Arkansas Out-of-Doors September/October 2011

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Arkansas Out-of-Doors • September/October - 1

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011

T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E A R K A N S A S W I L D L I F E F E D E R AT I O N • A F F I L I AT E D W I T H T H E N AT I O N A L W I L D L I F E F E D E R AT I O N

VOL 39

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Permit 128 Russellville, Ark. 72801

NO 5

Bearcat Hollow & Banquet A Success Photo by Bob Shewmake

2 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • September/October 2011

We all need to do our part to help conserve what we have for future generations to see and enjoy, by volunteering, recycling, or just not wasting needlessly.

AWF has now reached their 75th year of work to benefit wildlife in the great state of Arkansas. As you will see in this issue, we had a great 75th Anniversary celebration at this year’s annual awards banquet.

The banquet was held at the new community center known as “The Center of Bryant.” I would like to say thanks to recreation superintendent Derek Phillips for his help and support. We had about 500 people attend the banquet with an all-day sports event open to the public. This was our first year to attempt the sports event and there were a lot of things going on in the Little Rock area that particular day, so the turnout was not as well attended as what we had hoped.

Regardless, the kids had a great time at the fishing derby; I believe everyone caught some fish. We did have a lot of people come by and see our sports event and vendors, and we plan on building on it next year.

The awards banquet, on the other hand, was a big success. TV personality John Philpot

was our Master of Ceremonies and Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel was the guest speaker. They were both great. We had nine major awards voted on by AWF and two more awards voted on by AGFC which were presented to individuals and groups who have worked hard to help support nature and our wildlife in Arkansas. I am very proud of the work they have done and their support for future generations.

I also want to thank the great sponsors for their support for the banquet. You will see them listed in this issue of AOOD. Also, I would like to thank the AWF board for all of their hard work and support

for the banquet. It is a very large program to put on each year and takes a lot of time and hard work. I am proud to say they all chipped in and we had the largest and most successful banquet in recent years.

Everyone had a great time.

The pinnacle was at the end of the live auction in which AGFC donated a youth elk tag to AWF that we auctioned off. It was exciting to say the least. We hope to see you next year’s banquet as we move forward to conserve for the future.

Thanks, Wayne Shewmake - AWF President

Arkansas Wildlife Federation Mission Statement

To promote conservation, responsible management and sustainable use of Arkansas’ fish, wildlife, habitat, natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities through education and advocacy.

This is the 75th Anniversary for the Arkansas Wildlife Federation.

The pin you see above is a covenant collector's pin. Not many organization can or will be able to say that they have been in business for 75 years.

This year to encourage you to become a member and help support AWF our mission of conservation and protecting fish, wildlife, and our natural resources in Arkansas.

We will give one of these pins to each paid member, along with a membership card. You can also purchase an extra pin for $10 plus shipping.

To get your pin, make sure you renew your membership today, or become a member now and continue to receive our newspaper. We would appreciate your membership support.

President - Wayne Shewmake 1st VP - Ellen McNulty 2nd VP - Jerry Crowe Treasurer - Gary Bush Secretary - Lucien Gillham

Arkansas Wildlife Federation 9108 Rodney Parham Rd. Suite 101 Little Rock, AR 72205

Arkansas Out-of-Doors • September/October 2011 - 3

Bearcat Hollow Cooperative Habitat Project work weekend Sept. 23 – 25, 2011

By Wayne Shewmake

Arkansas Wildlife Federation (AWF) along with National Wild Turkey (NWTF), Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), Arkansas Tech Fisheries & Wildlife Society, U S Forest Service Ozark – St. Francis National Forest, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), National Wildlife Federation, and National Forest Foundation (NFF), held a work weekend at the Bearcat Hollow Project in the Ozark National Forest, Big Piney Ranger District, as part of the stewardship agreement between all of these and other environmental organizations to enhance the habitat on National Forest area called the Bearcat Hollow Project. This project is supported thru a NFF grants to NWTF and AWF to improve the Bearcat Hollow habitat for fish and wildlife. This stewardship agreement includes Phase I which is approximately 6,000 acres, with about 422 acres of openings planted for wildlife. Work on the project this year will almost complete Phase I of the project. Which has cost about $ 1,000,000 between the USFS, AGFC, NFF, NWTF, RMEF, and AWF thru grant funds, volunteer work done, AGFC & USFS funds.

AWF, NWTF, and RMEF had a work day on Sept. 24 (National Lands Day) on the Bearcat Hollow Project. We sent out emails and posted flyers to let everyone know about

the work day. I went to talk to the Arkansas Tech Fisheries and Wildlife Society about this project and ask for their help. They responded with 17 volunteer club members for the work day. Several camped out with us and made a great weekend out of it. We could not have accomplished our work goal without their help. We installed 2 gates on habitat openings to allow vegetation to grow for wildlife, we removed about ½ mile of old

National Public Lands Day

by Sarah Chronister

September 24, 2011 was National Public Lands Day and proved to be a day of conservationists, environmentalists, and students coming together as a group of volunteers at the Bear Cat Hollow Project located near Jasper, Arkansas. The Bear Cat Hollow Project has been a cooperative effort from the members of the Arkansas Wildlife Federation, the National Forest Foundation, the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, the Arkansas Forestry Commission, The Nature Conservancy, and even other affiliates such as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Arkansas Tech University’s Fisheries and Wildlife Society, among others. Bear Cat Hollow has come to be known as a place of restoration. With many man hours, donations of grants, and the hard work of volunteers, Bear Cat Hollow is

making the slow transition and restoration back to the native land it once was.

During the weekend of September 24, over 50 volunteers made their way into the mountains to donate their time to improving the efforts at Bear Cat Hollow. Including representatives from AWF, AGFC, NFF, RMEF, and NWTF, there were about 20 young adults from Arkansas Tech Fisheries and Wildlife Society. Some of the volunteers spent the weekend camping, and were graciously taken care of by the members of AWF, who fed and maintained all the volunteers at camp. Saturday morning brought upon the cool, fresh mountain air and the eagerness of volunteers ready to work. After a briefing from AWF President, Wayne Shewmake, instructions were given out and work teams were divided up. Some of the work that was completed during the weekend included seeding plots of clover for

fence wire and post to prevent wildlife from getting entangled in it, we brush hogged 58 acres before we sowed seed on the 58 acres (5 fields) by hand and ATVs. We did a deer spotlight count along with the USFS, we served breakfast lunch and supplies to all who volunteered, and for those who camped out with us. We were able to accomplish most of our goals and meet our objective to benefit wildlife. We had about 50 volunteers show up to support the work being done on the Bearcat Hollow Project.

For the ones who camped out, I know they really enjoyed themselves. They learned how to cook good food in an open fire pit, learned how to make a good desert called a banana boat, as well as cobbler on the open fire pit. They learned how to boil water in a

wildlife, installation of gates to better secure roadways, bush hogging, and the removal of barbed wire fencing.

Throughout the weekend, the enthusiasm was high and fun was had by all. As president of ATU's Fisheries and Wildlife Society, I was asked about my time spent volunteering at Bear Cat Hollow. "It was a great opportunity to not only get out and do something for wildlife and nature, it was a great opportunity for our guys at TECH to gain some valuable experience doing volunteer work for a great cause. Our society at TECH is always looking for ways to support fish and wildlife and lend a hand in conservation.”

Bear Cat Hollow will soon be restored back to its original habitat. Without the help from many different sponsors, necessary grants, and the vital man hours of volunteer work, the Bear Cat Hollow Project would be nonexistent. Part of what encourages the workers to keep pushing ahead is realizing what the future holds. An elk bugling though the misty, early morning sunrise, or a

paper cup, and we all shared stories of the past. We did get to hear an elk bugle about midnight on Saturday while sitting by the campfire, it was great.

I want to thank USFS employees Jim Dixon, Dwayne Rambo, Stuart Brazzel, AGFC's Ray Wiggs, NFF's Adam Liljeblad, NWF's Geralyn Hoey, NWTF's Dennis Daniels, RMEF's Sam Sneed for their leadership and support. I would like to say a special thank you to AWF board members Lola Perritt and Sharon Hacker for their help cooking for this group, it was very interesting and fun, and Ralph Odegard for his help and support.

Phase II will begin next year, so make your plans now to come and help, make a difference for wildlife.

group of wild turkeys roosting on the ridge; seeing things like that at Bear Cat make the challenge more purposeful. That is the goal that the workers had during their National Public Lands Day Weekend, to make Bear Cat Hollow a flourishing place for wildlife, increase the quality of habitat for wildlife and aquatic species, and to restore fire adapted ecosystems. This year’s National Public Land’s Day for Arkansas Wildlife Federation proved to be a success.

4 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • September/October 2011

Anniversary Banquet a Success The Arkansas Wildlife Federation celebrated its 75th Anniversary of the Annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards Program on August 27th of this year, officially recognized

by Governor Mike Beebe as “Arkansas Wildlife Federation Day.” The event took place at The Center of Bryant at Bishop Park in Bryant, Arkansas.

The Conservation Awards are given to people and organizations that go above and beyond to preserve our natural heritage. Recipients of the Conservation awards display the stewardship attitude that the Arkansas Wildlife Federation was founded on and strives to promote today.

This year’s awards ceremony was the finale of an all-day event. A kids fishing derby, with fish provided by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission started the day. Following the derby, guests and members of AWF visited several vendor and informative booths featuring conservation and wildlife themed products and associations. A few of those were the Arkansas Stream Team division of the AG&FC, David Chronister presenting handmade bows, the Buck-N-Doe to Something Leather Co. demonstrating leather-making, TNT Outdoors attended with a lot of outdoor sporting goods items, ADEQ had water quality information, and the Arkansas Trappers Association had pelts on display and educated the public on responsible and safe

trapping. AGFC also brought a large aquarium they set up outside for viewing.

In addition, Dennis Daniel of National Wild Turkey Federation not only had a booth but he gave turkey calling demonstrations. Tyler Billson of TNT Outdoors gave duck calling demonstrations, and AWF’s very own Trey Clark gave elk bugling demonstrations.

In between the demonstrations kids were having their picture taken with Smokey Bear, thanks to the Arkansas Forestry Commission and grabbing free drinks from the Pepsi booth.

The awards dinner menu featured Cornish game hens and chicken tenders from Tyson Foods, quail from Manchester Farms, and an assortment of side dishes. A table of wild game was also available for sampling.

Master of Ceremonies John Philpot and keynote Speaker Attorney General Dustin McDaniel provided entertainment during dinner to a full house of nearly 500 attendees, including McDaniel’s lovely family and Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands John Thurston. McDaniel’s tales of dove hunting escapades brought waves of laughter echoing through the building. As members and guests of AWF finished the delicious meal, the awards ceremony began.

McDaniel and AWF President Wayne Shewmake presented awards to this year’s recipients as Philpot announced the winners.

Award winners for the 2011 AWF Governors Conservation Awards are as follows:

Don McSwain – Harold Alexander Conservationist of the Year Amy L. Wilson – Carol Griffee Communication Conservationist of the Year Jennifer Richardson – John L. Gray Forestry Conservationist of the Year Philip Osborne – Water Conservationist of the Year Jeff Guerin – Rex Hancock Wildlife Conservationist of the Year Clay Spikes – Student Conservationist of the Year Walmart – Corporate Conservationist of the Year Arkansas Sports Show/ Jonesboro Rotary – Conservation Organization of the Year Kay Carpenter Nolte – AG&FC Hunter Education Instructor of the Year Melvin McBride - AG&FC Boating Education Instructor of the Year Sgt. Floyd Harper – AGF&C Wildlife Officer of the Year

by Johnny Sain & Ethan Nahté

This year was the first year to honor journalist Carol Griffee by adding her name to the Communication Conservationist of the Year Award. Carol was someone that AWF felt deserved recognition for all her conservation and journalistic work she did for many publications over the years, including a lot of beneficial work for AWF. She passed away earlier in 2011 and her family happily agreed to let the award be renamed in memory of her. The award was even more special for two reasons: 1) Recipient Amy L. Wilson was mentored

by Carol; 2) Carol’s nephews Mike and John Griffee, III drove in from the Memphis, TN area to help present the award.

One-time AWF president and longtime member Colonel Robert A. Norman had also recently passed away and was recognized in the banquet program book alongside Griffee.

After the dinner, a few door prizes were given away but then the real prizes were up for bid. Mossy Oak Investment Realty & Auction conducted a live auction which consisted of very nice getaways at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa in the Mount Ida area on Lake Ouachita, and Iron Mountain Lodge and Marina on Degray Lake between Hot Springs and Arkadelphia.

Another big door prize item was a shotgun, won by Kim Randle of Clean Line Energy Partners. She was very excited about winning the gun which was almost as big as she is. There was also a guided hog hunt auctioned off that did surprisingly well.

Finally, the big auction item was the Youth Elk Hunting permit given to AWF for the first time by AGFC. This rare auction item went to Jeff Wright, manager of Walmart in Russellville, who was there to accept Walmart’s conservation award this evening.

Cont. on facing page...

Arkansas Out-of-Doors • September/October 2011 - 5

Win a Benelli Shotgun from AWF at Wings Over the Prairie

By Ethan Nahté If you were at the AWF 75th Anniversary Banquet you may remember that there was one shotgun given away as a door prize. There was a second shotgun that tickets were available for purchase for a drawing. That second firearm is a Benelli Nova 12 gauge pump 3 ½ inch shotgun – and you still have a chance to win it at the annual Wings Over the Once the live auction finished the evening wasn’t quite over. The announcements came for all of the winners of the items from the seven or eight silent auction tables filled to capacity with items ranging from art, duck calls and outdoor gear to a nice set of Congo drums.

Sponsors for the 2011 event: National Wildlife Federation, Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, Heartland Community Bank, The Center of Bryant staff and the high school kids that assisted, Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, Arkansas Environmental Federation, Arkansas Interfaith Power and Light, Arkansas Watershed Advisory Group, Diamond Bank, First Community Bank of Batesville, First Community Bank of Marion, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, Arkansas State Parks and Tourism, Arkansas Forestry Commission and Smoky Bear, Bank of Star City, Cates and Company Creative, First Security Bank, Hogeye Inc., Keith’s Music and Sound, Natural Awakenings magazine, Mack’s Prairie Wings, Mossy Oak Investment Realty and Auction, Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa, Iron Mountain Lodge and Marina, Nucor-Yamato Steel, National Wild Turkey Federation, Pepsi, Southwestern Energy, Squirrels Unlimited, Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corp., Richard’s Honda, ZimCreative, TNT Outdoors.

Special Thanks: Kathy Holt (Office of Governor Mike Beebe), City of Bryant Police Department, City of Dardanelle and Mayor Carolyn McGee, Little Rock Scout Troop #70, Bud Burnett, LIVE ‘N’ LOUD, Mike Johnson’s Powersports-Suzuki of Russellville, Alco of Russellville, Larry Roberts of Iron Works Kettle Corn Co. for supplying lights, and the many newspapers, radio and TV stations that did stories about the event, including KTHV interviewing Trey Clark, the many AWF volunteers and their families that assisted, James Manatt, President of Yell County Wildlife Federation (YCWF) & Jerry Crowe of YCWF along with Jeff Belk, Tim Carr.

Prairie event the week of Thanksgiving.

AWF’s 1st vice-president, Ellen McNulty, and other AWF volunteers will be set up in the commercial exhibits booth from 10am – 8pm on Friday, November 25th and on Saturday, November 26th from 9 am – 8 pm. They will be selling tickets for the drawing: $10 for single tickets; 6 tickets for $50; 12 tickets for $100. You must be 18 or over. You do not need to be present to win. The winner will be contacted and arrangements made to obtain the shotgun. The drawing will be held at the AWF booth at noon on Saturday.

The event is a week-long event and features the 76th World’s Champion Duck Calling Contest. More details and the schedule for the event can be found at http://www.stuttgartarkansas.org/ index.php?fuseaction=p0010.&mod=33/

Taking a Look Back 2002-2011 ~Past AWF Presidents~ 2002 W.D. Haynes, M.D., Little Rock 2003 David Carruth, Clarendon 2004 David Carruth, Clarendon 2005 David Carruth, Clarendon 2006 David Carruth, Clarendon 2007 Jeff Ellis, Newport 2008 David Carruth, Clarendon 2009 Wayne Shewmake, Dardanelle 2010 Wayne Shewmake, Dardanelle 2011 Wayne Shewmake Dardanelle

6 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • September/October 2011

Gordon Bagby AGFC Education Specialist Central Arkansas Nature Center

As we move deeper into the fall, we all have many things for which to be thankful.

For me those include family and friends with which to enjoy the season, the cool temperatures, fantastic foliage, a very good Razorback football team and the opportunity to hunt. Your seasonal list is likely different but probably will include some outdoor activities as well. Enjoy yourself and be safe out there!

With Christmas approaching I’d like to remind AWF members that each Game and Fish Commission nature center has a gift shop with many items for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. You may wish to take a look at them to see if anything would be a possible gift for those on your list.

With deer season underway it is a good time to remind you that checking deer can be done online, by telecheck or from the AGFC iPhone application. Consult the agency website at www.agfc.com for details.

Waterfowl Update The late migratory waterfowl seasons have begun in Arkansas. This year has a 60-day duck season with three splits: November 19-27, December 8-23 and December 26-January 29 for ducks, coots and mergansers. Blue, snow and Ross’ goose season is November 5-January 29, and Canada and white-fronted goose season is November 19-January 29.

Migratory bird hunters must complete the harvest information program summary when purchasing a license. State and federal stamps are required. A free weekly waterfowl report is available at www.agfc.com. The waterfowl hunting season guidebook is available at all Game

and Fish Commission offices and centers as well as hunting retailers.

Find out what duck hunting in Arkansas is all about at the Central Arkansas Nature Center in December and January when a special exhibit display will be featured.

You’ll see information on total number of waterfowl hunters broken down by resident and non-resident, economic impact of waterfowl hunting, waterfowl hunter contributions to habitat management, and an assortment of waterfowl conservation organizations memorabilia.

Spring Turkey Hunting Season After hearing input from the Wildlife Management Division and turkey hunters, commissioners of the Game and Fish Commission shortened the 2012 spring turkey season to 16 days. The 2011 season was 18 days. Season dates are posted at www.agfc.com and the spring turkey season guidebooks will be available before the season begins in April.

Upcoming Events at Central Arkansas Nature Center Two special events are coming up at the nature center in Little Rock. On Saturday, December 3, we will have a Winter Watchable Wildlife program in our classroom at 2:00. Then on Tuesday night, December 13, we will host Introduction to Trout Fishing from 6:00 – 7:30. Seating is limited to 50 and registration is necessary by calling the center at 501-907-0636.

Kids under 16 who attend will get a ticket for a free rod and reel at a trout derby at MacArthur Park in Little Rock on Saturday, December 17.

What’s the statewide deer limit this season? Six LITTLE ROCK – It’s a question that is asked over and over by Arkansas deer hunters: “What is the statewide seasonal deer limit this year.”

Six is the correct answer – but with an asterisk. It is not really a trick question. But it’s something that should make every deer hunter read the rules carefully and closely and not depend on what somebody says down at the corner store or coffee shop.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission rules for the 2011-2012 hunting season include a maximum of six deer that can be taken by a hunter, as long as he or she does not go over the limit for any zone. The limit on legal bucks is two.

And, yes, you can kill one zone’s limit then go to another zone and kill more deer – up to that statewide maximum of six. Example: Zone 10 covers the southern half of Faulkner County. It has a season limit of three deer, with not over two bucks. Get your limit in southern Faulkner County then move to the northern part of the county, Zone 8, and kill three more deer.

You will be legal.

A wildlife management zone or a national wildlife refuge is a separate zone. A hunter can get a limit of deer on a WMA, go to nearby private land and take more deer – up to a total of six.

Each of these deer has to be checked within 24 hours after you get it. Again this year, checking deer will be done by a tollfree telephone call (866-305-0808) or on the Internet ( www.agfc.com). Write that phone number down or memorize it, or – best idea – keep a copy of the AGFC Hunting Guidebook with you.

This seasonal bag limit of six is liberal, and it’s an indicator of the total deer we have in Arkansas. Deer are thriving but not equally and in all places. By the liberal season limit,

the idea is to try to hold down the excess.

Realistically, however, very few people will kill six deer.

The zone with the highest populations of deer is Zone 12, a large triangular section of south Arkansas. Many hunting clubs are on land leased from timber companies in Zone 12.

The AGFC’s limit rule for Zone 12: “Seasonal bag limit of six deer, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks or up to six does may be taken with archery tackle. No more than two legal bucks or up to six does may be taken with firearms.”

Archery means conventional bows, compound bows and crossbows. Firearms means muzzleloaders and modern guns.

Zone 12 and Zone 17 (inside the main Mississippi River levees) are the only zones with a six-deer seasonal limit. All the other zones have limits of four or three deer. The “no more than two legal bucks” is the rule in all zones combined.

In most zones, a legal buck must have both antlers shorter than two inches (button buck) or have three or more points on one side of his rack. Zones 16, 16A and 17 have antler restrictions that require bucks to have at least four points on one side or a main beam at least 18 inches long; also, several wildlife management areas have specific antler restrictions, so be sure to check the hunting guidebook. If both antlers are less than two inches long or if both are “nubbins” or “buttons,” covered with skin, the deer is also a legal buck.

Again, the suggestion is to get a copy of that AGFC Hunting Guidebook and read the rules for yourself.

Wayne Shewmake President, Arkansas Wildlife Federation

Arkansas Out-of-Doors • September/October 2011 - 7

Green-Up The White House! SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER HISTORY

By Geneva Boyer

I wrote this for a Green-up the white house rally on 350.org’s 10.10.10 climate workday. That day, 350 people from all over the United States gathered across from the white house demanding Obama green-up his act at home.

The climate’s in crisis Obama, you hear?

The temperature’s rising The deadline is near

So we’re rallying, urging, and moving you there.

Obama you promised, We know that you care

The ocean is higher More hurricanes hit The droughts keep on spreading And fires are lit

Our hope’s been rebuilding These past several weeks That rolling stone article Brought smiles to our cheeks

The food supply’s sinking, Disease levels soar.

Our security’s threatened Disaster’s in store.

We’re thrilled you’ll go solar It’s a fabulous start They’ll look great on the White House You’ve made us take heart

United we stand And divided we fall Our chanting on climate’s a clarion call

And so, while you’re at it, Are your shower’s low-flow?

Have your window’s been caulked?

Are your heating bills low?

Back home we’ve been working From Maine to LA But we need you to help So we’ve come here today

And why stop at the White House?

Let’s take on DC! Grow the turf on the mall Thick organically

We campaigned with great gusto In 2008 We got you elected You’re now head of state

And the national monument Looks a bit bare A wind turbine on top Would give it some flair

So you’ve got a duty As chief, it’s a fact When the world’s on the line You have got to react.

So on 10.10.10 This big climate work-day We’re asking our leaders To please lead the way

We’re mounting the pressure So you take the stand to lead us on climate we’ll be at your hand

Green-up the White House And spearhead the movement Give speeches on climate You can make such improvement!

Our goal is 350 Our goal is a bill Our goal is to mobilize Capitol Hill.

1936: September 125 Years Ago – September 6, 1886 – Ouachita Baptist College in Arkadelphia (now Ouachita Baptist University) had their first day of class 125 years ago.

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee graduated from OBU 35 years ago in 1976.

1936 History

• September 2: 1st transatlantic round-trip air flight • September 3: 3rd NFL Chicago All-Star Game: All-Stars 7, Detroit 7 (76,000) • September 7: Boulder Dam, now Hoover Dam, begins operation • September 8: Princess Juliana and German prince Bernard Lippe-Biesterfeld get engaged • September 9: Yankees sweep Indians, New York clinches pennant on earliest date in history • September 9: Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicates Boulder Dam, now known as Hoover Dam • September 11: Cleveland Bob Feller strikes out then record 17 in a game (vs Philadelphia A's) • September 13: Paul Waner ties Rogers Hornsby's National League record of 200 hits for 7 times • September 14: Joe Medwick sets a still-standing National League record with his 64th double • September 25: Netherlands leave Gold Standard/devaluate guilder • September 27: Bachelor's Children debuts on CBS radio (at 9:45 am) • September 28: Brooklyn and Boston play a penalty free NFL game • September 28: Radio used for 1st time for a presidential campaign • September 29: Pinewood Studios opens in Buckinghamshire, England. Movies such as the Oliver Twist (1948), Finder Keepers (1966), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968), King Arthur (2004), Corpse Bride (2005), National Treasure (2007), Iron Man (2008) are produced there.

• October 2: Amsterdam's Calvinist Churches reject Nazism • October 2: New York Yankees score World Series record 18 runs, beating Giants 18-4 • October 2: Tony Lazzeri becomes 1st Yank to hit a World Series grand slam • October 2: Yankees set new attendance record of 64,842 in 3rd game of World Series • October 4: New York Yankees beat Giants 4 games to 2 in 33rd World Series • October 7: Hoover Dam begins transmitting electricity to Los Angeles • October 10: "Professor Quiz," 1st radio quiz show premieres • October 11: Explosion caused by leaking gas rips out section 12 of Cleveland Stadium • October 13: Lou Gehrig, is voted American League MVP by BBWAA • October 16: H. R. Ekins of "NY World-Telegram" beats 2 other reporters in a race around the world on commercial flights, by 18 days • October 20: Spanish government moves to Barcelona • October 20: 1st commercial flight from mainland to Hawaii • October 22: Franklin D. Roosevelt rededicates Statue of Liberty on its 50th anniversary

205 Block Street Marion, AR 72364 870.739.7300 Member FDIC

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8 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • September/October 2011

Trail Tales

by Johnny Sain

It’s no secret that kids today spend way too much time inside. The ramifications of this detachment from the natural world will surely be felt in the future by the kids themselves.

There are even some scientific studies that point to short term problems regarding development and learning abilities that occur when kids aren’t getting enough dirt on their clothes. But what is most troubling about this is that we adults wonder who will take the banner of conservation and run with it when we are no longer able. It’s hard to fight for something that you don’t know or understand.

The obvious solution to this problem is to get our kids outside. Simple enough, right?

Take your kid fishing, hunting, hiking or a drive to not only search for animals but to enjoy the changing of the autumn leaves.

Many parents do this; they take their children to the lake, to the deer stand, exploring the wilds of Arkansas. I commend the parents that involve their children in these activities but exposure to the natural world doesn’t have to take place on a grand scale. You really don’t need to look beyond your backyard.

As I stated in my last column, my introduction to nature was in the humble form of fence lizards, toads, and other rather common wildlife. I was fortunate to have a dad, an uncle, and a grandpa that took the time to catch these critters and tell me about them.

I don’t see how a parent can go wrong doing this. An inexpensive ten gallon aquarium is the perfect way for a kid to observe nature up close. In our home any small animal is welcome to a three day stay in the aquarium.

We’ve had several turtles, frogs, lizards, a tarantula, and yes a snake (be sure to check the laws as to what animals can and cannot be caught). The only limits are your levels of squeamishness. Three days isn’t enough to cause stress on the animal, as long as it’s fed

properly and given plenty of water, and those three days could spark a lifelong interest in the natural world for your children.

The backyard holds several other interesting critters besides the ones that can be captured.

Bird feeders are a great way to attract wildlife and they always seem to attract more than birds. I’m always in a battle of wits with the local squirrels that invade ours. I don’t mind that they take a few seeds, I just wish they wouldn’t clean me out. We’ve also noticed signs of a flying squirrel visiting the feeder and have heard the high pitched calls while sitting around a backyard fire on cool autumn nights.

Since I mentioned the nighttime activity of the flying squirrels, I’ll also mention that many other nocturnal and diurnal animals make their home close to houses and neighborhoods.

Twilight brings out the bats on their nightly hunts for insects. I don’t believe there is place in the entire state except maybe downtown Little Rock that you can’t hear coyotes serenading the coming night. While as a child I rarely saw deer anywhere except in the national forest, they are a regular visitor to many backyards and an alert eye can often see them holding in the brush on the fringe of suburban yards. A curious search through the backyard during daylight hours may also reveal the sign of other animals that have passed through in the dark. Raccoons, foxes, opossums, and skunks are common throughout the state, even around neighborhoods. Oh, and be sure to shine a flashlight across your lawn during the warmer months, particularly September, and watch all the spider eyes light up like a field of diamonds While I love to hunt and if I’m anywhere near water without wetting a line it’s my idea of torture, you don’t have to wait for these opportunities to get away to the wild. There’s plenty of wild to observe and enjoy right out the back door.

Camden dentist leads off elk hunt with bow success SNOWBALL – Strategy including intense preparation and teamwork was used by Allyn Ladd for elk hunting success in the opening hours of the 2011 Arkansas season on Monday.

Ladd, 36 and a Camden dentist, scored with a 7X7 bull elk, meaning seven points on each side of its antlers. He used a compound bow, and this was the first elk taken with a bow on public land since elk hunting began in 1998. A few have been brought down with bows on private land.

Ladd was hunting in the Richland Valley Sonny Varnell Conservation Area in western Searcy County. The tract along Richland Creek was purchased a few years ago by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and added to its Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area.

Quickly, Richland Valley has become a hotspot for Arkansas elk hunting.

Ladd was hunting elk in Arkansas for the first time, but he had previous experience in the West and in Alaska. He knew that advance scouting was essential, and this led to his focus on Richland Valley Ladd said, “Rick Horton (an AFGFC biologist stationed in the area) was a lot of help in our scouting before the hunt.”

Ladd had a team with him, including his father, Randy Ladd of Leachville. At first light on opening morning, they located the bull with a number of cow elk in what is now known as Field 7 of the new addition to Gene Rush WMA. This is on the east side of Richland Creek.

Ladd worked into shooting position but with

the bull out of bow range. Ladd hunkered against a bank for concealment as the bull and the cows began moving. A team member about 50 yards behind Ladd let loose with a call, and the bull came to investigate or challenge the intruder.

Ladd was waiting with his Hoyt Matrix compound bow at full draw. In seconds the bull was just 11 yards away from Ladd, who was looking at a rangefinder. He released the arrow and hit the bull in a vital spot. It didn’t go down but moved away then turned to the side, and Ladd shot another arrow at 41 yards range. That did it.

The bull had an impressive set of antlers with twin drop tines. And Ladd captured the climax of the hunt with a video camera mounted on his forehead.

Ladd is a native of Leachville, attended Arkansas State University then the University of Tennessee Dental School at Memphis. He has been practicing in Camden about three years after spending several years in Alaska.

Ashley Drake of Bay took a 6X7 bull elk late Tuesday in the Pruitt area of the Buffalo River. Ray Wright of Rogers scored early Wednesday morning with a 6X7 bull, and it was taken in Richland Valley.

The September elk hunt has four permits for public land in the Buffalo River country. Another hunt will be in December when 23 hunters will be in action on public land plus dozens of others on private lands in five counties – Newton, Carroll, Boone, Madison and Searcy.

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Arkansas Out-of-Doors • September/October - 9

Saving Jasper

By Patti Duchene

Jasper was brought to me on June 6 th of this year. This was the day he was born and the unfortunate day of his collision with a combine [tractor]. His knee was severed and open, half the knee slashed open and the cartilage and muscles severed to the bone.

On June 7th, Dr. Mills of Searcy Animal Clinic agreed to pin the injured leg rather than to amputate. One month later the pin was removed and Jasper has regained about ninety percent usage of the leg.

As a rehabber for Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, I have stories for numerous critters – from bats to skunks.

In 2011 I have successfully rehabilitated and released a skunk, three rabbits, seven opossums, and Jasper along with his stepsister and two step-brothers. The sister has since become the victim of predators, more than likely coyotes. Jasper, and his stepbrothers, Jack and Japhin, return daily for a bottle and sweet feed.

[Editor’s Note: If you are interested in becoming a licensed AWFhalfpg_Layout 1 8/18/11rehab 4:50 PMspecialist Page 1

in the state of Arkansas please visit h t t p : / / w w w. a g f c . c o m / s p e c i e s / P a g e s / SpeciesWildlifeRehabilitation.aspx/ for more information.

Pattie Duchene is a long-time member of AWF and currently serves on the Board of Directors for AWF and is the District 2 Representative.]

Deer hunter’s mantra: Bag it, tag it, haul it, call it LITTLE ROCK – Something to remember for this deer hunting season: Bag it. Tag it. Haul it. Call it.

Get the phrase in your memory because it’ll come in handy. When you get a deer, that’s bagging it. Before anything else – before you move the deer or holler at buddies to come see it – tag it as required by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations. Then you can haul it to camp or home or anywhere else.

Once that is done, “call it” as required in the reporting process.

If you have a cell phone and a signal in your hunting spot, you can re-arrange that phrase to Bag it. Tag it. Call it. Haul it.

The toll-free number to call is 866-3050808, or check the deer online at www. agfc.com. You have 24 hours to do this after bagging the deer.

[Editor’s note: AWF is not the number to call for checking your deer. This may sound strange but you would be surprised how many calls we get during deer season.]

Congratulations to AWF on your 75th Anniversary!

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10 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • September/October 2011

Bearcat Hollow & B

Photos by Sharon Shewmake, Wayne Shewmake, and Ethan Nahté

Arkansas Wi

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Arkansas Out-of-Doors • September/October - 11

Banquet A Success

ildlife Federation

wildlifefederation.org

12 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • September/October 2011

Green Forest EAST Eco Team first in state to win National Wildlife Federation awards Green Forest EAST Eco Team is the first school in Arkansas to be awarded the National Wildlife Federation Bronze and Silver Eco School Awards.

Eco-Schools is an internationally acclaimed program that provides a framework to help educators integrate sustainable principles throughout their schools and curriculum.

EAST Eco Team members

Eco-Schools is currently being implemented by 46 delegations in 47 countries around the world, involving 30,000 schools, 8 million students, 400,000 teachers and 4,000 local authorities.

In December 2008, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) was granted Eco-School host status for K-12 schools in the United States.

Green Forest EAST students have engaged in a wide range of sustainable and ecological projects that meet the Eco Schools standards for these award levels.

In cooperation with the Carroll County Solid Waste Authority, EAST members and the Middle School student council members have developed a district-wide program to recycle metal, paper and plastic.

Through a $1,500 grant students researched and ordered recycle containers and equipment to aid in collection and processing of materials on a daily basis.

Beginning in January of 2011, the Green Forest School District has recycled 10 tons of material. They thank all who have been participating.

An additional $4,747 grant from Arkansas Game and Fish Commission allowed EAST members to build two outdoor classrooms

containing a composter, bird baths, bird feeders, and rain barrels to capture precipitation and water for the schoolyard habitat, reducing the district water bill.

A weather station has also been added to monitor past, current and future weather conditions.

It is hoped they can add software that will allow them to set alarms for various severe weather conditions warnings and distribute the weather information to the National Weather Service. This is a matter of importance since Green Forest has been hit by two devastating tornados in the past.

A $2,500 ADE Healthy school grant allowed EAST members to expand the hydroponic greenhouse that supplies vegetables for the cafeteria salad bar.

EAST members are currently adding solar panels and developing thermal exchange devices to cool and heat the greenhouse for year-round food production.

The EAST Eco team hopes to capture the highest NWF Eco School Green Flag Award in the near future.

© Copyright 2011, Carroll County News Story URL: http://www.carrollconews.com/ story/1769905.html

At Heartland Bank, our customers come first. Our friendly staff is here to assist you with all of your banking needs - from loans to new accounts, mortgages, cd’s, and everything in between. Stop by any one of our convenient locations today… we’re here to help.

Bryant: 4937 Hwy 5 N. / 501-847-7982 Sheridan: 108 South Main St. / 870-942-8844 Fordyce: 610 W. 4th St. / 870-352-3101 Little Rock: 5100 Kavanaugh Blvd. / 501-663-3350 www.heartlandbankonline.com

Browning takes bronze in Pan-Am trapshooting

GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Kayle Browning of Wooster (Faulkner County) finished third and won a bronze medal Tuesday in the Pan-Am Games trapshooting competition at Guadalajara, Mexico.

Browning was first in the event’s qualifying round, breaking 68 of a possible 75 targets. In the final 25-target round, she broke 17.

The event was won by fellow U.S. shooter Miranda Wilder, who hit 21 of 25 in the final round. Second was Lindsay Boddez of Canada, who also broke 21 in the finals but was one behind Wilder in the overall scoring.

Browning was two behind Wilder in the overall tally.

Browning competed for Greenbrier High School in the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Arkansans Youth Shooting Sports Program. She is a student at the University of Central Arkansas and the daughter of Tommy and Tammy Browning.

Arkansas Out-of-Doors • September/October 2011 - 13

SEPT/OCT UPCOMING EVENTS Arkansas Pollution Control & Ecology Commission Meeting

Friday, Dec. 2, 2011 ADEQ HQ - commission room Public Meeting The Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission will meet December 2 in the Commission Room of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) headquarters building, 5301 Northshore Drive, North Little Rock. The Regulations Committee will meet at 8:30 a.m., and the full Commission will begin meeting at 9:00 a.m. or immediately after the Regulations Committee adjourns, whichever comes later.

Wings Over the Prairie Festival

Saturday, Nov-19 - Sunday, Nov. 27 The 76th annual World's Championship Duck Calling Contest Exhibits and events for all ages, Downtown Stuttgart, AR Check out the AWF Booth for a chance to win a Benelli shotgun.

Arkansas Sportshow Friday-Sunday, Feb. 10-12, 2012 Friday, 4pm - 9pm Saturday, 9am - 9pm

Sunday, 10am - 5pm General Info: http://www.arsportshow.com/view/50 Booth Rental: booths@arsportshow.com or (870) 761-2502

All American Turkey Calling Championship

Arkansas State Calling Contest & Expo presented by Mack's Prairie Wings & NWTF Friday - Sunday, Feb. 24-26, 2012 Hwy 63N, Stuttgart, AR To Register Contact: Jim Wells - (870) 853- 6077 or jim_71646@yahoo.com

Faith & Environmental Justice

Friday & Saturday, March 23-24, 2012 Ferncliff Camp, Central Ark. Keynote Speaker: Dodd Galbreath, Exec. Dir. & Asst. Prof.

Lipscomb University, Nashville Workshops on Energy efficiency, fracking in Arkansas, creation care book studies, science of climate change, Change a Million (light bulbs) project, green mission outreach, organizing a speakers bureau, forming a green team and more.

Contact: Arkansas Interfaith Power & Light, arkansasipl@gmail.com

14 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • September/October 2011

ALC announces opening of Lower Mississippi River Water Trail with conservation of 1,500-acre Buck Island HELENA-WEST HELENA – The first leg of a new Lower Mississippi River Water Trail has been established through the conservation of 1,500-acre Buck Island near Helena-West Helena thanks to the efforts of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the American Land Conservancy, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and other partners. The announcement caps a sixyear campaign to protect the wildlife-rich island and create the public access launching point for the trail.

“The Mississippi is one of Arkansas’s great natural treasures, and Buck Island gives Americans a new way to enjoy it,” said Clark Hall (D-Marvell). “The water trail will allow people to experience America’s greatest river in a whole new way, and means tourism growth and jobs for Phillips County and the Delta. I am proud to have been an early and avid supporter for Buck Island and am thrilled to see it conserved for public enjoyment.”

First proposed by ALC’s partner, the Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee, the lower river trail was envisioned as an extension of an existing trail upriver, but it lacked a publicly-accessible anchor point.

ALC purchased Buck Island in 2005 to serve that purpose. In 2010 ALC negotiated a conservation easement with NRCS to protect native forests on the island, and then completed a public access and conservation easement with AGFC in 2011, ensuring public use of the island in perpetuity, and establishing it as the anchor of the river trail.

“This has been a dream of ours for many years,” said Ron Nassar, Ph.D., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service coordinator of the LMRCC, which comprises state natural resource agencies from six lower river states.

“The Mississippi Delta is a 24 million-acre forested wetland, but much of it is behind levees. Truly, a treasure hidden in plain sight.

Buck Island and the Lower Mississippi River Water Trail finally let the public begin to see the Mississippi they’ve been missing.”

ALC first pursued the Buck Island project at the urging of LMRCC. “The conservation, recreation, and nature-based economic benefits of Buck Island are a unique national and regional opportunity, and we were

excited to help create a river trail where none existed before,” said ALC president Kerry O’Toole. “The natural beauty of the island, its benefits to wildlife, and its excellent recreation opportunities will attract a wide range of visitors to Arkansas and the Delta.”

The island features 880 acres of native forests, 620 acres of large white sand beaches, five miles of hiking trails, and a three-mile side channel. These provide outstanding opportunities for wildlife viewing, camping, hiking, paddling, swimming, fishing, and eventually hunting, and also support numerous wildlife species, including the endangered least tern and pallid sturgeon. The island is also a stop-over site along the Mississippi Flyway, used by 65 percent of North American migratory bird species. Buck Island is a three-minute boat trip from AGFC’s public boat ramp in Helena Harbor, making it easily accessible. It is also reachable by canoe and kayak. The island has been highlighted in national publications including Canoe & Kayak Magazine, National Geographic Adventure, and ESPN Outdoors.com.

“Buck Island provides an excellent and user-friendly way to enjoy the riches of the river like never before,” said George Dunklin Jr., chairman of AGFC. “We strive to engage more people in protecting and using our state’s natural resources. Buck Island and the new water trail give local communities and others exciting new ways to do so. For advanced paddlers and boaters, the 106 rivermile trip from Buck Island to Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA Deer Research Area is now possible, and this river trail should soon gain national recognition.”

The positive impacts of creating public access to Buck Island, both as a destination and anchor for the lower river trail, are already being felt locally. “As a local business owner, I can tell you firsthand that Buck Island is an unparalleled resource for Helena,” said John Ruskey, owner of Quapaw Canoe Company, which works with local disadvantaged youth to provide guide services on the river.

“People come from all over the world to experience the mighty Mississippi. It has a very powerful draw, but people need a way

to access it. With Buck Island and the river trail they get to see the beauty of this place as never before.”

Part of the beauty of Buck Island lies in its native forests, which ALC protected through a conservation easement with NRCS with funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (federal stimulus bill).

“Buck Island’s 880 acres of native trees are a critical part of its conservation value and in time it will become an old growth forest,” said Reed Cripps, NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Easements. “Migratory birds, deer, turkey, beaver, opossum, bats, and many other wildlife find food and shelter here, and the trees provide refuge during major flood events. NRCS is pleased to have the opportunity to apply Emergency Watershed Protection Program funds to conserve forest resources on this unique Mississippi River island.”

Public access to Buck Island extends upstream water trails into Arkansas for the first time, linking Helena to the Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA Deer Research Area 106 miles downstream, and to the famed

White and Arkansas Rivers in between. As other islands and access points are added, a new, nationally significant recreation complex for boaters, canoeists, kayakers, birders, wildlife watchers, and nature lovers will eventually be created.

“The Mississippi is the lifeblood of the Delta, its people, and its economy, but for too long people have been cut off from it,” said Arkansas House Speaker Robert Moore, Jr. (D-Arkansas City). “With Buck Island and the water trail, people have a new way to see what this magnificent river and our beautiful state have to offer. It’s nothing less than a national treasure.”

Buck Island is part of the American Land Conservancy’s longstanding conservation efforts along the middle and lower Mississippi River. Since 1993 ALC has conserved nearly 25,000 acres of wetlands, riparian areas, native forests, and island and side channel complexes in the region. ALC is currently working to conserve more islands and access points to extend the Lower Mississippi River Water Trail.

Your Local Healthy Living, Healthy Planet Magazine www.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

Arkansas Out-of-Doors • September/October 2011 - 15

Lake Dardanelle State Park

Eagle Tours

November 2011-February 2012 Lake Dardanelle State Park is proud to offer free winter lake cruises for the best chance of seeing our national symbol, the American Bald Eagle. Many other spectacular birds will be in the area for viewing including American White Pelicans, ducks, and Snow Geese. Please dress warmly as temperatures and winds are more severe on the lake. In an effort to accommodate as many people as possible for our tours we will be taking reservations this year. You will need to call the visitor center at 479-967-5516 to reserve your seat. We will begin boarding 15 minutes before the tour, at the boat dock near the Tournament Weigh-In Facility. Also, in case of inclement weather, call 1 hour before tour time for possible cancellations.

November:

December:

Thursday, November 3rd –3 p.m.

Thursday, December 1st – 3p.m.

Friday, November 4th – 9a.m.

Tuesday, December 6th – 9a.m.

Tuesday, November 8th – 12p.m.

Friday, December 9th –11a.m.

Saturday, November 12th – 10a.m.

Thursday, December 15th – 3p.m.

Wednesday, November 16th – 2p.m. Saturday, December 17th – 10a.m.

Friday, November 18th – 2p.m.

Sunday, December 18th – 10a.m.

Tuesday, November 22nd – 11a.m.

Friday, December 23rd – 2p.m.

Saturday, November 26th – 10a.m. Wednesday, December 28th – 9a.m.

Sunday, November 27th – 9a.m.

Friday, December 30th – 1p.m.

January: 3rd

Tuesday, January – 10a.m. th Saturday, January 7 – 11a.m.

Wednesday, January 11th –2 p.m.

Saturday, January 14th – 10a.m.

Thursday, January 19th – 12p.m.

Saturday, January 21st – 3p.m.

Wednesday, January 25th – 1p.m.

Friday, January 27th – 11a.m.

Sunday, January 29th – 10a.m.

Lake Dardanelle State Park 100 State Park Drive Russellville, AR 72802

February: Friday, February 3rd –2p.m.

Sunday, February 5th—10a.m.

Saturday, February 11th – 10a.m.

Wednesday, February 15th – 3p.m.

Saturday, February 18th – 2p.m.

Wednesday, February 22nd – 9a.m.

Saturday, February 25th – 11a.m.

Wednesday, February 29th – 12p.m.

Phone: 479-967-5516 Fax: 479-890-3670 E-mail: lakedardanelle@arkansas.com

Public meetings address changes in NE Arkansas WMAs

LITTLE ROCK – Recently, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission attended 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.

This is only the first step in the public input process for state-owned waterfowl areas. At the end of the 2011-2012 waterfowl season, the AGFC will be asking hunters for their input on the recently concluded season and for other feedback in the form of a survey. Hunters will have ample opportunity to provide feedback following this year’s waterfowl season. The results of that survey will be presented in an open forum public meeting.

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.

16 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • September/October 2011

Hunters Feeding Hungry puts deer meat to good use

LITTLE ROCK – Do you have more deer on hand than you can handle?

Maybe you are successful on the hunt but are in a household that doesn’t care for wild game.

Perhaps you just want to help out some folks who are less fortunate than you. Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry is ready for such hunters.

With the statewide deer limit raised to six this year, more deer than ever potentially could be taken. There may well be deer meat left over, and this is where Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry comes in.

Nearly 2 million meals have been provided to people in the state thanks to AHFH. Deer meat is good, healthy meat. For uniformity, all the meat handled through Hunters Feeding the Hungry is ground. This way, any cook will know how to prepare it. Although burgers made from deer can be a bit crumbly without adding breadcrumbs or fat, it’s perfect for spaghetti, casseroles, chili and other dishes. Ground deer is as adaptable as ground beef and is better nutritionally.

The Hunters Feeding the Hungry system is simple. A hunter who has all the deer he or she wants takes a carcass to a participating processor. A donation of money toward the costs of the preparation is suggested, but this is not required. The deer is processed into packages of ground meat then given to food banks and charitable distributors in the state. From there it goes to those in need.

An alternative is that hunters can just donate a few packages of ground meat when they pick up their processed deer.

Ronnie Ritter, who heads Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry, said the program has been operating since 2000. The success of the program depends upon the generosity of hunters to donate venison and other wild game, cooperation from meat processors throughout the state, support from local food distribution organizations, and the financial contributions of businesses and other citizens.

Hunters can donate their deer from this season and help Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry so that the state’s less fortunate can have healthy meals. There are about 60 meat processors statewide who accept and process venison and other wild game from hunters for the program.

With the growing number of deer in Arkansas, crop and property damage permits are being issued to farmers, airports, military installations and agricultural facilities. Some of these deer and other big game are discarded at times. In addition, liberal bag limits and extended seasons are putting hunters in the position of being able to take more deer and other big game than they can personally consume. Hunters Feeding the Hungry helps distribute this surplus to put healthy meals on the table for needy people.

All this costs money. Most of the processors participating in Hunters Feeding the Hungry do the work at their cost. Donations help with the program’s work.

For more information on the program or to donate, contact Ritter at 501-282-0006 or visit www.arkansashunters.org/.

Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry processors, by county (also available on Page 28 of the 2011-12 Arkansas Hunting Guidebook):

COUNTY Arkansas Arkansas Baxter Benton Boone Bradley Clark Cleburne Cleveland Columbia Columbia Craighead Crawford Crawford Cross Drew Faulkner Faulkner Franklin Fulton Garland Garland Grant Greene Howard Hot Spring Hot Spring Independence Jefferson Lafayette Lawrence Lawrence Little River Logan Lonoke Lonoke Miller Mississippi Nevada Ouachita Ouachita Pike Pike Polk Pope Pulaski Pulaski Pulaski Randolph Saline Stone Union Union Van Buren Washington Washington White Yell Yell

DONATION STATIONS Half Moon Meat Processing, 26 B&K Lane, DeWitt Triple D Processors. 4713 Highway 165, Stuttgart Twin Lakes Packing and Processing, 226 Whitaker, Gassville Benton Country Processing, 1805 Waukasha Road, Siloam Springs Newton’s Processing, 203 North Sycamore, Harrison Lasiter’s Slaughter House, 1826 1/2 West Pine, Warren T&M Processing, 2759 Country Club Road, Arkadelphia Lonnie’s Meat Market, 1141 Highway 25B-N, Heber Springs Watson Custom Slaughter House, 970 John Reed Road, Rison Dixon Deer Processing, 1621 Columbia County Road 36, Magnolia Razorback Packing Company, 2321 Highway 82 W, Waldo Home Ice Company, 700 Cate Road, Jonesboro Cockrum’s Custom Meat Processors, 3925 Highway 348, Rudy Garner’s AMP, 2900 Olive Springs Road, Van Buren Wynne Meat Processing, 1206 North Falls Blvd., Wynne The Buck Stop, 822 Barkada Road, Monticello Cypress Valley Meat Company, 1326 Highway 64, Vilonia Lonnie’s Meat Market, 705 Club Lane, Suite 104, Conway Arkansas Meat Company, 9020 Green Hollow Road, Ozark Burch’s Custom Butchering, 136 Mize, Salem Griffith Custom Butchering, 173 Keanard Lane, Hot Springs Black’s Custom Butchering, 1460 Oakgrove Road, Hot Springs Big Buck Processing, 8210 E. Cherry St, Tull Ridge Road Processing, Inc., 158 North Maple St. Lafe B&G Packing, 167 Jordan Road, Nashville CR Deer Processing, 8475 Possum Trot Road, Malvern R&R Custom Butchering, 1942 Smoke Ridge Road, Malvern Harmon’s Processing, 2234 Batesville Blvd., Batesville The Country Butcher, 5400 Dollarway Road, Whitehall C and C Packing Company, P.O. Box 157, Stamps Lynn’s Deer Processing, P.O. Box 103, Lynn. 870-528-3095 4 Brady’s Deer Processing, P.O. Box 169, Black Rock The Butcher Block, 103 Madden, Foreman Fox Slaughter and Processing, Highway 109, Scranton Cabot Meat Market, 119 N. Adams St., Cabot Twin Cedar Meats, 6003 Tippitt Road, Lonoke Twin City Processors, 336 Miller County 68, Texarkana Big Lake Taxidermy, 3609 Highway 18 1 Mile West, Manila Tims’ Custom Meat, 494 Nevada 51, Prescott Charlie’s One Stop, 5280 Highway 24, Chidester Ouachita Deer Processing, 1108 167 South, Camden CenterPoint Schools, 755 Highway 8 E, Amity Delight Deer Processing, 15 Doss Road, Delight T and L Meat Processing, 527 Polk 71, Mena Ferguson’s Slaughter House, 13451 E. Highway 64, Atkins The Bucks Stops Here, 15509 Highway 107, Sherwood Hogg’s Meat Market & Catering, 4520 Camp Robinson Road. N. Little Rock Tommy’s Meat Market, 21419 Highway 365 N., Maumelle Kemp’s Meat Processing, 2950 Hamil Road, Ravenden Springs Kruse Meat Market, 2100 Kruse Loop, Alexander Mountain View Custom Butchering, 17507 Highway 66, Mountain View The Choppin’ Block, 2509 Parnell Road, El Dorado Strong Meat Processing, 366 Camp Road, Strong Clinton Meat Processor, 3288 Highway 65 N, Clinton Ozark Custom Butchering, 15395 Woosley Road, West Fork Robinson Meat Processors, 401 George Anderson Road, Springdale Cypress Valley Meat Co., 259 Wayne Wallace Road, Romance AR Quality Processors, 23753 Highway 154, Dardanelle Wild Game Processing, 21756 N Highway 27, Dardanelle

PHONE 870-946-1839 901-826-2195 870-435-6651 479-549-4115 870-742-2006 870-226-5015 870-246-0002 501-362-6300 870-325-6922 870-299-0467 870-693-2130 870-935-5555 479-474-3012 479-474-1645 870-208-8352 870-308-0456 501-733-5455 501-450-7100 479-667-2442 870-895-3467 501-321-4228 501-760-1001 501-776-2825 870-586-0892 870-845-8706 501-332-3707 501-229-2898 870-251-1736 870-247-4500 870-533-2251 870-878-6208 870-542-6460 479-938-2236 501-843-5511 870-854-3628 870-773-1513 870-561-4829 870-887-3362 870-685-2753 870-818-6951 870-356-3621 870-887-6241 479-243-0112 479-641-7604 501-834-4868 501-758-7700 501-815-2400 870-892-4555 501-316-2110 870-269-3063 870-862-0776 870-797-2001 501-745-4844 479-839-3177 479-841-4827 501-556-5055 479-576-4419 479-229-2298.

Arkansas Out-of-Doors • September/October 2011 - 17

Commission approves trails and recreation facilities grant programs

LITTLE ROCK – Earlier this summer, Commissioners with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission approved up to $1 million for the Wildlife Observation Trails Pilot Program and up to $500,000 for the Wildlife Recreation Facilities Pilot Program.

The trails program grants were recommended by a seven-member advisory board appointed the Director of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. The recreation facilities were recommended by the Arkansas Department of Rural Services and the Arkansas Rural Development Commission. Money for the projects are a result of the AGFC’s oil and gas leases in the Fayetteville Shale.

The AGFC will enter into an agreement with 24 individual recipients for various projects aimed at developing interest in the state’s natural resources. The projects include 13 trail projects and 11 wildlife facility projects.

Both programs are a result of Act 686 and Act 687 from the 2009 Arkansas General Assembly.

The 13 trail locations and projects are: • Alma, a new trail along with benches and signs at Lake Alma.

• Audubon Arkansas, trail and boardwalk at the Little Rock Audubon Center.

• Berryville, Mill Creek Trail.

• Bull Shoals/White River State Park, exhibits and wildlife viewing blinds along existing trail.

• Pulaski County/Central Arkansas Water, extension of Lake Maumelle trail at Bufflehead Bay and Loon Point.

• Gravette, wildlife observation trail at Pop Allum Park.

• Hobbs State Park, observation deck over a wildlife pond adjacent to the visitors center.

• Maumelle, trail and wildlife viewing station on White Oak Bayou.

• Mississippi River State Park, wildlife trail adjacent to nature center currently under construction.

• North Little Rock, develop water trail and hiking trail on White Oak Bayou.

• Pine Bluff, board over Brumps Bayou on Lake Saracen.

• Russellville, nature trail at Illinois Bayou Park.

• Springdale, new trail system at Rabbit’s Foot Wildlife Observation Area.

• The 11 wildlife facility locations and projects include: • Lawrence County, construction of new shooting range.

• City of Highland, boat ramps for Lake Mirandy, Lake June and Lake Plum.

• City of Eureka Springs, upgrade Lake Leatherwood Park marina to meet ADA compliance.

• Desha County, Kate Adams Lake fishing pier.

• Redfield, fishing piers on F.P. Baugh Park Lake.

• Little River County, handicapped fishing pier and boat shed on Lake Millwood.

• Calhoun County, fishing lake at SAU Tech.

• Chicot County, courtesy floating dock on Lake Chicot.

• Wayton/Newton County, safety baffle for shooting range.

• Independence County, archery range along with road and parking upgrades at the Rocky Willmuth Shooting Complex.

• Van Buren County/Fairfield Bay, courtesy dock on Greers Ferry Lake at the boat launch area across from Fairfield Bay Marina.

• Both the Independence County and Van Buren County projects have already been completed.

Arkansas Wildlife Federation 9108 Rodney Parham Rd. Suite 101, Little Rock, AR 72205 Telephone: (501) 224-9200

Fax: (501) 224-9214

“Your voice for hunting, fishing and conservation since 1936” Arkansas Out-Of-Doors Advertising Agreement Arkansas Out-Of-Doors is the official publication of the Arkansas Wildlife Federation established in 1936, a non-profit, hunting, fishing, and conservation organization dedicated to promoting the wise stewardship of our natural resources. It is a newsprint tabloid publication that is published 6 times per year for the following issues: Jan.-Feb., March-April, MayJune, July-Aug., Sept.-Oct., Nov.-Dec. The publication contains information about hunting, fishing and other outdoor-oriented activities. It also contains articles about conservation. It is mailed near the end of the first month of each issue date to approximately 4500 AWF members and it has an estimated readership of 13,500 to 17,500 people each issue. Those who read this publication enjoy the great outdoor, and they are interested in conservation.

Circle the issue in which the ad is to run: January – February issue, reserve space by Jan. 1. Cameraready art due Jan. 5. Mailing date near the end of January.

March – April issue, reserve space by March 1,

Size

Centerfold Full pg 1/2 pg Horizontal 1/2 pg Vertical 1/3 pg Horizontal 1/3 pg Vertical 1/4 pg 1/8 pg

Dimensions

1-2 ads

3-5 ads (5% off)

6 ads (10%off)

-$400 $225 $225 $165 $165 $145 $35

-$380 $215 $215 $156.75 $156.75 $137.75 $33.25

-$360 $205 $205 $148.50 $148.50 $130.50 $31.50

Color Include One spot color, additional Four color, additional

$$50 $100

$47.50 $95

$45 $90

Charges for covers: Inside front, additional Inside back, additional Back cover, additional

$75 $50 $100

$71.25 $47.50 $95

$67.50 $45 $90

(all sizes listed as Width x Height)

21.5"x11" 10.5"x11" 10.5"x5.5" 5.1875"x11" 10.5"x3.625" 3.5"x11" 5.1875"x5.5" 5.1875"x2.75"

Camera-ready due by March 5. Mailing date near the end of March. May-June issue, reserve space by May 1. Camera-ready art due by May 5. Mailing date near the end of May. July-August issue, reserve space by July 1. Camera-ready art due by July 5. Mailing date near the end of July. September-October issue, reserve space by Sept. 1, Camera-ready are due by Sept. 5. Mailing date near the end of September.

November-December issue, reserve space by Nov. 1. Camera-ready art due by November 5. Mailing date near the end of November.

Advertising layout and space: Advertising may send a slick or a black and white copy of a previous ad, a negative for black and white ads, a color key and four-color separations for color ads, or ads may be sent on a disk on CD (PDF, JPEG or EPS) to the Arkansas Wildlife Federation. We utilize 90-line screen, right reading, emulsion down. The AWF can assist in making the ad for the client. Depending on amount of time to layout ad, there may be additional fees for this.

Name of business ������������������������������������������������������������������� Mailing address ��������������������������������������������������������������������� Ad confirmed by (print and signature) ���������������������������������������������������� Telephone_________________________________Fax ��������������������������������������

18 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • September/October 2011

September/October 2011 ISSN0884-9145 POSTMASTER: Send form 3579 to: 9108 Rodney Parham Rd. Suite 101, Little Rock, AR 72205

Arkansas Wildlife Federation Officers and Board of Directors August 31, 2010 to September 1, 2011

Arkansas Out-of-Doors

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ARKANSAS WILDLIFE FEDERATION Arkansas Out-of-Doors is published 6 times per year by Arkansas Wildlife Federation, 9108 Rodney Parham Rd. Suite 101, Little Rock, AR 72205. Third Class postage paid at Russellville, AR and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address change to Arkansas Out-ofDoors, 9108 Rodney Parham Rd. Suite 101, Little Rock, AR 72205, or call 501-224-9200.

This is the official publication of the Arkansas Wildlife Federation. Printed matter includes hunting and fishing news, sporting information, articles on pertinent legislation, with special emphasis on environment and pollution problems. All Arkansas Wildlife Federation members are entitled to receive one copy of each issue of AOOD for one year.

Permission is granted to reprint any news article or item printed in Arkansas Out-Of-Doors with credit, please.

Editor ����������������������������������������������������������������� Ethan Nahté Editor in Chief ����������������������������������������� Wayne Shewmake

Executive Committee President: Wayne Shewmake, Dardanelle 1st Vice President: Ellen McNulty, Pine Bluff 2nd Vice President: Jerry Crowe, Dardanelle Treasurer: Gary W. Bush, Marion Secretary: Lucien Gillham, Sherwood Acting Executive Director: Ethan Nahté DIRECTORS-at-Large Jim Wood, Dardanelle Gayne Preller Schmidt, Augusta Board of Directors At Large Dr. John T. Ahrens, Mountain Home Charles W. Logan, M.D., Little Rock Lola Perritt, Little Rock Odies Wilson III, Little Rock Jimmie Wood, Dardanelle Gayne Schmidt, Augusta Bobby Hacker, Little Rock Mike Armstrong, Little Rock Chrystola Tullos, Rison Regional Directors District 1: --vacant- District 2: Patti Dell-Duchene, Augusta District 2 Alternate: Angela Rhodes, Augusta District 3: Jeff Belk, Fayetteville District 4: Trey Clark, Nashville District 5: Mary Lou Lane, Dardanelle NWF Region: David Carruth, Clarendon NWF Special Projects: Ellen McNulty, Pine Bluff NWF Regional Representative: Geralyn Hoey, Austin, TX

Layout/Design ������������������������������������������Chris Zimmerman ZimCreative

President Emeritus and First Lady Emeritus: Bob and Rae Apple, Dardanelle

Views and opinions, unless specifically stated, do not necessarily represent the positions of the Arkansas Wildlife Federation.

National Wildlife Federation Delegates: Wayne Shewmake, Dardanelle Ellen McNulty, Pine Bluff

Deadline Information: Unless other arrangements are made with the editor, copy for club news, features, columns and advertising must be in the Arkansas Wildlife Federation office by the close of business (noon) on the 20th of the month preceding publication. Thank you for your cooperation.

ADVISOR TO PRESIDENT Ralph Oldegard, Mt. Home Larry Hedrick, Hot Springs Charles McLemore Jr., Bryant

Affiliate Clubs: ATU Fisheries & Wildlife Society Sarah Chronister, President - Russellville, AR Arkansas Chapter of American Fisheries Arkansas Trappers Association Gary Helms, President - Texarkana, AR Creative Ideas President: Sharon Hacker Little Rock, AR Greene County Wildlife Club Rick Woolridge, President - Paragould Little River Bottoms Chapter, Arkansas Wildlife Federation Vickers Fuqua, President Mike Young, Secretary & Treasurer University of the Ozarks - Clarksville Jamie L. Hedges, Director of Outdoor & Evironmental Experiences Westark Wildlife G. David Matlock, Fort Smith White River Conservancy Gayne Preller Schmidt, Augusta Yell County Wildlife Federation James Manatt, President – Dardanelle Arkansas Wildlife Federation Staff Editor - Ethan Nahté Editor in Chief - Wayne Shewmake Contributing Writers – Wayne Shewmake, Johnny Sain, Jr., Patti Duchene, Gordon Bagby, Ethan Nahté Contributing Photographers – Bob Shewmake, Sharon Shewmake, Wayne Shewmake, Patti Duchene, Ethan Nahté Arkansas Wildlife Federation Address: 9108 Rodney Parham Road, Suite 101 Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 Office: 501-224-9200 Cell: 501-414-2845

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Arkansas Out-of-Doors • September/October - 19

Results Of Beaver Lake “Secchi” Monitoring Released Today

by Amy L. Wilson

A report on Beaver Lake water quality is now available on Beaver Water District’s website at bwdh2o.org. The data is a result of water samples and clarity readings taken on Aug. 20th during Secchi Day on Beaver Lake, when citizen volunteers turned out to monitor 35 sites.

“We’re looking at the health of the lake,” said Alan D. Fortenberry P.E., CEO of Beaver Water District, the largest drinking water supplier for Northwest Arkansas. “This year, more than 550 people showed up to help with the overall effort and learn about water quality. Our participation has more than tripled since 2006, when the first Secchi Day was held.”

Beaver Water District leads Secchi Day along with seven partner organizations -- Audubon Arkansas, the U.S. Army Corps of EngineersBeaver Lake, the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas Master Naturalist, Hobbs State Park, and the Association for Beaver Lake Environment.

There are two goals associated with this event. One is to engage residents of Northwest Arkansas to participate as scientists and collect water quality data covering all of Beaver Lake on the same day. The second is to educate

and inform the public. In addition to a complimentary lunch, hands-on activities include pontoon boat rides, a water challenge walk, Beaver Lake watershed model demonstrations, watershed limbo, a live fish tank, reptiles, bird watching and more.

“Environmental factors play a big role in the lake’s water quality,” Fortenberry said. “During Secchi Day, we’re not only collecting data, we’re educating future generations about how to keep their drinking water source clean for years to come.”

Secchi depth is a measure of water transparency that involves lowering a black and white disk into the water and recording the measurement when the disk is no longer visible. Secchi measurements this year ranged from 3.5 meters (almost 11 and a half feet) at near Beaver Dam to 1.1 meters (a little more than 3.6 feet) in the War Eagle Arm of the lake.

In addition to Secchi depth readings, water samples are analyzed by Beaver Water District’s lab technicians. The technicians measure chlorophyll a, total phosphorous, and nitrate in each of the water samples.

Chlorophyll a is a pigment in algae that is used to measure the density of the algal population in water. Phosphorous and nitrate are both nutrients that promote algal growth.

Beaver Lake is the source of drinking water for more than 400,000 Arkansans. A detailed Secchi Day 2011 Report with graphics may be accessed via the Beaver Water District

website at www.bwdh2o.org. Next year’s event will be held on Aug. 18, 2012.

About Beaver Water District: Beaver Water District supplies drinking water to more than 300,000 people and industries in Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville and surrounding areas. These cities then resell the water to surrounding towns and communities. The District’s mission is to serve our customers’ needs by providing high quality drinking water that meets or exceeds all regulatory requirements and is economically priced consistent with our quality standards. For more information, visit www.bwdh2o.org.

Secchi Depth Results for Secchi Day 2011 Beaver Lake exhibited a slight gradient of increasing secchi depth from its headwaters to the dam.

Lowest Reading: 1.1M @ site 33 (War Eagle Arm) Highest Reading: 3.5m @ site 28 (Lost Bridge Marina)

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20 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • September/October 2011

MEMORIAL GIFTS & HONORARIUM Remember Loved Ones "Forever"

You can remember a loved one with a memorial gift or honorarium to the Arkansas Wildlife Federation.

Memorial gifts: If you would like to remember someone who loved wildlife, and the great outdoors of Arkansas, you can make a gift in that person’s name. What a beautiful tribute to their memory. Your memorial gift will continue the work of the Arkansas Wildlife Federation and keep a loved one’s spirit alive through wildlife conservation.

Honorarium Gift: Are you puzzled what to give friends or family members who “have everything?” Will an ordinary gift just not be enough? Then, consider making a donation to the Arkansas Wildlife Federation in their honor and acknowledge their special day, birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or whatever they are celebrating. Your gift is a special recognition to this individual or family in support of wildlife conservation programs. Gifts of $ 100 or more will receive wildlife print. All donations will receive a tax deductible receipt.

Make a Difference “Forever Memorials or Honorariums” Right Now by Completing this Information Below:

Name of honoree_____________________________________________________________ Name of donor______________________________________________________________

Address____________________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________

City_________________________________State_____________ Zip Code______________ City________________________________ State_____________Zip Code______________

Visa_________ Master Card____________ Credit Card #_____________________________________________________________ Expiration Date______________________________

Memorial______ Honorarium_____________ Amount of Gift $______________________ *The Arkansas Wildlife Federation can accept checks, and Master Charge or VISA Credit Cards *

Designation of Gift_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ We now accept MC/Visa/AMEX/Discover

Thank you for supporting wildlife conservation! Send to: AWF, 9108 Rodney Parham Rd., Suite 101, Little Rock, AR 72205; or call 501-224-9200