October 28, 2009 Edition

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Today's Topics

• Eagle-eyed archers from Eagle Mountain Magnet claim world title

• Spring turkey season dates set by AGFC

• Bowhunters must wear orange during gun seasons

• A swimming deer can’t be taken by hunters

• Petit Jean’s Mountain Rendezvous gives a glimpse of the past

• Boating education class schedule

• Hunter education class schedule  

• What’s open for hunting

• Coming up in the outdoors

Eagle-eyed archers from Eagle Mountain Magnet claim world title

ORLANDO, Fla. - In less than a year, Eagle Mountain Magnet School’s archery team went from nonexistent to world champion. But doing well in archery competitions is old hat for this rookie team.

The team was formed one month before the Arkansas National Archery in the Schools Program’s state championship in February, where it took second place. The team finished eleventh at the national competition in Louisville, Ky., in May. The world competition, Oct. 9-10 at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., was the icing on the cake.

Coach Susan Parker is as new to archery as many of the students she introduced to the sport. She said bows used in the competition are different from standard hunting bows, although some of her students are bowhunters.

The fledgling team practiced weekends, and before and after school. They even practiced through the summer.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission provides instruction and safety training to team coaches and helps them with the grant process to pay for the official bows, targets and arrows. In its first year, the program has grown to include more than 26,180 students in 296 Arkansas schools, and it shows no sign of slowing.

“We have 12 schools waiting in the wings for grant money to get the equipment for next year,” said Curtis Gray, ANASP coordinator for the AGFC. “The program’s growth is just outstanding. And now we already have a world-champion team. I’d like to take credit for the success, but those kids are the ones who deserve the recognition. They really worked hard to achieve this success.”

For more information on ANASP and how to form a team, contact Gray, (501) 223-6437.

Spring turkey season dates set by AGFC

LITTLE ROCK – For the fourth consecutive year, commissioners with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission have agreed that a shorter season is needed to match gobbler harvest to recent below-average turkey brood production. It also will allow more hens to breed and start nesting before hunters take to the woods.

The season framework was approved after a review of recent harvests, brood surveys and gobbling chronology data along with input from turkey hunters.

Commissioners also approved adding two zones on Arkansas lands east of the Mississippi River. Zone 17A will follow the season frameworks and bag limits of adjacent Tennessee lands, while Zone 17B will follow season frameworks for adjacent Mississippi lands.

A Saturday opening day amendment was approved in a close vote. The proposal that came out of committee called for a Monday opener of the spring turkey season. The vote was 4-3 in favor of the Saturday opener.

The spring 2010 turkey season youth hunt will be April 3-4 for most of the state. The youth hunt in zones 17 and 17A will be March 27-28, and zone 17B will be March 6-12.

The statewide spring turkey season will be April 10-27 in zones 1, 2, 3, 4B, 5, 5B, 6, 7, 7A, 8, 9 and 10; April 10-20 in zones 4, 4A, 5A and 9A, April 3-20 in zone 17, April 3-May 16 in zone 17A, and March 13-May 2 in zone 17B. Zone 1A will be closed.

The bag limit for the spring season will be the same as last year’s turkey season. Individual limit of two gobblers or bearded turkeys for spring season in turkey zones 1, 2, 3, 4B, 5, 5B, 6, 7, 7A, 8, 9, 10 and 17; one gobbler or bearded turkey in turkey zones 4, 4A, 5A and 9A. No more than one legal turkey may be taken per day, no more than one jake (sub-adult male) may be taken per season and no more than two legal turkeys may be taken during the spring season in any combination of zones. In zone 17A, hunters will be limited to four bearded turkeys with no more than one legal turkey per day. In zone 17B, the limit will be three adult gobblers (or gobblers with at least a six-inch beard) with no more than one adult gobbler taken per day.

In other business, the Commission:

*Heard a presentation on the 2009 alligator hunt in zones 1 and 3. A total of four alligators were taken in zone 1 and eight alligators in zone 3. The largest alligator was a 12-foot, 11-inch male taken in zone 1 that weighed approximately 600 pounds.

*Heard a presentation on the state’s new deer checking system. So far this year, more than 26,500 deer have been checked. At the same time last year, a total of 20,455 deer had been checked. ont>

Bowhunters must wear orange during gun seasons

LITTLE ROCK – Sure, you can hunt deer with your archery equipment, including crossbows, or your black powder weapons during the modern gun season. But you have to follow the hunter orange requirements and bag limits for the modern gun hunt.

This means following zone season and gender regulations for modern gun hunting. It also means that a bowhunter must wear hunter orange on the head and upper body at all times while hunting in the modern gun season.

Modern gun season includes the youth hunts of Nov. 7-8 and Jan. 2-3 as well as the regular modern gun seasons that open Nov. 14. These close on different dates according to zone regulations.

A swimming deer can’t be taken by hunters

LITTLE ROCK – Deer aren’t fish, but they’ll take to the water when they have to and with all of the water from the recent rains, many deer will do just that. They’re good swimmers as well.

But they can’t be hunted while in the water, according to Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations.

Deer trying to escape danger may jump into a creek, river or lake and swim to safety. In the water, though, they are vulnerable and are moving much slower than on land. Let ‘em go, according to the AGFC rules.

The rules also specify that deer may not be driven by a boat or captured from a boat. Deer may not be hunted from boats on any public waters. This means if you are traveling in a boat and see a deer on the shore, you can’t shoot it.

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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. 3 – England Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet, England Country Club. For more information contact Don Compton at (501) 416-7683.

Nov. 5 – Deer Season forecast presentation, Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center, 602 Clinton Ave. in Little Rock’s River Market District. The presentation will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. by AGFC deer program coordinator Brad Miller. Seating is limited so call (501) 907-0636 to register. Admission is free.

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. 9 – Raft Creek Chapter of Delta Waterfowl banquet, White County Fairgrounds in Searcy. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner to be served at 6:30 p.m. Lots of items on the general raffle along with a live and silent auction. For ticket information contact Tony Benton at (501) 230-9575.

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. 13 – Muddy Waters Chapter of Delta Waterfowl dinner, Three Counties Fairgrouns in McCrory. Social begins at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. For more information contact Thomas Gaines at (870) 919-6364.

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 – Cane Creek Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet at the Piggot Country Club. For more information contact Joey Rahn at (870) 634-6775.

Dec. 5 – Caddo-Ouachita Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet at the Garland County Fairgrounds. For more information contact Scott Dawson at (870) 245-7974 or dawsonin2000@yahoo.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 –Gillette Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet at the Dough Boy Building in Gellette. For more information contact Randy Womack at (870) 830-4353.

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. 22-24 - Arkansas Big Buck Classic, Arkansas State Fairgrounds. For more information go to bigbuckclassic.com or call Catherine at (501) 985-1533.

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. 23, 2010 – Fort Smith Chapter of Ducks Unlimited membership banquet at the Adelaide Hall Varsity Sports Bar in Forth Smith. For more information contact Chris and Raelyn Walthall at (479) 774-9737 or tynoiaca11@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.