River otters offer antics for winter wildlife watchers
Feb. 1, 2023
Photos by Chris Newberry
LITTLE ROCK — Conservation comeback stories often focus on the amazing return of white-tailed deer, the black bear in Arkansas and other game species, but one of The Natural State’s most charismatic critters also came back as a result of proper game management and habitat conservation. Once nearly wiped clean from Arkansas’s streams, the river otter now enjoys a healthy population which benefits not only trappers, but the many men and women who enjoy watching wildlife from a canoe, kayak or other watercraft.
First-time archer proves it’s never too late to start
Feb. 1, 2023
PINE BLUFF — Finding a place to start hunting if one doesn’t have family or friends who enjoy an outdoors lifestyle can be intimidating. Thanks to a new program through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Gov. Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center, six “adult onset” hunters overcame that hurdle and joined the ranks of seasoned bowhunters last fall.
Habitat barges and hatcheries produce banner year for Arkansas anglers
Feb. 1, 2023
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission hatchery system and its partners stocked more than 14.6 million fish into Arkansas waters last year, even with a massive renovation project limiting the output of the Jim Hinkle Spring River Fish Hatchery in Mammoth Spring. Add to that more than 650,000 cubic feet of cover placed in fish attractors throughout the state last year and Arkansas anglers have plenty to cheer about.
New AGFC, CAW agreement adds 2,395 acres of public hunting access
Jan. 20, 2023
LITTLE ROCK — Commissioners with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission today authorized Director Austin Booth to amend a long-term lease agreement with Central Arkansas Water to expand Maumelle River Wildlife Management Area in Pulaski County by 2,395 acres.
Last-second shot 16 years in the making
Dec. 14, 2022
Waterfowler shares amazing history of wise old pintail
Waterfowl hunters spend a few moments now and then scrolling through photos in a smartphone or sifting through pictures of duck camp, reflecting on cold mornings and warm memories. Robbie Morphew has an even better reminder of a once-in-a-lifetime experience wrapped around a lanyard that holds his duck calls.
Special treats hidden in AGFC’s holiday stockings
Dec. 14, 2022
LITTLE ROCK — Last week, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission hatcheries burned the midnight oil to transport 15,500 keeper-sized rainbow trout to Family and Community Fishing Program locations throughout the state as part of its annual winter fish stockings. Not only will these trout offer a great experience and tasty meal to those who frequent these ponds, but many have been marked with special tags to give a few lucky anglers an early gift for the holiday season.
Pelicans provide winter wildlife-viewing excitement
Dec. 14, 2022
Images by Chris Newberry
LITTLE ROCK — Although pelicans can be spotted any time of year in The Natural State, winter is prime time to visit reservoirs and dams along the Arkansas River and see flocks of these huge birds gathering and feeding on shad and other fish that are stunned after being pulled through the gates.