Arkansas Wild | Fall 2022

ARKANSAS WILD the wild hunting guide

52 for 52 state parks challenge

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SEPTEMBER 2022 ARKANSASWILD.COM

FEATURES DEPARTMENTS

20 LORDY, LOOK WHO’S FORTY

AGFF’S BIG BASH MARKS BIRTHDAY, HOF

24 ARKANSAS WILD HUNTING GUIDE

10 OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS 14 EXPLORE 38 WILD EVENTS

GO GET YOU SOME

ON THE COVER: Hunting is a time for traditions old and new. Read about some best memories starting on Page 24. Photography: Novo Studio.

4 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2022

ARKIE TRAVELS

Adventure and tranquility in Arkansas’s State Parks.

(See Page 14)

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ARKANSASWILD.COM | 7

FROM THE EDITOR

AN AUTUMNAL STATE OF MIND Is it just us, or have we all seen more than our share of hard times this year with the coronavirus variants, monkeypox outbreaks and the high cost of living? Well, pilgrim you’re in luck, as the golden season of the year is here. Ozark fall foliage. College football. Cooling temps. Is there anything not to love about Arkansas in autumn?

After a particularly brutal summer, it’s nice to feel the crisp breezes again, signaling everyone’s favorite season is once more at hand. Soon the woods, fields and flooded timber will be full of hunters continuing the annual rituals of the generations that preceded them. It’s a lovely time in the loveliest place on earth.

In this issue of Arkansas Wild, you’ll find our Hunter’s Guide, which not only lays out the rules and regs for harvesting Arkansas game, but also tips and tidbits for hunters of all ages and experience levels. We also introduce you to the Arkansas State Park Challenge: 52 parks in 52 weeks, completed recently by the fine folks at Arkie Travels.

Plus, we salute the newest inductees into the Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame, recently honored at the annual Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation Banquet. And for those who really like to rock ’n’ roll, see our gear recommendations for rock climbing all around The Natural State.

Here’s to warm days, crisp nights, fat mallards and big racks.

Wander far,

Dwain Hebda Editor, Arkansas Wild

8 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2022

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ARKANSASWILD.COM | 9

OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS

ROCK AND ROLL

CLIMB IT JUST BECAUSE IT’S THERE WITH THIS GREAT GEAR.

1

3 2

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5 6 During the week, Brooke Wallace is the mild-mannered publisher of Arkansas Wild. But on weekends, she can often be found at the Little Rock Climbing Center or scaling the face of some of Arkansas’s best rocky locations. In 2015, she competed in her first 12-hour Horseshoe Hell at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in Jasper. She now has seven Hells under her belt, the last one happening in September 2022. Her list of gear will get you to the top.

WHY WAIT FOR SHIPPING? Check out these and other top-quality brands at Ozark Outdoor Supply, Arkansas’s oldest and most experienced outdoor outfitter. Ozark’s friendly and expert staff loves the outdoors as much as you do and know their stuff. Check them out at 5514 Kavanaugh Boulevard, Little Rock or visit ozarkoutdoor.com.

10 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2022

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF VENDORS

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1. QUALITY LID

Climbers are accused of being a little nuts, but what’s really crazy is exposing your brain box to falling rocks, ledges and unyielding elements. Black Diamond’s Half Dome is a great women’s lid; guys, check out the Boreo by Petzl. As Wallace said, “Protect your noggin!” You heard the lady. blackdiamondequipment.com, petzl.com

2. CHEAP ROPE? NOPE.

Falling sucks, so be sure you’re not cutting corners when it comes to the very thing keeping you from hitting the ground. Wallace says choose a rope long enough for the tallest pitch with limited excess to cut both weight and workload. Trango’s workhorse Agility line is tough yet light. Trango.com/ collections/rope

3. A REAL LIFESAVER

The difference between climbing and catastrophe boils down to the smallest of details. Wallace’s Petzl GriGri belay device is one of the safest devices on the market, which she pairs with a locking carabiner, enjoying smooth operation and quality workmanship.

Get one, and the summit is yours. petzl.com

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4. PROTECT YOUR HANDS

For all you aspiring hand models out there, know that quality climbing gloves can take much of the sting out of climbing. Wallace swears by her fingerless model by Black Diamond, because “you don’t realize how much tension is on a rope when you are belaying,” she said. blackdiamondequipment.com

5. ROCK, CHALK

Make sure those fingers stay put and secure by chalking up out of your Cotopaxi chalk bag. The Halcon holds 3.2 ounces of chalk, and a side pouch holds a snack. Plus, the Del Dia’s endless color combinations let you look good on any climb. As Wallace said, “They have so many options these days, you can really show your personality.” cotopaxi.com

6. HOLD FAST

You don’t want to scrimp on climbing gear, especially the harness that’s holding on to you, but you don’t want to pay stupid money either. For high performance without sticker shock, Wallace’s Petzl Luna earns raves for its adjustable leg straps and cushions around the legs. Risking death never looked so good. petzl.com

7. FIRM FOOTING

“Climbing shoes makes climbing much easier,” said Wallace, who favors Tenaya Tanta. “You can get that toe into some good cracks and the rubber soles help you feel more secure.” Pro Tip: Climbing shoes should feel tight and slightly uncomfortable, with no wiggle room. tenaya.net

DRIVERS PLEASE BE AWARE, IT’S ARKANSAS STATE LAW: USE OF BICYCLES OR ANIMALS

Every person riding a bicycle or an animal, or driving any animal drawing a vehicle upon a highway, shall have all the rights and all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle, except those provisions of this act which by their nature can have no applicability.

OVERTAKING A BICYCLE

The driver of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on a roadway shall exercise due care and pass to the left at a safe distance of not less than three feet (3’) and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken bicycle.

Beginning in 2019 with the “Idaho Stop” law, cyclists may treat stop signs as yields and red lights as stop signs.

AND CYCLISTS, PLEASE REMEMBER...

Your bike is a vehicle on the road just like any other vehicle and you must also obey traffic laws as applicable — use turning and slowing hand signals, ride on right and yield to traffic as if driving. Be sure to establish eye contact with drivers.

Remain visible and predictable at all times.

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 11

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ARKANSASWILD.COM | 13

EXPLORE

Parkin’ Arkies THE INTREPID ARKIE TRAVELS TACKLES THE ARKANSAS STATE PARK CHALLENGE. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL AND SARAH HEER

DID YOU KNOW Arkansas has 52 state parks?

That works out perfectly to one per week and is a great way to get out and explore The Natural State.

We spent all of 2020 visiting the 52 state parks and documenting our journey on YouTube. Now, we’ve created a challenge around the tour to encourage others to experience everything Arkansas has to offer.

There are unique things to do at each park, and it’s always hard to decide where to go first, so we’ve shared our top three picks, perfect for the start of fall.

14 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2022

Devil’s Den State Park

Waterfalls, caves, camping and cabins, state-of-theart mountain biking trails and horseback riding — this iconic park has something for everyone.

Situated on 2,200 acres in the Lee Creek Valley just south of Fayetteville (Washington County), the park is surrounded by numerous caverns, bluffs, rock shelters and crevices.

Devil’s Den features approximately 60 crevice caves, making it the largest sandstone crevice cave area in the country. Archeological studies have found several prehistoric sites here that indicate the presence of Native Americans as far back as 8,000 years.

The caves also provided an excellent hiding place for outlaws in the 1800s along the Butterfield Stage Line.

The road was also used by Confederate and Union troops during the Civil War during the Battle of Prairie Grove.

Plan on making it an overnight trip! Bring your camper or tent or rent one of the camper cabins or fully equipped Civilian Conservation Corps-era cabins. No matter what season, you’re going to love a trip to Devil’s Den.

Find your hydrotherapy at one of the state’s many waterfalls.

Visit after a soaking spring rain to see them at their best.

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 15

Louisiana Purchase State Park

At $15 million ($250 billion in today’s money), the Louisiana Purchase was by far the largest territorial purchase in U.S. history.

It’s also considered one of the greatest real estate deals of all time, as overnight the fledgling United States went from a clutch of seaboard colonies to a vast nation stretching to the Pacific Ocean.

The Louisiana Purchase State Park near Brinkley (Monroe County) is one of the most beautiful and unique parks in Arkansas.

Down a 950-foot boardwalk — elevated and ADA accessible — visitors reach one of the most historically significant markers in the United States, the point from which all surveys of property acquired through the 1803 Louisiana Purchase originated.

The park sits on 37.5 acres of a rare headwater swamp with tupelo trees and bald cypress towering above. The park is definitely rustic, but don’t let a lack of camping and activities keep you away.

Check out the information panels along the boardwalk and take time to get really quiet and just listen while you’re there. You’ll hear the creaking of the trees on a breezy day and maybe even the rare bird-voiced treefrog from high above.

Wildlife abounds at this undisturbed spot. We spotted a woodpecker and a beaver during our visit.

16 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2022

Who needs bells and whistles?

Some parks shine in their stillness, providing a break that’s good for the soul.

Mississippi River State Park

They don’t call Arkansas “The Natural State” for nothing, and when you visit Mississippi River State Park you understand why.

The newest park in the Arkansas system, the attraction sits on 536 acres, spread out over two counties in the St. Francis National Forest near Marianna (Lee County). The park provides access to multiple lakes and rivers, including America’s longest and most historic river, the Mighty Mississippi.

To get from one end to the other, you have your choice of two scenic byways that pass through the park. The Great River Road National Scenic Byway is part of a 10-state route that runs from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. This section of the byway is a gravel lower road that takes you by Horner Neck Lake and the confluence of the St. Francis and Mississippi rivers.

Crowley’s Ridge Parkway National Scenic Byway is Arkansas’s first nationally designated scenic byway. The section found in the park is a paved upper road that runs from the visitors center to Storm Creek Lake and takes you by the Baseline Trail and an overlook. It’s favored by cyclists and is the perfect drive for fall foliage.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this look into three of our favorite Arkansas state parks, and we encourage you to take the 52 Arkansas State Parks Challenge. Order your challenge scratch-off map at ArkansasAlley. com, or pick up a passport at any state parks visitors center.

Whether by high road or low road, there’s always something scenic and tranquil in the state parks.

For more information on the Challenge, visit ArkieTravels.com. And make sure you follow Arkie Travels on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok for more Arkansas adventures.

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 17

18 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2022

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ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH FOUNDATION DRAWS CROWD FOR ANNUAL BANQUET.

DU fundraiser extraordinaire Jeff Lawrence of Little Rock

T

he annual Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation Banquet, held Aug. 27 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, attracted a full house and raised nearly $600,000 for AGFF, the fundraising adjunct of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

The banquet is the main fundraiser for the nonprofit foundation.

Money raised by AGFF helps support AGFC initiatives as well as its own programs addressing conservation, youth education and advocacy for responsible use of the outdoors.

This year, in conjunction with its 40th anniversary, the AGFF launched Leaving a Legacy, a program that seeks to provide outdoor enthusiasts from all walks of life a means for supporting a laundry list of needs in the Arkansas outdoors.

“Arkansas’s outdoor experience remains the envy of the nation, thanks to the conservation efforts of the Arkansas Game and Fish

THE BUFFALO RIVER IS THE HEART AND SOUL OF ARKANSAS’S OUTDOORS. WHATEVER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR IN A GETAWAY, FROM EXTENDED WEEKENDER TO A FULL-ON VACATION, YOU’LL FIND IT HERE. 20 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2022

COURTESY OF ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH FOUNDATION

Brad Wimberly of Ozark, conservationist

M A KE I T

Experience the magic of fall in the Diamond Lakes Region! Enjoy the changing leaves in the 1.8 million-acre Ouachita National Forest, where you can find hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and more. Our five sparkling lakes and three rivers offer scenic views of the Ouachita Mountains and some of the state’s best fishing. Spend the evening by the fire in a cozy cabin, and you’ll wonder why you ever spent your fall vacation anywhere else.

ARKADELPHIA • CADDO VALLEY GLENWOOD • HOT SPRINGS MALVERN • MOUNT IDA MURFREESBORO

Visit DiamondLakes.org to request a FREE Hot Springs/Diamond Lakes Guide. @HotSprings_DiamondLakes BikeHotSprings.org DiamondLakes.org This ad is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds.

Longtime DU figure Bob Butler of Bryant

J.D. Simpson III, Little Rock, Legacy Award winner

22 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2022

COURTESY OF ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH FOUNDATION

Outdoor artist Duane Hada of Mountain Home

Commission, in partnership with the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation,” said Deke Whitbeck, AGFF president.

“But we can never get too comfortable with what’s been done at the expense of what’s left to do.

“Leaving a Legacy allows for a wide array of giving opportunities that best align with a supporter’s intent and passion, done in a way that suits them best, be it endowment, planned giving or immediate impact. We encourage anyone with a passion for preserving the outdoors to contact us and find out how Leaving a Legacy provides a mechanism for doing just that.”

The banquet also recognized the newest inductees into the AGFF Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame. This year’s honorees included longtime wildlife artist Duane Hada of Mountain Home (Baxter County); Brad Wimberly of Ozark (Franklin County), founder of the Mulberry River Society and owner of the iconic Turner Bend Store; and longtime Ducks Unlimited officials Jeff Lawrence of Little Rock (Pulaski County) and Bob Butler of Bryant (Saline County).

Also recognized was J.D. Simpson, III of Little Rock, former AGFF board member and current Trustee of the Arkansas Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, as this year’s Legacy Award winner. Former AGFC Commissioner Bennie Westphal of Fort Smith (Sebastian County) received the inaugural Steve Smith Spirit of Giving Award for his generous support of the foundation’s new Leaving a Legacy program.

“For more than 100 years, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has worked to conserve the state’s wildlife resources, thanks to the selfless contributions of people such as our 2022 slate of inductees and award winners,” said Whitbeck. “We are delighted to be able to celebrate these success stories and the outstanding individuals behind them.”

Get Ready to Pedal!

Tour de Salt Shaker is a full Saline County community event that will bring cycling and Backyard BBQ together for a fun-filled Saline County festival.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8TH LIVE MUSIC • FOOD TRUCKS • TOT RELAY BBQ COOKOFF • INFLATABLES • FACE PAINTING FOR REGISTRATION OR INFORMATION VISIT

tourdesaltshaker.com ARKANSASWILD.COM | 23

24 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2022

NOVO STUDIO

Bow hunter Libby Davis takes aim.

A COLLECTION OF RULES, REGULATIONS, WISDOM AND STORIES FROM ARKANSAS’S HUNTING GROUNDS. It’s always hunting season in Arkansas. Blessed with an abundance of game, hunters find ample challenge and bountiful reward for their efforts be it deer, duck, goose, bear, 'gator, turkey or assorted varmints. The following pages give a snapshot of hunting seasons, as per Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations, including dates, bag limits and other assorted rules.

This is not an exhaustive almanac, so for full hunting guidelines visit AGFC.com. We’ve also included some game trivia and favorite stories from Arkansas hunters about their favorite outing. Here’s to you, hunters!

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 25

DEER Season Opens Archery Sept. 24, 2022-Feb. 28, 2023 (all zones) Muzzleloader Oct. 15-23, Dec. 10-12 (Zones 1-3, 6-8, 10, 11) Oct. 15-23, Dec. 17-19 (Zones 4A, 5A, 14, 15) Oct. 15-23 only (Zones 9, 12, 13, 16, 16A, 17) No Muzzleloading season in Zones 4 & 5

Libby Davis with her inaugural buck.

FIRST BUCK I didn’t take up deer hunting until I was 51. My first season, my son and I went out in mid-December; it had rained and rained and everything was flooded. We carried Kroger bags of rice bran because all the corn under the feeders was floating in water. Sat out there, freezing cold and nothing, nothing, nothing.

Finally, I had to stand up because I was stiff as anything. As soon as I stood up, here comes this huge buck, by himself, and he goes right to that bran pile. My heart is beating so fast. I looked at him and thought, “What is up with that deer?” He had three on one side, five on the other and his base on one side was like a double base. It’s all very funky.

I tell myself, “You can do this,” but I can’t. I’m cold and stiff and I can’t pull my bow back even though I’m pulling as hard as I can. I finally turn to the side like, doggone it, I’m going to pull this bow back. I get it back and as I face back toward the deer, he’s turned sideways and boom!

We get back to camp and my husband was so excited. He’s like, “You stay here. I’ll take it over to the freezer.” Our freezer’s at the next camp where there are other people. He comes back and said, “You know what?

Everyone over there has been hunting that deer. They’ve all been watching him on the camera.”

That’s how I fell in love with bow hunting.

⏤ —Libby Davis, Little Rock

26 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2022

Modern Gun Nov. 12-20, Dec. 26-28 (Zones 4, 5) Nov. 12-Dec. 4, Dec. 26-28 (Zones 1-3, 6-8, 10, 11) Nov. 12-Dec. 11, Dec. 26-28 (Zones 4A, 5A, 14, 15) Nov. 12-Dec. 18, Dec. 26-28 (Zones 9, 12, 13) Nov. 12-Dec. 28 (Zones 16, 16A, 17) Season duration can vary by Zone, check agfc.com for season dates specific to your area.

For full guidelines, visit agfc.com.

DID YOU KNOW? Union County led the state with just over 7,000 deer harvested, followed by Clark County at about 5,900 and Bradley County with about 5,300. Public lands yielding the most deer were Ozark National Forest WMA (824), White River NWR-South Unit (630) and Piney Creeks WMA (588).

Source: AGFC 2020-21 White-tail Deer Report

LEGAL DEER GEAR

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

It’s a dangerous mission to start talking about the best hunting rifles of all time, given how crowded the market and how personal the choice. But there are some models so well-engineered and so long-lived they demand a seat at the GOAT table. Here are a few that have stood the test of time and, being still in production, are waiting for your enjoyment. That is, if Dad or Grandpa hasn’t already handed one down to you.

ARCHERY Long, recurve and compound bows: Must have at least a 35-pound pull. Scopes, string locks and mechanical string releases may be used.

Big-game hunters must use arrowheads at least 7/8-inches wide (mechanicals OK). Arrows and arrowheads containing firearm ammunition or poison may not be used.

Crossbow: Crossbows must have at least a 125-pound pull and a mechanical safety.

Scopes may be used. Big-game hunters must use arrowheads at least 7/8-inches wide (including mechanicals). Arrows and arrowheads containing firearm ammunition or poison may not be used.

Winchester Model 70 Introduced in 1936, the bolt-action Model 70 improved upon 1925’s Model 54 as a do-everything rifle with greater sex appeal than the modified military models that preceded it. Quickly dubbed the “Rifleman’s Rifle” the Model 70 catered to the demands of sportsmen then and continues to deliver today. (winchesterguns.com)

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF VENDORS

Remington Model 700 Five million hunters and military snipers can’t be wrong, and that’s how many of this revolutionary rifle have been produced since the Model 700 first rolled out in 1962.

Remington’s innovations — which included push-feed action, cylindrical receiver and plunger-type ejector among other features — were so well-conceived, that little more than cosmetic changes differentiate the original from today’s model. (remarms.com)

Ruger 10/22 Ruger’s trim 10/22 fired the shot heard around the gun world in 1962 by offering easy change-out of the barrel as well as a subsequent onslaught of aftermarket 10/22 parts and accessories. The 10/22 also incorporated a rotary magazine that gave the tidy rifle as many shots as other models with awkward tubular or clip mags, while being better balanced and easier to carry. (ruger.com) Source: americanhunter.org

Propelled Arrows: Arrows propelled from a compressed air system or by the action of an explosive or combustible propellant may not be used.

MUZZLELOADER For deer, muzzleloading rifles must have a barrel 18 inches or longer and be .40 caliber or larger. Magnifying sights may be used. The use of shot is not legal. Legal muzzleloaders use flint, percussion cap, primer or electronic pulse, must have the bullet loaded through the muzzle and are not capable of firing a cartridge.

Hunters may use muzzleloading handguns with: •Barrels 9 inches or longer •.45 caliber or larger if they shoot conical bullets (200 grains or heavier), or •.530 caliber or larger if they shoot round balls.

•A hunter may carry a muzzleloading handgun of any caliber as backup to a muzzleloading rifle.

MODERN GUN Modern guns may be used for deer EXCEPT: •Buckshot in a .410 shotgun.

•Shot smaller than No. 4 buckshot in any shotgun.

•Rimfire cartridges, military or full metal jacketed ammunition.

•Centerfire rifles or handguns smaller than .22 caliber.

•Handguns with barrels shorter than 4 inches.

•Certain large-bore air rifles are approved for use. The large-bore air rifle must be at least .40 caliber, shoot a single, expandable slug, produce at least 400 feet/pounds of energy at the muzzle, and be charged from an external tank.

(Not legal for harvesting bear or elk.)

•Additional modern gun restrictions apply in Zones 4 and 5 For full guidelines, visit agfc.com.

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 27

YOUTH HUNTS Youth Turkey Hunt April 8-9, 2023, all zones Youth Deer Hunt (modern gun) Nov. 5-6, 2022; Jan. 7-8, 2023, all zones Youth Waterfowl Hunt (duck, goose, coot, merganser) Dec. 3, 2022; Feb. 4, 2023 For full guidelines, visit agfc.com.

DID YOU KNOW?

Jonathan (left) and Coen Rushing show off a trophy.

SHORT AND SWEET

Oversleeping during the peak of the rut is not the type of antics expected from a 30-year veteran of deer pursuit, yet that’s what occurred in November 2018. Ordinarily, I would have cut my losses on a warm, foggy morning. But today was the start of the youth modern gun season, and my 11-year-old son, Coen, had grand expectations.

Arriving at the stand disorganized and rushed, our optimism was restored by the darkness afforded by rainy skies. As I unpacked the day’s necessities, Coen exclaimed that a buck was on the adjacent ridge. Despite enlisting binoculars, my aging eyes failed to find any of the details he was relaying, frantically.

I encouraged him to wait; partly because of my uncertainty and partly because of the numerous mature bucks nearby. Moments later, with dawn illuminating the buck’s respectable antlers, his impatience grew and I prepared to call the shot.

Simultaneously, we spotted the rack of a tall-tined 9-pointer descending the ridge. In moments, his aim was redirected, an echo rebounded from the ridge and the shot flew true.

I still relish the chance to hear Coen recount the story of our shortest deer hunt, despite references to ignored alarms and old eyes. ⏤ —Jonathan Rushing, Little Rock 28 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2022

The highest-yielding zone was Deer Zone 12, which covers all or part of 23 counties from Hempstead County to the Arkansas River and south Saline County to the Louisiana state line. More than 66,700 deer were taken in this zone, followed

by Deer Zone 3 in north central Arkansas with just under 20,000 and Deer Zone 13 with more than 17,600.

Source: AGFC 2020-21 White-tail Deer Report

Gabe Holmstom and son Gus return home with the goods.

TRUST GUS

I’ve taken my son, Gus, now age 8, deer hunting for about three seasons now. On this occasion, we’d just come back from lunch and had, like, 11 deer cross the path where we pull into the cabin outside of Gillett. So immediately he wants to go deer hunting and we go out into a ground blind at like 1:30 in the afternoon. We have all this time to kill before dusk when the deer start moving, which was way too much time to be out there with a 6-year-old.

Right when it was about hunting time an 8-point walks out and I say, “Gus, look at him.” He sees it and starts flipping out, “SHOOT IT, SHOOT IT, SHOOT IT!” He’s just hammering in my ear, “SHOOT IT, SHOOT IT!” I get my gun and, a little rushed, I fire the shot. The deer jumps up and I fire a Hail Mary shot as the deer runs off into the woods. I’ve seen this play out before, and as we’re walking deeper and deeper into the woods, I was like, “Gus, I really don’t think I hit him, man. I’m sorry I let you down.” He’s like, “Dad, I know you killed that deer.”

He sees some blood on a leaf and we started walking around until I got to the point I was like, “Gus, I don’t know that we’re going to be able to find it,” and he said, “There it is right there, Dad. See? I told you you killed it.” And we found the deer. We get over there and it’s a beautiful deer, a nice-sized 8-point. Biggest deer I’d ever killed.

I start looking for the bullet hole and upon closer inspection, I’d hit it in the back of the head with that Hail Mary shot when it was running, I just got totally lucky. Gus thought that was the coolest thing, and now he has that skull, much to his mother’s chagrin, hanging in his bedroom. ⏤ —Gabe Holmstrom, Little Rock ARKANSASWILD.COM | 29

Scan Me! Visit our website to purchase your hunting license.

30 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2022

THE HUNT IS CALLING #HuntNatural

Hunters from all over the world flock to Arkansas for our waterfowl season. Get your hunting license today, and enjoy what’s right here in your own backyard.

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 31

Maggie Williams gets her gobbler.

TURKEY Season Open Zone 1: April 17-25, 2023 Zone 2: April 17-May 7, 2023 The statewide bag limit is two legal turkeys, no jakes, with the exception of hunters 6 to 15 years old, who may harvest one jake as part of their two-bird limit during the season (including the youth hunt).

No more than one legal turkey may be taken during the first seven days of the regular season.

TURKEYS AND TIARAS I was turkey hunting with my friend, Nina Rogers. We were having no luck, seeing no turkeys, hunting hard for three days straight. Finally on the last day, it’s lunchtime and I’m like, “OK girl, we need a break.”

As we pull up to a gas station in the middle of nowhere, Nina says, “Lord, please send us somebody that’ll direct us to some turkeys!” We go get our Red Bulls and come back outside to see this old man in the parking lot, looking at us. I’m thinking we’re about to get abducted. He said, “You girls had any luck getting turkeys?” No sir, we haven’t. He’s like, “I’ve got a property right down the road. It’s full of turkeys if y’all would like to come hunt them.” Nina and me, immediately, we’re like, “Yes sir! We’ll follow you there!’ I mean, this is how you get abducted, OK?” We follow this old man on Easter Sunday to his house, his wife’s cooking in the kitchen, his grandkids are dying Easter eggs, his son’s eating lunch. They’re like, what’s going on? He told them, “These girls would like to kill a turkey.” As the son finishes his meal, I get to talking with the wife, and before long I am holding hands with this family and praying over them at Easter lunch.

The son takes us out to a field and we see five turkeys. We Army crawl on our bellies for 400 yards to the tree line and I can feel the vibrations of this tom, he was so close. He steps out from behind the tree line and I get a shot on him at like, four steps.

I’m excited, “Oh my gosh! We did it!” And the son said, “Oh, we’re not done yet. We’ve got to get your friend one, too.” I’m like, we’ve been hunting for three days trying to get one bird, you’re going to get us two in one afternoon? It sounded ambitious.

We get in the vehicle with this man we’ve never met before and we start going deeper into the woods. I was like OK, this is it, y’all; we killed a turkey, it’s our turn now. It probably wasn’t 30 minutes we had a tom responding to our calls and 30 seconds later, he came into view. He comes sprinting at us and Nina gets him at 75 yards with a 20-gauge. So impressed.

We’d both closed on birds in one afternoon with complete strangers, strangers who got Christmas cards that year. They’ve become family friends.

—Maggie Williams, Piggott, 2019 Miss Teen Arkansas 32 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2022

No more than one legal turkey may be taken per day. It is illegal for any hunter to harvest a bearded hen.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Ozarks of north Arkansas continue to be Gobbler Central, yielding 2,855 turkeys in 2021, followed by the Gulf Coastal Plain of south Arkansas with 2,180 birds. Hunters in the Ouachitas took about 1,200 turkeys and Delta hunters just over 750.

Source: AGFC 2021 Turkey Harvest Report

GOBBLER GUNS

“The right tool for the right job,” has never been wiser advice than when it comes to choosing your hunting equipment. Ultimately a shotgun is a shotgun, but certain features are preferred for use on one quarry over another. Here are some top-rated models to consider before turkey season rolls around:

Browning Cynergy Boasting a lightweight design that helps cut down on fatigue during long hours in the woods and a matte finish that helps keep you hidden from sharp-eyed toms makes the Browning Cynergy a top-rated turkey gun. Add to that minimum kickback and you have your new favorite hunting buddy.

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF VENDORS

Mossberg 835 Ulti-mag Turkeys don’t get enough credit as prey, but their sharp vision, keen hearing and speed make them challenging quarry. This Mossberg model helps level the playing field by reducing knockback and allowing for smooth additional shots, should the first one miss. A nice extra: The gun comes with several chokes to customize your scattergun to your liking.

Benelli M2 Benelli is known for making a dependable, durable gun and the M2 lives up to that reputation. The system depends on inertia to operate, meaning the shotgun can be used in any prevailing weather condition. That technology doesn’t come cheap, but if you can stomach the price tag, Benelli makes a honey of a gun.

Source: NationalTurkeyHuntingChampionships.com

TAME VS. WILD, IT’S A MATTER OF TASTE

I’ve heard many times from non-hunters, “Why go to all that trouble of hunting wild turkey when you can go to the grocery store and buy one?” I’ve harvested more than 50 gobblers in my career and to me, there are few things more exciting than the chess game played out in the woods.

That aside, there are considerable benefits to eating wild turkey over farm-raised birds, mainly, they’re free-range feeding on all-natural forage. The hunter can feel fairly confident he or she is partaking of a food source near that enjoyed by our ancient ancestors.

My two favorite ways to prepare a bird are whole deep-fried and Southern-fried. Done properly, few delicacies can compare to turkey cooked by either method.

For deep-fried, pluck all the feathers and remove head, feet and innards. Inject the meat with your choice of liquid seasoning. Then, using a Cajun cooker big enough to submerge the whole bird, lower the turkey into a pot of hot cooking oil.

The greatest benefit of a wild bird over store-bought with this method is that wild isn’t butter-injected, as butter can burn in the deep fryer.

Deep frying requires about three minutes per pound to cook to perfection. Remember, that’s dressed weight, not harvest weight; I made that mistake the first time I deep-fried a gobbler and when I lifted him out of the pot, his drumsticks looked like two factory chimneys spewing steam.

For Southern-fried, split open the skin on the bird’s chest and filet out the two breast portions, which will usually make a meal each. Unlike many forms of wild game, it isn’t necessary to soak turkey breast in salt water overnight to reduce a wild flavor but it won’t hurt either, as it helps draw out residual blood in the flesh.

Most important is to remove all the membrane found along the outside of turkey breasts — better to slice off too much meat in the trimming than leaving any membrane, which is chewy and carries an unfavorable flavor.

Once trimmed, slice the breasts across the grain in ¾-inch thick strips and tenderize as you would chicken breasts. Batter those pieces, drop them in a skillet of hot grease and prepare yourself for one of the greatest treats you’ll ever behold. ⏤ —Richard Ledbetter

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 33

Hoyte Pyle and his greenheads.

WATERFOWL

(Duck, Goose, Coot Merganser) Season Open: Nov. 19-27, 2022 Dec. 10-23, 2022 Dec. 26, 2022-Jan. 31, 2023 Duck daily bag limit – 6, which may include no more than: 4 mallards (2 hens), 1 scaup, 3 wood ducks, 1 pintail, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 2 black ducks, 1 mottled duck. If not listed, up to 6 ducks of a species (including teal) may be taken.

Coot daily bag limit – 15 Merganser daily bag limit – 5, which may include no more than 2 hooded mergansers.

RIDIN’ THE STORM OUT

We had a lease around Clarendon, flooded fields and sloughs and things of that nature. This particular Saturday I took my son, Heath, down there along with a good buddy of mine, Bruce Tidwell.

It was really, really cold; all the water was frozen and there were no ducks. We took poor Heath out to a spot and got him situated and then Bruce and I proceeded to break the ice in the hopes of opening a hole. We broke it, but it was so cold it was refreezing. It was miserable and there’s nothing flying, not a bird in the sky. It’s one of those “Tell me when I’m having fun,” scenarios. And poor Heath, he was probably 8 or 9, sitting there like a snowman, frozen to death. After a couple hours we’d all had enough, and we hadn’t fired a shot.

The next day was the last day of the season, so Bruce and I felt this crazy obligation to go. Well, it’d warmed up the previous afternoon and that night, so when Bruce and I got to the same spot there was still ice, but a hole had melted in the field. It wasn’t very big, maybe half the size of a football field, but that’s all they needed. It was the only open water in the area.

Holy cow, we’re putting decoys out and there’s ducks landing in the water while we’re doing it. This one hole is all that’s open and the birds would come in, we’d kill a couple and 10 minutes later the birds would come back.

We literally just sat there and had our pick. I mean, nothing like I’ve ever seen.

The cherry on the sundae was, there was a mallard coming down the slough really, really low. It was coming to Bruce first, and I thought he’s going to annihilate this bird. Well, for whatever reason, he never saw it. So I shoot it and it was banded, which was kind of neat.

That was one of the better days I’ve ever had, killing our limit in just a matter of minutes, getting our mallards and topping it off with a banded bird. Just an illustration that you’ve got to keep going; 24 hours made all the difference.

—Hoyte Pyle, Little Rock 34 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2022

Possession limit for ducks, coots and mergansers is three times the daily bag limit.

Canada Goose Sept.1-Oct. 15 Daily bag limit – 5 Possession limit – 15 Nov. 19-27, Dec. 10-23, Dec. 26-Jan. 31, 2023 Daily bag limit – 2 Possession limit – 6 Teal Sept. 15-30, 2022 Daily Limit – 6 (blue-winged, green-winged and cinnamon teal combined) Possession Limit – 18 White-Fronted Goose Oct. 29-Nov. 11, Nov. 19-27, Dec. 10-23, Dec. 26-Jan. 31, 2023 Daily bag limit – 3 Possession limit – 9 Snow, Blue, Ross’s Goose Oct. 29-Nov. 11, Nov. 19-27, Dec. 10-23, Dec. 26-Jan. 31, 2023 Daily bag limit – 20 No possession limit

CALL ME

It’s hard to pry a duck hunter away from a favorite call; some folks are downright superstitious when it comes to the woods or the blind. But if yours isn’t what it used to be, check out these models by Rich-N-Tone, one of the Grand Prairie’s most legendary call makers, brand new for 2022. (rntcalls.com)

QUACK MANNERS

As Bobby Martin, chairman of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, prepares to enter his 65th duck season, his enthusiasm for the sport has never been higher. Having turned hundreds on to duck hunting in that time, we asked him for some duck-hunting etiquette.

Stahls Kalls L-Train and Branta Max Duck or goose, Stahls Kalls get you your limit. A short call with big range, the L-Train is fully capable of a wide range of sounds and extremely fast. Branta Max (short for Branta Canedensis Maxima aka the Giant Canada Goose) delivers an easy-blowing mellow sound.

•Number one, and everybody knows this about me, don’t be late. If you can’t be on time, be early.

•A new hunter has to be extra careful about safety, particularly in a duck blind where you’re in close proximity with other hunters. Ask questions and make sure you know your shooting lane. Be aware where the dogs are at all times.

•Learn how to conceal yourself. It’s not important what brand of camo you have, it’s about concealment. A new hunter is also at higher risk of making sudden moves that give them away; learn to be slow-moving in a fast-action sporting experience. Same thing in timber; I always say, “Be the tree.”

Hancock Flying Duck Co. Everything old is new again: The Hancock is patterned after the creations of Clyde Hancock, 1948 World’s Duck Calling Champion, a legendary hunter, caller and call-maker. The modern version is extremely versatile and designed to be easy for the average caller to operate. The open-water style call is available with or without checkering.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Delta mallard population in January has held steady with the past four seasons’ counts taken at the same time. However, 2022 mallard numbers are off 30 percent compared to the 2010-2022 late-January average. Overall, the estimated number of ducks was comparable to the long-term average of 1.27 million birds.

•New hunters yield to the experienced hunter in the group.

Don’t shoot first; wait for them to call the shot. That way, you don’t raise up and shoot at a pair when an experienced hunter knows there’s 15 right behind them, which gives the whole group a chance to be successful.

•Here’s one for experienced hunters: I think a lot of people take themselves way too seriously, and that actually hurts the young hunters in the group. Being able to watch the birds is part of the enjoyment, but a lot of people just say, “Keep your head down!” Watching the birds is how a young hunter learns, so teach them how to look up with their eyes instead of cocking their head back or turning side-to-side.

•I’ve heard the duck blind called the new golf course as far as business deals getting done. One of the key successes in closing a deal is having a relationship and the best way to strengthen a relationship is to enjoy something where you’re on common ground. Don’t try to close a deal or get into the business side when you should be connecting over the outdoors and Mother Nature and the success of an outdoor experience in the waterfowling world. I’m pretty hard-nosed about that point.

•The biggest ‘do’ for me is just go. The fact is, every one of us was a first-time hunter, so don’t miss out on experiencing one of the great hunting opportunities that a sporting shooter ever has out of intimidation. Find a hunting group that will help you learn; if you’re patient and give yourself a chance, you’ll have some really memorable moments.

Source: AGFC Waterfowl Survey Report, Jan. 2022 ARKANSASWILD.COM | 35

Blair Cook brings home the bacon.

SMALL GAME & BIRD DOVE Season Open Sept. 3-Oct. 23 and Dec. 8-Jan. 15, 2023, statewide Daily bag limit of 15; possession limit of 45 Mourning Dove and White-Winged Dove; no limit on Eurasian Collared-Dove.

LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER Season Open Feb. 1-3, 2023; Feb. 5-April 25, 2023 The conservation order is designed so hunters can reduce Snow, Blue and Ross’s Goose numbers through increased harvest.

Because of the extreme need for more harvest, many waterfowl hunting regulations are relaxed during the order.

RABBIT Season Open Sept. 1-Feb. 28, 2023 statewide Daily limit of 8; possession limit of 16 Rabbits may not be hunted with rifles or handguns larger than .22 caliber rimfire or with muzzleloaders larger than .40 caliber unless a modern gun or muzzleloading deer season, bear season or coyote season is open. Rabbits may not be hunted with shotguns using rifled slugs or shot larger than T shot.

Up to eight box traps (with interior dimensions up to 8 inches wide and 10 inches tall) may be used.

HOG HEAVEN A couple years ago, we were deer hunting in Cleveland County. We were up in a climber stand, my dad’s beside me. We see these hogs come in to our right, maybe six or seven of them, and they stopped to feed in front of our stand where there’s usually some corn. Dad’s like, “They’ll come in. Just wait.”

They started coming in and I shot a spotted sow and got a pass-through on her. Saw the arrow down on the ground and my dad climbed down to get it. He got back in the stand and a little hog came back within shooting range so I shot him.

Then, there were some more hogs that came in behind us, another group of 10 or 15 probably, but they didn’t come in for me to get a shot. Then right before dark, maybe five, 10 minutes of shooting light left, yet another group of them comes in and I got another big sow with a good shot right at dark. I killed those three hogs within an hour, which is kind of crazy. Dad thinks we probably saw 40 or 50 hogs within that time.

We pulled up to camp with those hogs and my son, Knox, was there. He kept on saying, ‘Oh Mama, you killed a hog and a cow.’ He thought the spotted one was the Chick-fil-A cow.

—Blair Cook, Jonesboro

36 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2022

SQUIRREL Season Open May 15-Feb. 28, 2023 statewide Daily limit of 12; possession limit of 48 Squirrels may not be hunted with rifles or handguns larger than .22 caliber rimfire or with muzzleloaders larger than .40 caliber unless a modern gun or muzzleloading deer season, bear season or coyote season is open. Squirrels may not be hunted with shotguns using rifled slugs or shot larger than T shot.

QUAIL Season Open Nov. 1-Feb. 5, 2023, statewide Daily limit of 6; possession limit of 12 CROW Season Open Sept. 1-Feb. 20, 2023, statewide (Thursdays-Mondays only) No bag limit.

Crows may not be hunted with rifles or handguns larger than .22 caliber rimfire or with muzzleloaders larger than .40 caliber (unless a modern gun or muzzleloading deer season, bear season, or coyote season is open). Crows may not be hunted with shotguns using rifled slugs or shot larger than T shot. Crows may not be hunted over bait.

ELK A limited number of Public Land Elk Permits in any given season are distributed by draw.

Public hunting of elk is restricted to certain dates set by the AGFC. Only Arkansas residents with a Resident Sportsman Hunting License or holders of a Lifetime Sportsman’s Permit may apply.

Public land elk hunts are held on designated areas of the Buffalo National River, Gene Rush WMA, Richland Valley Sonny Varnell Elk Conservation Area and Bearcat Hollow WMA. Private land permits entitle landowners to hunt on certain dates in the Core Elk Management Zone (Boone, Carroll, Madison, Newton and Searcy counties.) ai166154979316_ARKANSAS WILD.pdf

SPECIAL HUNTING

BEAR Season Open Zones 1 and 2 Archery: Sept. 17-Nov. 30, 2022 Muzzleloader: Oct. 15-23, 2022 Special Youth Modern Gun Bear Hunt: Nov. 5-6, 2022 (does not include WMAs requiring a deer permit to harvest a bear) Modern Gun: Nov. 12-30, 2022 Zones 3 through 5A have additional restrictions and season dates. Bear hunting closed in all other zones.

Statewide bag limit of one bear, either sex.

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8/26/22

ALLIGATOR Season Open (public and private land hunts) Sept. 16-19, 2022 Sept. 23-26, 2022 Alligator hunting permitted in Zones 1 through 3 on designated dates only.

Private Land Hunts by drawn permit; Public Land Hunts requires designated permit.

Bag limit of 1 alligator, 4 feet or longer.

For full guidelines, visit agfc.com.

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ARKANSASWILD.COM | 37

WILD EVENTS

FALL FUN

COURTESY OF STUTTGART CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Arkansas’s weather and scenery couldn’t be nicer in autumn, the perfect time for outdoors lovers to get out and play. Plenty of activities and events crowd this section of the calendar, headlined by the famous Wings Over the Prairie Festival in Stuttgart, celebrating all things duck. Set for Nov. 19-26, this mammoth event includes the World Championship Duck Gumbo Cook-off, 5K/10K road race, carnival, vendors and duck calling championship competitions in multiple classifications, headlined by the 87th annual World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest.

DON’T MISS THESE EVENTS! RUNNING

OCT. 1-2 ARKANSAS TRAVELER 100 Camp Ouachita runarkansas.com/AT100.htm

OCT. 8 CENTRAL ARKANSAS TEAM RIVER RUNNER FISHING DERBY Lake Conway 870-413-9406 for more information

OCT. 14-16 OZ CX/UI CYCLOCROSS WORLD CUP Fayetteville cyclocrossfayettevillear.com

NOV. 5 CITY OF COLLEGES HALF MARATHON Conway cityofcollegeshalf.com

OCT. 8-9 FISH N’ STUFF EXTREME TEAM TOURNEY #5 Bull Shoals Lake extremeteamtournament.com

SEPT. 21-25 24 HOURS OF HORSESHOE HELL Horseshoe Canyon twofourhell.com

NOV. 19 WHITE RIVER MARATHON Cotter whiterivermarathon.com

OCT. 15 KICK CANCER IN THE BASS Bull Shoals Lake 870-508-2273 for more information

OCT. 21-22 ARKANSAS DARK SKY FESTIVAL St. Joe darkskyarkansas.org/dark-sky-festival/

NOV. 25 SUNSET ENDURANCE RUN 6/12/24 HOUR Benton salinecountystriders.com/races

OCT. 22 FINS-WILLIAM F. LAMAN LIBRARY FISHING DERBY Burns Park Covered Bridge 501-758-1720 for more information

OCT. 28 BAD JACKS TRAIL FEST Fifty-Six facebook.com/badjackstrailfest

FISHING TOURNAMENTS

CYCLING

NOV. 3-6 VANARKY IN THE WOODS FALL CAMPOUT Ozark vanarky.com/fall-campout

OCT. 1 CROSSETT LIONS CLUB FISHING DERBY Lucas Pond 870-500-1373 for more information

OCT. 8-17 ARKANSAS HIGH COUNTRY RACE Hot Springs arkansashighcountry.com/race

OCT. 8 JACKSON COUNTY BASS CLUB TOURNAMENT East Lake, Newport facebook.com/jcbassclub

OCT. 8 TOUR DA’ DELTA Helena kingbiscuitfestival.com/events

SEPT. 24-25 DAV BIG BASS TOURNAMENT Lake Dardanelle State Park dav27ar.org

SEPT. 24 BIG DAM BRIDGE 100 Little Rock thebigdambridge100.com

TOUR DE SALT SHAKER Benton tourdesaltshaker.com 38 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2022

FESTIVALS/SPECIAL EVENTS

DISCLAIMER: With the pandemic still among us, events can change in an instant.

Before making plans to attend any of these events, please contact the organizers for latest information.

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of trails right on the Bear Creek property for hiking, biking or ATV use. It is a photographer’s paradise, with sweeping views of the buttresses that line the creek and wildlife on every adventure.

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