Join the AGFC and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers at the Black Bear Bonanza March 7

BENTONVILLE — Come out to the Benton County Fairgrounds Auditorium from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. March 7, and celebrate the return of the black bear to Arkansas. The Arkansas Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers has lined up an all-star cast of characters to present entertaining and timely wisdom of the woods and showcase Arkansas’s interesting history with the animal that once supplied its unofficial nickname as the Bear State. The day is full of family-friendly experiences, and tickets are available at backcountryhunters.org under the “events” tab.

The day will kick off with a special seminar by the American Bear Foundation focused on bear safety and living in bear country. Spencer Daniels, AGFC large carnivore biologist, will follow that presentation with an update on the status of Arkansas’s bear population, management and a peek into the future of bears and bear hunting in The Natural State. Three folks from the “Bear Grease” crew will also drop in for a live fireside chat and meet-and-greet. Ryan “Cal” Callaghan is CEO of BHA and is well known for his work on the MeatEater podcast network. “Bear” John Newcomb of the “Bear Grease” podcast will be available to talk bear hunting and bowmaking, and Brent Reaves, host of “This Country Life” podcast, is sure to spin a yarn or two while offering up some backwoods wisdom.

Not only does the Bonanza offer a great opportunity to get the family out of the house in early spring to celebrate conservation, it’s also been instrumental in raising funds toward AGFC bear research and conservation. The BHA not only donated $5,000 to help with satellite-collar research in the south Arkansas bear population, it also played a key role in a recent land donation that opened up additional public access to Cedar Creek Wildlife Management Area in Scott County.

The reintroduction of the black bear in Arkansas is one of the greatest conservation wins in history, beginning with the relocation of dozens of bears from 1958-1968. Today, more than 5,000 black bears are estimated to live in The Natural State, and hunters enjoy a healthy season to pursue these large carnivores to help manage the population at a sustainable level.

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The 5th annual Black Bear Bonanza will be held at the Benton County Fairgrounds March 7. Image courtesy Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.

PHOTOGRAPHER
Ryan “Cal” Callaghan, CEO of BHA, will be one of the many outdoor experts attending this year’s Black Bear Bonanza. Image courtesy Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.