NEWS & EVENTS
NEWS &
EVENTS
OVERALL
1. Jay Hickey -- 229 5/8 non-typical gun kill -- Little River
County
2. Shane Frost -- 216 5/8 non-typical bowkill -- Clay County
3. Lance Harvey -- 192 6/8 non-typical gun kill -- Arkansas County
4. Aaron Joliff -- 167 1/8 typical bowkill -- Benton County
5. Greg Vines -- 165 0/8 typical gun kill -- Greene County
6. Greg Richter -- 164 4/8 typical gun kill -- Clark County
7. Leonard Pasinski -- 189 2/8 non-typ crossbow kill --
Sebastian County
8. Randy Bisswanger -- 162 5/8 typical gun kill -- Arkansas County
9. Jared Smith -- 162 4/8 typical gun kill -- Howard County
10. James Lovell -- 162 4/8 typical crossbow kill -- Monroe County
MODERN
GUN
Non-Typicals
1. Jay Hickey -- 229 5/8 -- Little River County
2. Drew Griffin -- 174 4/8 -- Clark County
3. Rusty Meeks -- 168 4/8 -- Chicot County
4. Jaime Barajas -- 165 0/8 -- Jefferson County
5. Taylor Duncan -- 159 6/8 -- Hot Spring County
Typicals
1. Greg Vines -- 165 0/8 -- Greene County
2. Greg Richter -- 164 4/8 -- Clark County
3. Randy Bisswanger -- 162 5/8 -- Arkansas County
4. Jared Smith -- 162 4/8 -- Howard County
5. Tommy King -- 162 1/8 -- White County
BOW DIVISION
Non-Typicals
1. Shane Frost -- 216 5/8 -- Clay County
2. William McCombs -- 187 0/8 -- Jefferson County
3. Greg Sims -- 165 5/8 -- Washington County
4. Brett McMillon -- 142 3/8 -- Clay County
Typicals
1. Aaron Joliff -- 167 1/8 -- Benton County
2. Jimmy Wells -- 144 4/8 -- Crawford County
3. Mike Kent -- 143 4/8 -- Arkansas County
4. Jerry Clem -- 143 3/8 -- Arkansas County
5. Hunter Sanderson -- 142 4/8 -- Miller County
CROSSBOW DIVISION
Non-Typicals
1. Leonard Pasinski -- 189 2/8 -- Sebastian County
Typicals
1. James LoVell -- 162 4/8 -- Monroe County
2. Jim Cannon -- 151 5/8 -- Pike County
3. Chase Sain -- 151 3/8 -- Clay County
4. Randy D Sanders -- 122 7/8 -- Lee County
5. Randy G Sanders -- 89 7/8 -- Independence County
LADIES
DIVISION
Non-Typicals - No Entries
Typicals
1. Cheryl Freeman -- 147 3/8 -- Johnson County
2. Debbie Troop -- 143 5/8 -- Howard County
3. Patsy Pate -- 141 1/8 -- Priairie County
4. Kim Willhite -- 141 0/8 -- Franklin County
5. Debbie Crutcher -- 137 5/8 -- Cross County
MUZZLELOADER DIVISION
Non-Typicals
1. Chad Brymer -- 166 0/8 -- Greene County
2. Jacob Ayecock -- 160 0/8 -- Desha County
Typicals
1. Blake Fowler -- 148 1/8 -- Miller County
2. Jack Clayborn -- 147 5/8 -- Newton County
3. Brady Hines -- 147 4/8 -- Saline County
4. Billy Minnie -- 146 7/8 -- Yell County
5. Brian Hunt -- 146 6/8 -- Yell County
SHED
DIVISION
1. David Coastian -- 73 4/8 -- Logan County
2. Kyser Taylor -- 72 4/8 -- Phillips County
3. Ashton Duncan -- 71 3/8 -- Hot Spring County
4. Greg Bottoms -- 65 4/8 -- Yell County
5. Nancy Hawthorn -- 64 2/8 -- Montgomery County
YOUTH DIVISION
Non-Typicals
1. Lance Harvey -- 192 6/8 -- Arkansas County
2. Calab Lewallen -- 152 7/8 -- Desha County
3. Tristen Wilson --
DEER PERMITS STILL AVAILABLE If you didn’t draw a deer permit for an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission wildlife management area hunt this year, there’s still a good chance to get the one you’re after. More than 6,000 unclaimed permits will be available beginning 8 a.m., Oct. 11, at the AGFC Little Rock headquarters and regional offices across the state. "Typically, we have about 3,000 leftovers available," said Ashley Bean, AGFC permit program coordinator. "This year, we had almost the same number of applicants, but they were focused only on a few hunts, leaving many unclaimed permits throughout the state." Some permits are even available for some of Arkansas’s most coveted wildlife management areas. There’s even permit available for the modern gun hunt at Freddie Black Choctaw Island Deer Research Area WMA, which normally takes about four years to draw. These high-demand permits are left because people who had enough preference points drew the permit, but did not pay. Unclaimed permits were put into a second round of drawings, and again, some hunters who drew permits did not pay for them. Permits are available only at the offices listed below, and no phone or internet sales or reservations will be made. Each person may purchase a permit for themselves and up to three friends, but they must have a name, date of birth, and a driver’s license number or Social Security number for each person. Purchased permits are nontransferable. Hunters who have already drawn and paid for a permit may still purchase leftover permits.
CONSERVATIVE TURKEY SEASON PROPOSED - AGAIN Biologists with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission last week proposed continuing the conservative turkey season structure, which has been in place since 2007. If approved at the October meeting, the season would be 18 days for most of the state with an additional two-day youth hunt. The proposed season would begin April 14, 2012, and continue through May 1, 2012, in zones 1, 2, 3, 4B, 5, 5B, 6, 7, 7A, 8, 9, 10 and 17. In zones 4, 4A, 5A and 9A, it would run April 14-24, 2012. Zone 1A would remain closed. A youth hunt is proposed for April 7-8, 2012, in all open zones. The Wildlife Management Bureau arrived at the conservative season after reviewing turkey season harvest information, and brood survey and gobbling chronology figures for the past several years. Bag limits would remain the same as last year. The statewide bag limit is two adult gobblers or bearded hens, no jakes. Hunters 15 and younger may harvest one jake as part of their two-bird limit during the season (including the youth hunt). No more than one turkey may be taken per day. |
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Hunting equipment confiscated by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is now on sale by sealed bid at the agency’s enforcement training center in Mayflower. Only licensed firearms dealers will be allowed to view and bid on the equipment. Confiscated equipment includes deer stands, archery equipment, rifles, shotguns and muzzleloaders. No handguns will be sold. There are over 200 pieces of equipment available for auction. The AGFC enforcement training center is located at 213 Highway 89 South just to the east of Mayflower. The auction will be held Sept. 27-29, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sept. 30 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. A federal firearm permit and photo ID will be required to view the equipment. For viewing information contact: Briana Miller 501-223-6401; Major Todd Smith 501-223-6382, Shandra Tipton 877-470-1614 or Lucy Moreland 501-223-6391. |
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Recently, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission scheduled three meetings to discuss the upcoming waterfowl season, seasonal flooding on northeast Arkansas wildlife management areas and recent changes in the habitat manipulation. Historically, sportsmen have been able to access Big Lake, St. Francis Sunken Lands and Dave Donaldson Black River wildlife management areas (WMAs) by ATV prior to waterfowl season to perform maintenance on holes and blinds; a practice that has never been allowed on any other WMA. Earlier this year, the AGFC director agreed that practice will no longer be allowed. Sportsmen from the area gave AGFC staff and commissioners many different thoughts on the new changes. Those comments ranged from outright anger to support. In the past, sportsmen were allowed to perform maintenance on public duck blinds and existing waterfowl holes on the three WMAs. Due to past violations, that routine is no longer allowed by the AGFC. Violations have included the illegal use of herbicides and excessive clearing of existing waterfowl openings. Another concern is the possible degradation of habitat by ATVs due to flooding this spring and summer. Enforcement officers will be monitoring all state-owned waterfowl areas to ensure compliance. AGFC Director Loren Hitchcock said he understands that many people have become accustomed to cleaning hunting spots. "Unfortunately, this has led to conflicts between hunters. We want our WMAs to be open to everyone with equal and fair access to public hunting grounds. It’s regrettable this change will affect what many people have come to expect, but we need to ensure these public lands are not abused and everyone has equal access for hunting," Hitchcock said. "We welcome the public’s help identifying boat lane hazards and we will remove those hazards," he added. As on all WMAs, the public is encouraged to use the areas for their recreational pursuits. As public stewards of the land, AGFC employees will continue to maintain and clear boat lanes and provide other habitat development to the WMAs. |
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Doe-only Hunt Gives New Look to Upcoming Deer Season Arkansas deer hunters have an additional five-day opportunity to pursue their favorite activity this season. A doe-only hunt by any method is scheduled for Oct. 31 through Nov. 4. That’s Monday through Friday. Modern guns, muzzleloaders, bows and crossbows will be allowed, but the hunt is for designated zones, not statewide. The new doe-only hunt is for Deer Zones 6A, 8A, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16A and 17. This basically is south Arkansas, some of central Arkansas and a bit of north-central Arkansas. Deer Zones 1, 1A, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 4B, 5, 5A, 5B, 6, 7, 8 and 11 will be closed. The bag limit on this special doe hunt is the zone limit. No WMAs will be involved in the doe only hunt. Any doe taken by a hunter in this new season will count toward his or her season bag limit, both zone and statewide. There is a generous six-deer statewide limit for next season. Most zone limits are less than six, but a hunter can take deer in more than one zone up to the statewide limit of six. Dick Baxter is the deer program coordinator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. He said, "The rationale behind the hunt is simple. In many areas of the state, we have very high deer densities, and we need to try to reduce deer numbers. By providing hunters with doe-only days, hunters that participate will not have the option to wait on a buck, which is why many hunters pass up opportunities at doe during the regular modern gun and muzzleloader hunts." One point for the thinking of the AGFC people who set the hunting seasons is that it is best to go a little conservative when instituting hunts. This new hunt is labeled modern gun, but this means hunters can use lesser weapons – archery, crossbows and muzzleloaders – if they so choose. The doe-only rule, along with one specifying taking a doe before taking a buck, has been used by many private hunting clubs in Arkansas with success where there is a need to reduce herd numbers. Baxter said, "We have allowed DMAP (Deer Management Assistance Program) clubs to harvest does early in the season for years. This is a sound management practice because we are able to lower the standing crop before hunting season, thereby providing remaining deer with better resources to keep them in better shape heading into the rut and post-rut periods." "Additionally, removing doe early in the season can also help to reduce the amount of unnecessary energy expenditures that bucks may have. Less doe on the landscape will ensure that there is a more defined rut and that more doe are bred by older age-class bucks." The upcoming deer seasons: Archery – Muzzleloader – Modern Gun – Modern gun doe only – The statewide Christmas holiday modern gun deer hunt is Dec. 26-28. Youth hunts are Nov. 5-6 and Jan. 7-8. |
GOVERNOR APPOINTS COOK TO G&F COMMISSION
LITTLE ROCK - Governor Mike Beebe has named Steve Cook of Malvern as the newest commissioner of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
"Steve was imbued with a
philosophy of conservation as a young man, and has never wavered from his
dedication to that cause," Governor Beebe said. "I am confident that
he will work to protect fish and wildlife and their habitats for both current
and future generations."
Cook, 49, was born and raised in Hot Spring County, and grew up learning to hunt and fish along the Ouachita River. He has been involved with Ducks Unlimited for more than 30 years, serving previously as the Arkansas state chairman. Currently, he is a regional vice-president for the national organization. Cook is a member of the Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever, and other conservation causes.
In addition, Cook has served on the executive committee of the Arkansas State Police Foundation and as a longtime commander of the Hot Spring County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputies.
Cook, whose term will expire July 1, 2018, replaces Craig Campbell of Little Rock.
JUDGE THROWS OUT NELSON LAWSUIT
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Circuit Judge
Jay Moody dismissed a lawsuit against the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in
which a former chairman of the panel claimed the agency was skirting public
records law and administrative procedures.
At the same time Moody ruled that the commission is bound by the state Freedom
of Information Act, but is exempt from the Administrative Procedures Act.
Former commission chairman Sheffield Nelson, who brought the suit last year,
said that he had not decided whether to appeal. But he did say that as a
result of his suit the commission is under closer scrutiny, which is what he
wanted.
DUCK NUMBERS UP SLIGHTLY IN CANADA NESTING GROUNDS
The annual breeding grounds survey shows water is plentiful and duck numbers are up. But there are a couple of possible negatives.
One is that flooding hit the upper Midwest, especially North Dakota, just after the annual aerial surveys were made, but duck nesting effort should be strong nonetheless. Second, those major floods in Arkansas, especially the eastern part of the state in April and May could impact habitat conditions and duck migration patterns later in the year.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said improved conditions in much of the waterfowl breeding habitat in Canada and the prairies of the north-central United States have contributed to higher populations of many species of ducks, according to breeding population estimates.
AGFC Waterfowl Program Coordinator Luke Naylor said that high breeding duck populations are always a welcome, positive sign that can build excitement and anticipation for the upcoming waterfowl season. "Of course, many factors leading up to and during duck season have diverse impacts on realized hunting success, but high spring duck populations have historically been correlated with high harvest," Naylor said.
The preliminary estimate of the total duck population from the traditional survey area (north-central United States, south-central and northern Canada, and Alaska) was a record 45.6 million birds. This estimate represents an 11 percent increase over last year’s estimate of 40.8 million birds and is 35 percent above the long-term average (the total duck estimate excludes scoters, eiders, long-tailed ducks, mergansers, and wood ducks).
The surveys are summarized in the 2011 Report on Trends in Duck Breeding Populations, which contains information about the status of duck populations and wetland habitats found during spring of 2011.
Other highlights from the traditional survey area include:
*Estimated mallards were 9.2 million birds, a 9 percent increase from the 2010 estimate of 8.4 million birds and 22 percent above the long-term average.
*Estimated blue-winged teal were a record 8.9 million, which was 41 percent above the 2010 estimate of 6.3 million, and 91 percent above the long-term average.
*Estimated northern pintails were 4.4 million was 26 percent above the 2010 estimate of 3.5 million, and similar to the long-term average.
*Estimated wigeons were 14 percent below the 2010 estimate and 20 percent below the long-term average.
*The combined (lesser and greater) scaup estimate of 4.3 million was similar to that of 2010 and 15 percent below the long-term average of 5.1 million. The canvasback estimate of 700,000 was similar to the 2010 estimate and 21 percent above the long-term average.
In the traditional survey area habitat conditions were generally good to excellent, with the exception of a region of boreal forest in the west-central portion. Habitat conditions across the Prairies generally improved relative to 2010, especially in Canada. The total pond estimate (Prairie Canada and the North-central U.S. combined) was 8.1 million, 22 percent higher than the 2010 estimate of 6.7 million ponds, and 62 percent above the long-term average.
Naylor says that particularly notable this year is the extent of excellent habitat conditions in the southern Canadian prairies. "While good habitat is welcomed in any portion of the Prairie Pothole Region, this region has not been this wet for several years and is a known duck producer when conditions are right," he said. "Arkansas is fortunate to receive waterfowl originated from all over the continent. However, historically this region is especially important for producing Arkansas-bound ducks – especially mallards and pintails – and should do so again in this year of excellent habitat conditions and high duck populations," Naylor added.
In the eastern survey area, estimated mallard abundance was 400,000 birds, similar to the 2010 estimate and the long-term average. Estimated black duck abundance was 400,000 birds, which was similar to 2010, but 13 percent below the long-term average. Habitat conditions in the eastern survey area were good to excellent; in particular, conditions in Ontario and southern Quebec improved from 2010 to 2011.
The surveys are conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Canadian Wildlife Services’ Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey, which involves sampling more than two million square miles of waterfowl habitat across the north-central and northeastern United States, south-central, eastern, and northern Canada, and Alaska. Information is not included from surveys conducted by state or provincial agencies.
The annual survey guides the Service’s waterfowl conservation programs under authority of the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The Service works in partnership with state biologists from the four flyways – the Atlantic, Mississippi, Central and Pacific to establish regulatory frameworks for waterfowl hunting season lengths, dates, and bag limits.
COMMISSIONERS HEAR REPORT ON 2011 TURKEY SEASON
At their June meeting the AGFC commissioners heard a presentation about the 2011 spring turkey harvest from Assistant Wildlife Chief Brad Miller. Miller told the Commission that 6,744 turkeys were checked during the season. The harvest was down from 10,111 turkeys checked during the 2010 season. Fulton County led the state with 307 birds harvested. During the two-day special youth turkey hunt, 928 turkeys were harvested
.COMMISSION APPROVES RESIDENT LIFETIME MILITARY LICENSES
During
their May 19 meeting the commissioners of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
approved several new resident military retiree and resident disabled military
veteran licenses and permits. The new licenses will be available beginning July
1.
The
new licenses range in price from a $35.50 lifetime combination license down to a
$5 lifetime trout stamp. Military retirees that are at least 60 years of age and
a resident of
ARCHERY SEASON DATES:
All zones: Oct. 1-Feb. 29.
MODERN GUN SEASON DATES:
Zones 1, 1A, 2, 3, 6, 6A, 7, 8, 8A, 10 & 11: Nov. 12-Dec. 4.
Zone 4: Nov. 12-13.
Zone 5: Nov. 12-13 & Nov. 19-20.
Zones 4A, 5A, 14 & 15: Nov. 12-Dec. 11.
Zones 4B & 5B: Nov. 12-20.
Zones 9, 12 & 13: Nov. 12-Dec. 18.
Zone 16, 16A & 17: Nov. 12-Dec. 25.
A NEW DOE-ONLY MODERN GUN SEASON WILL BE HELD:
Zones 6A, 8A, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16A & 17: Oct. 31-Nov. 4.
Zones 1, 1A, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 4B, 5, 5A, 5B, 6, 7, 8 and 11: Closed.
MUZZLELOADER SEASON DATES:
Zones 1, 1A, 2, 3, 4A, 5A, 6, 6A, 7, 8, 8A, 10, 11, 14 & 15: Oct. 22-30
and Dec. 17-19.
Zones 9, 12, 13, 16, 16A & 17: Oct. 22-30 and Dec. 29-31.
Zones 4, 4B, 5 & 5B: Closed.
THE STATEWIDE CHRISTMAS MODERN GUN DEER HUNT is Dec. 26-28.
THERE ARE TWO YOUTH MODERN GUN DEER HUNTS: the first will be Nov. 5-6; the second Jan. 7-8, 2012.
The commissioners also reviewed the deer harvest from the 2010-11 season. Hunters harvested 186,165 total deer during the season. The total was less than a one-percent decrease from the previous season’s harvest of 187,046.
2011 ARKANSAS SPORTSHOW RESULTS
OVERALL
WINNER
James P. Nolan - 200 2/8 non-typical - Hot Spring County
MODERN
GUN
BOW DIVISION
1. John Scroggin - 157 5/8 typical - Chariton (Mo)
2. Gary Goodwin - 147 6/8 typical - Poinsett County
3. Joe David Smith - 167 0/8 non-typical - Jackson
CROSSBOW DIVISION
1. Debbie Autry - 141 0/8 typical - St. Francis County
2. Terry Parrott - 138 2/8 - Lawrence County
3. Barry Vaughn - 127 2/8 typical - Craighead County
LADIES
DIVISION
1. Clara Lynn Holt - 148 5/8 typical - Desha County
2. Debbie Autry - 132 4/8 typical - St. Francis County
3. Jamie Midgett - 128 1/8 typical - Jackson County
MUZZLELOADER DIVISION
1. Charles Wheellis - 163 0/8 typical - Poinsett County
2. Zachary White - 169 6/8 non-typical - Clay County
3. Phillip Norton - 143 2/8 typical - Woodruff County
SHED
DIVISION
1. James Nolan - 79 1/8 - Hot Spring County
2. Jimmy Stanfill - 75 0/8 - Jackson County
3. Burtis Walker - 72 6/8 - Greene County
YOUTH
DIVISION
1. Luc Runyon - 184 7/8
non-typical - Woodruff County
2. Colten Russell - 146 7/8 typical - Lee County
3. Brett Green - 131 0/8 typical - St. Francis County
OPEN DIVISION
1. Bart Wright - 165 7/8 typical - St. Francis County
2. David Holt - 155 0/8 typical - Craighead County
3. Steven Westmoreland - 152 3/8 typical - Jackson County
BEST
NEW BUCK
Keith Fisher - 172 6/8
non-typical - Lee County
BEST
OF SHOW
James Goble - 168 6/8
non-typical - Ohio
MODERN
GUNBOW DIVISION
Non-Typicals
1. Joe David Smith -- 174 0/8 -- Jackson County
2. Don Brown -- 162 4/8 -- Arkansas County
3. John Wortman -- 146 4/8 -- White County
Typicals
1. John Jamison -- 164 0/8 -- Howard County
2. Danny Jones -- 152 2/8 -- Howard County
3. Wade Hill -- 148 5/8 -- Lincoln County
4. Chris Ramsey -- 144 1/8 - Pulaski County
5. Brian Adams -- 143 1/8 -- Arkansas County
CROSSBOW DIVISION
Non-Typicals - No Entries
Typicals
1. Mike Barnett -- 142 5/8 -- White County
2. Debbie Autry -- 142 2/8 -- St. Francis County
3. Paris Davis -- 135 2/8 -- Clark County
4. Charles Blankenship -- 135 2/8 -- Bradley County
5. Randy Sanders -- 131 3/8 -- Pulaski County
LADIES
DIVISION
Non-Typicals - No Entries
Typicals
1. Tammi Chenowith -- 164 4/8 -- Polk County
2. Roby Fortenberry -- 159 3/8 -- Miller County
3. Rebecca Rodeiger -- 148 1/8 -- Phillips County
4. Christy Newson -- 139 6/8 -- Benton County
5. Leigh Chlapecka -- 139 6/8 -- Prairie County
MUZZLELOADER DIVISION
Non-Typicals
1. Stacy Fowler -- 212 6/8 -- Scott County
2. Zach White -- 169 0/8 -- Clay County
3. Allen Wenvir -- 151 1/8 -- Jefferson County
Typicals
1. Charles Wheelis -- 163 0/8 -- Clay County
2. Chris Yeager -- 155 2/8 -- Monroe County
3. Mark Green -- 152 4/8 -- Yell County
4. Juston Clardy -- 151 6/8 -- Garland County
5. John Buenau -- 139 1/8 -- Howard County
SHED
DIVISION
1. Scott Chism -- 86 7/8 -- White County
2. Patrick Nolan -- 85 4/8 -- Hot Spring County
3. Billy McClure -- 76 0/8 -- Miller County
4. Elroy Brown -- 75 5/8 -- Pulaski County
5. Logan Hancock -- 71 5/8 -- Clay County
YOUTH DIVISION
Hitchcock
Named AGFC Director
The
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission today named 25-year veteran Loren Hitchcock to
serve as the agency’s director. Hitchcock, who began his career with the AGFC
in 1985, has served as interim director since Sept. 1. Hitchcock was elected by
acclamation with the support of all seven commissioners.
Hitchcock
began his AGFC career as a wildlife officer. In 1989, he became chief of the
Enforcement Division, a position he held until 2003. In 2001, he took on
additional duties as deputy director.
Hitchcock also announced this morning that Don Brazil would be named deputy director and chief of staff. Brazil was among four finalists for the AGFC director’s position. He has been serving as deputy administrator for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.
AGFC
DROPS PROPOSAL TO IMPLEMENT NEW FOI GUIDELINES
The
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission announced today it will withdraw a draft
proposal that outlined new Freedom of Information rules and procedures for the
agency.
The
commission’s governance committee, by a unanimous 3-0 vote, this afternoon
approved a motion to withdraw the rules from further discussion or
consideration.
“This
commission clearly understands the problems associated with drafting new FOI
rules for our agency,” committee chair Emon Mahony said during the meeting.
“We apologize for, and regret, the public confusion this draft proposal has
caused. The governor, attorney general and legislature believe that pursuing
this draft proposal is not a good idea – and the commission unanimously
agrees.”
The
commission’s attorneys submitted the draft proposal to the governance
committee on Oct. 20. The governance committee approved the proposal so that it
could then be released publicly and given to the full commission for initial
consideration.
“The
role of the governance committee in this process was to make sure that this
draft could be made public so we could get comments from all of our commission
members and the general public,” Mahony said. “It was our genuine intent
from the very beginning to be open and transparent so that all Arkansans who
treasure our natural resources would have a voice in this process. We have
listened, and we think the appropriate step is to apologize for any confusion
this has caused and to withdraw the draft proposal.”
“This commission is absolutely committed to open government. It was never our intent to give any impression to the contrary.
FORMER COMMISSIONER SHEFFIELD
NELSON SUES AGFC
Two of three members of the state Game and
Fish Commission accused by former member Sheffield Nelson of grabbing
"absolute control" of the panel say Nelson's claim is groundless.
And Scott Henderson, who recently stepped down from the G&FC director's
post, denies that he was pressured to do so, as Nelson claims in an article
which appeared in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. "This is what I chose to
do,'' Henderson told the newspaper.
Nelson, a former natural-gas utility executive, was twice a Republican
candidate for governor. He was appointed to the commission by then-Gov. Mike
Huckabee in 2000 and left the panel in 2007.
He claimed that new procedures adopted by the commission in July, requiring
approval from one of several committees before a matter can be considered by
the full commission, put control of the panel's agenda in the hands of three
members of the seven-member commission.
Nelson claimed the changes give the trio "absolute control ... so they
can pass anything they want to pass and stop anything they do not want.''
Two of the three commissioners accused by Nelson — chairman Craig Campbell
and Rick Watkins, both of Little Rock — denied his claims. The third, Emon
Mahony of El Dorado, declined to comment.
Campbell said he didn't know why Nelson would make such claims, and he added:
"You'd be better off to consider the source.''
Watkins, who was appointed by Gov. Mike Beebe in 2007 to replace Nelson on the
commission, called Nelson's claims "unfortunate ... inappropriate and
unfounded.'' Watkins said the commission would give consideration to any
constructive ideas to improve the panel's operations.
"We'll let our works speak for themselves,'' he said.
Campbell denied that he, Mahony and Watkins had conspired to rig a system that
puts all important decisions in their hands.
"The refined structure provides greater opportunities for discussion and
input, resulting in a more transparent and open decision-making process.''
Henderson, 61, has worked for the Game and Fish Commission since 1972 and has
been its director since 2003. In July 2008, he became seriously ill with an
autoimmune disorder, polymyalgia rheumatica. He was admitted to a hospital and
later went to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for several days. He returned to
work on a regular basis in February 2009.
Henderson proposed this spring that he step down as director and move to a
vacant deputy director position, effective Sept. 1.
He was asked if a commissioner had requested the move.
"I would characterize this more as me being lucky enough to reassign
myself,'' he responsed. "There was a conversation about transitions, and
I jumped in, and this is what I recommended.''
In an e-mail Henderson sent June 21 to G&FC members, he said most of them
"know from previous discussions I have been looking for ways to slow down
during the last year since returning from my illness. It is my desire to step
down as director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. I appreciate your
request that I remain with the commission for my remaining three years before
mandatory retirement.''
On June 24, the day Henderson's move was announced, he sent an e-mail that
said it wasn't possible for him to properly fulfill commission director duties
since returning from his illness. He said he was happy to work on selected
projects and help with the transition "since a slower pace was my
objective in the first place.''
2010 ARKANSAS SPORTSHOW RESULTS
OVERALL
WINNER
Sean
Longnecker - 181 6/8 typical
- Arkansas County
MODERN
GUN
1.
BOW DIVISION
1. Gary Dozier -- 167 3/8 typical -- Woodruff County
2. Dean Davis -- 186 7/8 non-typical -- Arkansas County
3. Albert Davis -- 148 0/8 typical -- Craighead County
CROSSBOW DIVISION
1. Michael Cole -- 154 5/8 typical -- Craighead County
2. Tyson Teel -- 137 2/8 typical -- Jackson County
3. Hunter Green -- 134 7/8 typical -- Cross County
LADIES
DIVISION
1. Sharon Podbielski -- 144 7/8 typical -- Arkansas County
2. Lauryn Watkins -- 142 4/8 typical -- Poinsett County
3. Natalie Glenn -- 135 2/8 typical -- Lawrence County
MUZZLELOADER DIVISION
1. Harry Ricker -- 158 0/8 typical -- Hot Spring County
2. Rusty Amos -- 147 3/8 typical -- Carroll County
3. Shannon Kelley -- 162 2/8 non-typical -- Cross County
SHED
DIVISION
1. Nicholas Crossno -- 86 5/8 -- Greene County
2. Mason Ross -- 82 1/8 -- Garland County
3. Frankie Green -- 77 5/8 -- Cross County
YOUTH
DIVISION
1. Joey Graves -- 148 0/8 typical --
Woodruff County
2. Josh Kennedy -- 137 2/8 typical -- Lawrence County
3. Wesley Gibson -- 136 3/8 typical -- Jackson County
OPEN DIVISION
1. Shannon Lenderman -- 204 3/8 non-typical -- Adams, IL
2. Larry Jackson -- 193 0/8 non-typical -- Skyler, IL
3. Herschel Meeks -- 148 6/8 typical -- Lawrence, KS
OVERALL
1. Sean Longnecker -- 181 6/8 typical gun kill -- Arkansas County
2. Mike Dobson -- 202 0/8 non-typical gun kill -- Arkansas County
3. Michael Chapman -- 170 1/8 typical gun kill -- Newton County
4. Bob Fugitt -- 168 0/8 typical gun kill -- Hempstead County
5. Kerry Ward -- 167 2/8 typical gun kill -- Lee County
6. George Lynch -- 191 4/8 non-typical gun kill -- Montgomery
County
7. Gary Dozier -- 165 6/8 typical bowkill -- Woodruff County
8. David Bedell -- 165 2/8 typical gun kill -- Garland County
9. Andrew France -- 164 0/8 typical gun kill -- Prairie County
10. Thomas Richards -- 163 7/8 typical gun kill -- White County
MODERN
GUN
Non-Typicals
1. Mike Dobson -- 202 0/8 -- Arkansas County
2. George Lynch -- 191 4/8 -- Montgomery County
3. William Hargett -- 179 7/8 -- Izard County
4. Billy Jo Callicott -- 177 6/8 -- Nevada County
5. Kevin Poor -- 169 1/8 -- Polk County
Typicals
1. Sean Longnecker -- 181 6/8 -- Arkansas County
2. Michael Chapman -- 170 1/8 -- Newton County
3. Bob Fugitt -- 168 0/8 -- Hempstead County
4. Kerry Ward -- 167 2/8 -- Lee County
5. David Bedell -- 165 2/8 -- Garland County
BOW DIVISION
Non-Typicals
1. Dean Davis -- 186 7/8 -- Arkansas County
2. Kelly Davis -- 162 3/8 -- Pope County
3. Jeff Brimer -- 158 6/8 -- White County
4. Eddie Grace -- 145 0/8 -- Cleveland County
Typicals
1. Gary Dozier -- 165 6/8 -- Woodruff County
2. Scott Greenwood -- 153 4/8 -- Jefferson County
3. Chad Foster -- 153 3/8 -- Phillips County
4. Tommy Gerlach -- 145 7/8 -- Prairie County
5. Clay Forsberg -- 141 0/8 -- Faulkner County
CROSSBOW DIVISION
Non-Typicals - No Entries
Typicals
1. Steven Sprviell -- 131 6/8 -- Faulkner County
2. Mike Hall -- 129 4/8 -- Cross County
3. Dennis Holloway -- 129 1/8 -- Faulkner County
4. Pearl Moody -- 123 6/8 -- Saline County
5. Billy Allen -- 123 4/8 -- Pulaski County
LADIES
DIVISION
Non-Typicals - No Entries
Typicals
1. Darlene Rogers -- 154 2/8 -- Prairie County
2. Adi Self -- 148 6/8 -- Pike County
3. Sharon Podbielski -- 144 6/8 -- Arkansas County
4. Jamie James -- 144 2/8 -- Nevada County
5. Magen Schrivner -- 140 3/8 -- Hot Spring County
MUZZLELOADER DIVISION
Non-Typicals
1. Danny Parchman -- 182 7/8 -- Dallas County
2. Tommy Thompson -- 151 7/8 -- Clark County
3. James Manees -- 82 2/8 -- Faulkner County
Typicals
1. 157 4/8 -- Harry Ricker -- Hot Spring County
2. 156 0/8 -- Jeffrey Ott -- Marion County
3. Joshua Cummings -- 153 6/8 -- Pike County
4. Steve Berry -- 144 3/8 -- Clark County
5. Scott Hilburn -- 140 0/8 -- Prairie County
SHED
DIVISION
1. William Hamilton -- 76 7/8 -- Searcy County
2. James Waggle -- 75 5/8 -- Ward
3. William Hamilton -- 72 6/8 -- Searcy County
4. Reed McPherson -- 69 3/8 -- Arkansas County
5. George Lynch -- 66 3/8 -- Royal
YOUTH DIVISION
Non-Typicals
1. Kade Martin -- 168 1/8 -- Sevier County
2. Houston Chavis -- 99 2/8 -- Woodruff County
AGFC
GIVES FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO AHFH PROGRAM
The
commission also approved a $150,000 appropriation from the General Improvement
Fund to the agency’s Game Protection Fund for the benefit of Arkansas Hunters
Feeding the Hungry. Arkansas
Hunters Feeding the Hungry is a program that has provided approximately one
million meals to the state’s most needy citizens. The program has been in
place in
1
9th ANNUAL BIG BUCK CLASSIC RESULTS
OVERALL
1. Davis Smith - 209 0/8 non-typical gun kill
- Phillips County
2. Jeremy McMahan - 179 4/8 typical gun kill
- Desha County
3. Bob Lemke 177 3/8 typical gun kill - St. Francis
County
4. Frank Foster - 174 2/8 gun kill - Polk
County
5. Dale Harp - 167 1/8 gun kill - Johnson County
6. Robert Whitehorn - 191 6/8 gun kill -
Benton County
7. Briar Shawn - 164 4/8 gun kill - Desha
County
8. Lance Lovell - 163 7/8 gun kill - Cross
County
9. Issac Aldridge - 163 4/8 gun kill -
Monroe County
10. Harold Casey - 161 7/8 gun kill - Garland
County
MODERN
GUN
Non-typicals
1. Davis Smith - 209 0/8 - Phillips County
2. Robert Whitehorn - 191 6/8 - Benton
County
3. Gregory West - 181 3/8 - White County
Typicals
1. Jeremy McMahan - 179 4/8 - Desha County
2. Bob Lemke - 177 3/8 - St. Francis
County
3. Fran Foster - 174 2/8 - Polk County
BOW DIVISION
Non-typicals
No entries
Typicals
1. Ed McKinley - 155 1/8 - Arkansas County
2. John Cowell - 155 0/8 - Benton County
3. Jimmy Smith - 149 0/8 - Lafayette County
CROSSBOW DIVISION
Non-Typicals
1. Mike Crisp - 178 7/8 - Monroe County
Typicals
1. James Daniel - 157 6/8 - Benton County
2. Carlton Moragne - 135 1/8 - Lonoke
County
3. Archie Russon - 127 1/8 - Clay County
LADIES
DIVISION
Non-Typicals
1. Tandy Stephenson - 139 2/8 - White
County
Typicals
1. Ashley Broach - 149 2/8 - Cleveland
County
2. Darlene Rogers - 146 6/8 - Prairie
County
3. Eleanor Henry - 145 1/8 - Jefferson
County
MUZZLELOADER DIVISION
Non-Typicals
1. Craig Jones - 168 0/8 - Hempstead
County
2. Allan Conwolly - 164 2/8 - Madison
County
3. Greg Schmitt - 161 1/8 - Crawford
County
Typicals
1. Ben Plumlee - 155 5/8 - Baxter County
2. Brandon French - 154 0/8 - Carroll
County
3. Michael Forner - 152 1/8 - Hempstead
County
SHED
DIVISION
1. David Jordening - 99 2/8 - St. Francis
2. Charlie Baxter - 90 5/8 - Arkansas
County
3. Richard Powell - 87 1/8 - Desha County
YOUTH DIVISION
Non-typicals
1. John McNair - 130 5/8 - Cleburne County
200
9 ARKANSAS SPORTSHOW RESULTSOVERALL
WINNER
MODERN
GUN
1. Jeremy McMahan -- 179 4/8 typical -- Desha County
2. Bob Lemke -- 177 3/8 typical -- St. Francis County
3. Gregory West -- 177 2/8 non-typical -- White County
BOW DIVISION
1. Raymond King -- 167 2/8 typical -- White County
2. Randy Reese -- 156 0/8 typical -- Saline County
3. Steven Sparks -- 153 0/8 typical -- Sharp County
CROSSBOW DIVISION
1. Michael Crisp -- 182 5/8 non-typical -- Monroe County
2. Brandon Burmingham -- 139 4/8 typical -- Cross County
3. Shannon Wallace -- 134 3/8 typical -- Cross County
LADIES
DIVISION
1. Christina Easley -- 122 1/8 typical -- Greene County
2. Audry Henderson -- 121 1/8 typical -- ?
3. Katherine Fresenburg -- 119 4/8 typical -- Boone County
MUZZLELOADER DIVISION
1. Brandon French -- 154 0/8 typical -- Carroll County
2. Richard Loggins -- 153 4/8 typical -- Poinsett County
3. Randy Littleton -- 150 0/8 typical -- Greene County
SHED
DIVISION
1. John Andrews -- 82 7/8 -- Cross County
2. Kristie Price -- 75 4/8 -- Greene County
3. Gavin Stephens -- 75 0/8 -- ?
YOUTH
DIVISION
1. Briar Shawn -- 164 0/8
typical -- Desha County
2. Jered Hood -- 161 7/8 typical -- Poinsett County
3. Randale Hicks -- 145 0/8 typical -- Desha County
OPEN DIVISION
1. Tim Nelson -- 155 1/8 typical -- Keokuk
2. Michael McBride -- 150 3/8 typical -- Craighead County
3. Tim Nelson -- 172 1/8 non-typical -- Keokuk
BEST OF SHOW
1. Robert Morelock -- 148 5/8 typical -- Cross County
2. Jeff Davis -- 137 6/8 typical -- Cross County
BEST
NEW BUCK
1. Andy Anderson -- 126 5/8 non-typical -- St. Francis County
18th BIG BUCK CLASSIC RESULTS
MODERN
GUN
Non-typicals
1. Ron Harp - 195 1/8 - Benton County
2. Ted Selby - 191 5/8 - Ashley County
3. Jeremy King - 188 1/8 - St. Francis County
Typicals
1. Andy Butler - 176 5/8 - Polk County
2. Gene Harris - 164 4/8 - Desha County
3. Dextin Wheeler - 159 6/8 - Sevier County
BOW DIVISION
Non-typicals
1. Joel Dunlap - 138 7/8 - Van Buren County
2. Zach Henderson - 136 1/8 - Yell County
3. Eugene Taylor - 132 4/8 - Garland County
TYPICALS
1. Mike Franks - 170 0/8 - Washington County
2. David Fox - 158 5/8 - Arkansas County
3. Kurt Garland - 156 4/8 - Jackson County
CROSSBOW DIVISION
Non-Typicals
1. Ruger Estes - 196 5/8 - Pope County
2. Randy Wigginton - 172 4/8 - Poinsett County
Typicals
1. Greg McKnight - 174 1/8 - Cross County
2. Tommy Bull - 173 4/8 - Perry County
3. Troy Crossen - 145 1/8 - White County
LADIES
DIVISION
Non-Typicals
1. Cassie Glass - 159 6/8 - Columbia County
2. Cindy Lawrence - 140 2/8 - Cross County
Typicals
1. Paige Gilmore - 158 6/8 - Van Buren County
2. Dana Smith - 158 1/8 - Sevier County
3. Sandra Wright - 157 2/8 - White County
MUZZLELOADER DIVISION
Non-Typicals
1. Jim Puckett - 187 2/8 - Yell County
2. Gene Templeman - 164 4/8 - Woodruff County
3. Jim Wiedeman - 164 2/8 - Arkansas County
Typicals
1. Larry Heavener - 167 2/8 - Monroe County
2. James Thornton - 156 4/8 - Hot Spring County
3. Jerry Barnes - 155 4/8 - Saline County
SHED
DIVISION
1. Allen Vandervort - 78 3/8 - Perry County
2. Brandon Roberts - 75 3/8 - Lonoke County
3. Chris Mooney - 72 1/8 - Arkansas County
YOUTH DIVISION
2008 ARKANSAS SPORTSHOW RESULTS
OVERALL
WINNER
Greg McKnight -- 174 2/8 typical -- Cross County
MODERN
GUN
1. Michael Hardin -- 170 4/8 typical -- Clay County
2. Victor Throesch -- 166 0/8 typical -- Randolph County
3. Alfred Harris -- 164 5/8 typical -- Desha County
BOW DIVISION
1. Jade Price -- 177 1/8 non-typical -- Scott County
2. John Andrews -- 136 0/8 typical -- Cross County
3. Derek Kildow -- 135 3/8 typical -- Randolph County
CROSSBOW DIVISION
1. Tommy Hancock -- 143 5/8 typical -- Clay County
2. Randy Wigginton -- 161 5/8 non-typical -- Poinsett County
3. Adam Davis -- 129 1/8 typical -- Cross County
LADIES
DIVISION
1. Lindsey Nixon -- 148 7/8 typical -- Cleaburne County
2. Elaine Roberson -- 134 5/8 typical -- Little River County
3. Luann White -- 116 0/8 typical -- Poinsett County
MUZZLELOADER DIVISION
1. Larry Heavner -- 167 2/8 typical -- Monroe County
2. Shannon Woodard -- 147 1/8 typical -- Randolph County
3. B.E. Thompson -- 164 0/8 non-typical -- Woodruff County
SHED
DIVISION
1. Richard Powell -- 86 7/8 -- Woodruff County
2. Kevin Privett -- 86 6/8 -- Craighead County
3. Jade Price -- 84 4/8 -- Craighead County
YOUTH
DIVISION
1. Dylan Willis -- 159 0/8
non-typical -- Cross County
2. Curtis Wilson -- 158 2/8 non-typical -- Cross County
3. Payton Wooldridge -- 128 6/8 typical -- Desha County
OPEN DIVISION
1. Roscoe White -- 178 4/8 typical -- Arkansas County
2. Ronnie Melton -- 177 7/8 typical -- Kansas
3. Mandi Clevenger -- 168 5/8 typical -- Desha County
BEST OF SHOW
Larry Heavner -- 167 2/8 typical -- Monroe County
BEST
NEW BUCK
David Williams -- 177 3/8 non-typical -- Prairie County
LITTLE ROCK – Deer management in Arkansas is a broad topic that generates a lot of passion among the deer hunting community. To address the issues involved in deer management, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has formed three statewide Deer Management Advisory Groups.
The AGFC has divided Arkansas into three sections, based on physiographic characteristics, for this project. Three three sections are: (1) Ozark Mountains, Arkansas River Valley and Ouachita Mountains, (2) Gulf Coastal Plan – south Arkansas, and (3) Delta and Crowley’s Ridge.
The groups represent diverse interests and backgrounds. They have been assembled by the AGFC to provide assistance in a new deer management plan for Arkansas. The goal is ideas and suggestions from the hunters, representing Arkansas’ public, to be incorporated with wildlife biology essentials into a new Arkansas deer management plan.
Another new concept is the AGFC’s use of an outside facilitator company to help with the administering of the advisory group activities and public scoping meetings. On hand for the three meetings were Tommy Shropshire of Mississippi and Spencer Amend of Wyoming. Both were emphatic that their role was to help handle the meetings and the flow of information and ideas but not to contribute their input into the Arkansas deer plan. Shropshire is retired from a 30-year career with the Mississippi Game and Fish Commission, most as its chief finance officer. The new deer management plan will provide goals and direction pertaining to hunting seasons and regulations. The final decision on seasons and regulations will remain with AGFC commissioners.
|
Commissioner addresses
concerns over sightings of mountain lions Nelson said that people shouldn't be afraid to go out into the wilds of Arkansas for fear of being attacked by a mountain lion. "People should know that if they feel that they are in danger, they can kill an animal to protect themselves," he said. "I don't want people to be afraid to deer hunt because someone has released an animal into the wild," he added. Mountain lions were historically present throughout Arkansas until their apparent eradication, which occurred by about 1920. Since that time efforts have been made to determine the existence of this animal in Arkansas. There is no evidence that there is a wild, reproducing population of mountain lions in Arkansas, but it is probable that there are a few free-ranging mountain lions that are most likely either escaped or released pets rather than remnants of the state's original mountain lion population. In order to reduce the chance of escapes happening in the future, the Commission passed regulations last year requiring owners of pet mountain lions to obtain permits and meet minimum caging standards in order to keep their animals.
|
Tree Stands: Deer hunting’s most
dangerous equipment
Estimating
a deer’s weight in the field
’Record
book’ means B&C or P&Y for Arkansas deer
Confiscated
equipment on sale at Mayflower
Public
Meetings Address Changes at NE Arkansas WMAs
BRINKLEY
- There were teasing glimpses and tantalizing sounds, but the
2005-2006 search for the Ivory-billed Woodpecker in the Big Woods of
Arkansas has concluded without a definitive visual documentation.
The search, led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, with
support from Audubon Arkansas, stretched from November through April
when ivory-bill activity would be highest and a lack of leaf-cover
permitted clear views through the dense forest. The search
included 22 full-time searchers and state-of-the-art acoustic and
video monitoring technology. To supplement the full-time
effort, volunteer groups of 14 spent two weeks at a time helping to
search the 550,000-acre area focused on the Cache and White River
National Wildlife Refuges.
Remote
microphones and cameras collected thousands of hours of recordings
that will be reviewed by scientists at the Lab of Ornithology
through a process aided by sophisticated sound-analysis
software. In addition, on a number of occasions searchers heard
possible ivory-bill “kent” calls and the bird’s distinctive
double-rap drumming display. Other searchers glimpsed birds
that could have been ivory-bills, but the fleeting nature of the
encounters made it impossible to note field marks that would have
made these “confirmed” sightings.