allowed to hunt.

Volunteer mentors will be available (with advanced notice) to supervise any youths that may need assistance to participate in the hunt.

Permits will be selected by random drawing. To apply, submit an index card or postcard with the full name (first, middle, last), mailing address and telephone number of the youth hunter. The drawing will take place on Monday, Nov. 2. The entry must be mailed early enough so that it is received before Nov. 2. Duplicate, unclear or incomplete entries will not be accepted. Send the cards to:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Central Arkansas Refuges
26320 Hwy 33 South
Augusta, AR 72006

Drawn hunters will be placed in the first available weekend dates as drawn.

Persons selected will be notified by mail and provided a blind permit (no fee) with a full list of refuge regulations and a map identifying the blind/hunt area.

Blind permits are non-transferable and valid only for the youth whose name appears on the permit and their guest. For more information, go to: http://www.fws.gov/cacheriver/youthwaterfowl.html or call Karen Graves at (870) 347-2614 or email at: karen_graves@fws.gov.

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 – Duck call day at the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center in Little Rock’s River Market District at 602 Clinton Avenue, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Unique Arkansas duck calls will be on display. Bring your own calls for critiques.

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 – Arkansas duck season forecast presentation at the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center in Little Rock’s River Market District, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. What can we expect for this waterfowl season? What was last year’s harvest, and what are duck numbers like this year? What’s going on with waterfowl management in Arkansas? Duck hunters can get updates on these and other questions from Luke Naylor, waterfowl program coordinator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, at this seminar. The Central Arkansas Nature Center is located within Riverfront Park in the River Market District of downtown Little Rock. Free parking is available along streets in the River Market District. Seating is limited, so call the nature center office at (501) 907-0636 to register to attend.

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 – Hummingbird presentation, Gov. Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center in Pine Bluff. The first program begins at 9:30 a.m. A second program in the afternoon may be held at 1:30 p.m., if attendance requires a second program. The program consists of photos of not only Ruby-throated hummingbirds, but other species that come to Arkansas and spend at least a part of the fall and winter season, as well as other topics. For more information call (870) 534-0011 or visit www.deltarivers.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.