October 14, 2009 Edition

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Today's Topics

• High water closes deer hunting on Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA

• Flooding closes White River North Unit muzzleloader deer hunts

• Zone doe permits give way to doe days in deer management

• Bird photography seminar coming up at nature center

• More farm wildlife benefits possible from the new conservation stewardship program in Arkansas

• Boating education class schedule

• Hunter education class schedule  

• What’s open for hunting

• Coming up in the outdoors

High water closes deer hunting on Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA

AUGUSTA – This week’s heavy rains have resulted in significant rises in the level of the White River. The flooding has forced the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to cancel the deer muzzleloader permit hunt on Henry Gray Hurricane Lake Wildlife Management Area in eastern Arkansas. The hunt was scheduled to begin on Oct. 17 and continue through Oct. 21. Until water levels on the White River recede, archery deer hunting also is closed on the WMA.

Hunters who won permits through the AGFC’s permit draw will receive refunds for the permit fees. In the coming weeks, the AGFC will mail refunds to all hunters who won permits and paid permit fees for the cancelled hunts.

“We have a database of all the hunters who will be affected, so anyone that won a permit and bought the permit can expect a refund and their preference points adjusted accordingly,” said David Goad, AGFC Chief of the Wildlife Management Division.

In accordance with the current flood prone zone closure criteria for Flood Prone Region B, when water on the White River gauge at Augusta exceeds 26 feet, deer hunting is immediately suspended until water levels fall below 14 feet on the gauge at Georgetown. The gauge at Augusta is presently reading in excess of 29 feet.

According to AGFC deer program coordinator Brad Miller, the closure is necessitated due to the density of deer herd on high ground. “The flood closure levels were developed to protect deer from over harvest when flooding causes wildlife to concentrate on higher ground in and around the area,” Miller said.

For more information on the flood prone regions of the state, go to: http://www.agfc.com/hunting/misc_hunting/floodprone.aspx.

Flooding closes White River North Unit muzzleloader deer hunts

South Unit open for now, but may also close if river rises 

ST. CHARLES – The White River National Wildlife Refuge will close the North Unit quota deer hunt on Oct. 17-19 and the North Unit non-quota buck-only hunt, Oct. 20-23 due to an unprecedented early flood season. The South Unit hunt remains open for now. North Unit permit holders are not allowed to hunt in the South Unit.

“We regret closing these North Unit hunts due to the flood, but we also need to ensure hunter safety and protect the deer resource for the future,” said refuge manger Dennis Sharp.

Unfortunately, this water level will keep the North Unit closed for deer archery hunting and prevent the scheduled North Unit muzzleloader deer hunt.

“At this time, we do not anticipate closing the South Unit muzzleloader deer season due to flooding, but hunters are encouraged to monitor water levels,” Sharp said.

He went on to say that the North Unit quota muzzleloader deer permits will not be refundable or renewed as the money has already been spent on associated hunt administration costs. 850 hunters had been issued permits for this year’s hunt. Another 300 were not. The permits will also not be renewed for next year’s hunt.

“I can’t, in all good conscience, renew the 850 North Unit permits for next year, as that would be mean that the other 300 applicants who did not get permits would not be able to hunt there for two years,” Sharp said. “I also can’t predict the impacts of the unprecedented flooding on the deer herd in the North Unit, so I don’t know how many quotas will be offered there next year.”

“I know many hunters will be disappointed in missing this great public hunting opportunity, and I sure understand their frustration,” said Sharp. “I encourage you to apply again for next year’s hunts and hope for more favorable river levels now and next year.”

The North Unit of the refuge closes to deer hunting when the White River reaches 23 feet at St. Charles and does not reopen until the level falls below 21 feet. The river reached the 23-foot level the first week of October, closing archery deer season on the North Unit. The river is currently rising at St. Charles and projected to remain above 21 feet through Oct. 23.

The South Unit closes to all deer hunting when the White River gauge at St. Charles reaches 23 feet and the tailwater gauge reading at Norrel Lock and Dam #1 reaches 145 feet simultaneously as reported at the following website: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lzk/html/whitervr.htm.

Up-to-date flood related deer season closure information is also available on the refuge’s recorded phone message system at (870) 282-8200. Hunters camping on the South Unit should carefully monitor rising river levels that may flood their camp or overtop exit routes.

These types of flooding events, although part of natural floodplain system, can impact deer and other wildlife populations, and may change the number of quotas available for next year.

For more information, please visit: http://www.fws.gov/whiteriver/images/WhiteRiverHuntBrochureText09.pdf  http://www.fws.gov/whiteriver/huntingpage.html. 

Zone doe permits give way to doe days in deer management 

LITTLE ROCK – The dropping of Zone Doe Quota Permits for doe days in some zones is part of the deer management plan of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

The change is effective this season for Deer Zones 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 and 11. Deer Zones 1 and 10 changed from zone doe permits to doe days last year.

Brad Miller, AGFC’s deer program coordinator, said, “Managing deer populations across the state requires maintaining a controlled harvest, particularly of female deer.” The Zone Doe Quota Permit was initiated in 1993 and used until 1997. It was brought back in 2003 and used until this year.

Miller explained, “These (zone doe) permits allow for a conservative harvest of does, while offering some doe hunting opportunity. This management strategy proved successful with the deer population in these areas responding positively. From 1998 to 2002, the zone bag limit was modified and a doe was added in the seasonal bag limit. During this time multiple does were allowed to be harvested throughout the muzzleloader and modern gun seasons. A very liberal doe harvest and long season structure resulted in a population decrease due to over-harvesting of the female segment. The Zone Doe Quota Permit was reinstated in 2003 and maintained for many of the original zones until today.”

Deer numbers have responded over much of Arkansas and in the zones with the permits. Both bucks and does have also generally improved in many areas in body weights and in antlers (racks) for the bucks.

Miller said, “Based on the increased deer population in the current Zone Doe Quota Permit Zones (2, 3, 6, 7, 8 and 11) and the successful removal of Deer Zones 1 and 10 from the permit system, we proposed removing the Zone Doe Quota Permit requirements for Zones 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 and 11. Removal of these zones from the permit system will increase opportunity for all hunters, not just those successful in drawing a permit.

“Furthermore, removal of these zones from the permit system will allow all deer zones across the state to be managed via doe days, thus simplifying regulations.”

In the zones that formerly had doe permits, during muzzleloader season, does can be taken on Oct. 1-21. In the modern gun season, does can be taken In Zones 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8 on Nov. 14-15. In Zones 1, 1A, 6A, 8A and 10, does can be taken on Nov. 14-18.

Hunters should study the AGFC’s 2009-2010 Hunting Guidebook for complete information on the regulations for the different deer hunting zones.

Bird photography seminar coming up at nature center

LITTLE ROCK – A seminar focusing on outdoor optics to help with viewing and photographing birds in Arkansas is planned for Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center, 602 President Clinton Ave., in downtown Little Rock’s River Market District.

The seminar is free. It is sponsored by the nature center, a facility of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, alon g with Bedford Camera and Video, Audubon Arkansas, and Nikon. Sessions will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Morning program topics repeated in the afternoon.

The program schedule:

9 a.m.-9:45 a.m. -------- Presentation by Mike Freiberg, Nikon birding specialist.

10 a.m.-10:30 a.m. ---- Presentation on bird identification by Dan Scheiman, Audubon Arkansas bird conservation director.

11 a.m.-11:30 a.m. ---- Bird photography, Bedford Camera and Nikon.

12 noon-12:45 p.m. --- Presentation by Mike Freiberg, Nikon birding specialist.

1 p.m.-1:30 p.m. ------- Birding identification by Dan Scheiman.

2 p.m.-2:30 p.m. ------- Bird photography, Bedford Camera and Nikon.

3 p.m.-3:45 p.m. ------- Presentation by Mike Freiberg, Nikon birding specialist.

There will be displays on telephoto lens and cameras used in nature photography. The center’s r’s watchable wildlife area will have bird feeders filled and waiting for both birds and birders to enjoy. The center’s nature gift shop has a selection of bird related items and publications to help in the bird search. Ask at the information counter about “Birding in the Building” and the “Wings over Arkansas” program.

The Arkansas River Trail next to the nature center is a popular birding location to search for fall migrants. Over 90 species of birds have been reported in the area. Migrating flocks of white pelicans have been seen this fall.

For more information and this and other programs contact the nature center at (501) 907-0636 or its website at www.centralarkansasnaturecenter.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  – Talkin’ Outdoors at the Corner Café with Steve “Wildman” Wilson, 9 a.m. on KARK Channel 4. Topic of the show will be "Outdoor Photography.”

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

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. 21 - Talkin’ Outdoors at the Corner Café with Steve “Wildman” Wilson, 9 a.m. on KARK Channel 4. Topic of the show will be "Wild Game Recipes.”

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.

Nov. 28 – Talkin’ Outdoors at the Corner Café with Steve “Wildman” Wilson, 9 a.m. on KARK Channel 4. Topic of the show will be "Duck Decoy Carving.”  

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. 5 – Talkin’ Outdoors at the Corner Café with Steve “Wildman” Wilson, 9 a.m. on KARK Channel 4. Topic of the show will be "Christmas Gifts for the Outdoorsman.”

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

Dec. 12 – Talkin’ Outdoors at the Corner Café with Steve “Wildman” Wilson, 9 a.m. on KARK Channel 4. Topic of the show will be "Youth Duck Hunting.”

Dec. 19 - Talkin’ Outdoors at the Corner Café with Steve “Wildman” Wilson, 9 a.m. on KARK Channel 4. Topic of the show will be "Urban Trout Fishing Hotspots.”

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

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.comm.

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.