Public comment survey available on proposed turkey zones, bass tournament length limit waiver, disorderly conduct on WMAs and resident guide license fees

LITTLE ROCK — The Commission at its May 22 meeting heard the first reading of four new proposed regulations changes. A public comment form has been created to capture public sentiment toward these changes before the Commission votes at its June 18 meeting in Camden. The comment form is available at www.agfc.com/regulations, or by clicking the following link: 

Proposed Regulations Input Survey.

1. A proposed change would divide the state into five turkey zones with staggered opening dates, with the earlier opening day in the southern portion of the state. The new zones would include:

Zone 1: Opening on the Monday closest to April 17 for 21 days

Zone 1A: Opening on the Monday closest to April 17 for 9 days (1 bird limit)

Zone 2: Opening on the Monday closest to April 10 for 21 days

Zone 2A: Opening on the Monday closest to April 10 for 9 days (1 bird limit)

Zone 3: Opening on the Monday closest to April 3 for 21 days

Youth hunts for Zones 1, 1A, 2, and 2A would occur on the Saturday and Sunday prior to Zone 2’s regular season opening day. Zone 3 will not have a youth hunt. The statewide Turkey limit will remain at 2 legal birds, of which may be harvested in a single zone or across zones.

2. A proposal would increase the penalties for disorderly conduct while hunting or fishing, spurred by recent events on a few of the state’s more popular wildlife management areas. If passed, the penalty for Code 5.37: Obstruction or Harassment of Hunting, Fishing or Trapping Activities and Public Disorder would be increased to a Class 4 violation if physical confrontations occur and a Class 3 violation without physical confrontation.

3. A proposal would increase the penalty for reckless boating on public water from a Class 3 to a Class 4 violation and prohibit people convicted of this infraction from entering all AGFC WMAs and National Wildlife Refuges for one year.

4. A proposed resident combination hunting guide license would be created for $350 for people who guided for both hunting and fishing activities. Previously, these guides would have had to purchase separate hunting guide licenses and fishing guide licenses for $250 each.

5. A proposed change would create an opportunity for bass tournament directors to apply for an exemption during their tournament that, if approved, would allow participants in their tournament to temporarily keep bass beyond the “one fish over 16 inches per day” rule on lakes Barnett, Brewer and Poinsett.

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