Arkansas Wild | Fall 2023

ARKANSAS WILD SACRED GROUND

BILL BYERS HUNTER CLUB BECKONS A NEW GENERATION

FALL GETAWAYS FISHING THE LITTLE RED RIVER

SEPTEMBER 2023 ARKANSASWILD.COM

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Enjoy a colorful weekend getaway at Daisy State Park this autumn.

FEATURES

18 WILD AND SCENIC

OUR ARKANSAS RIVER PADDLERS COMPLETE THEIR JOURNEY.

22 FISHING LITTLE RED FIND A NEW HONEY HOLE THIS FALL VIA THE LITTLE RED RIVER.

28 BART-B-QUE

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DEPARTMENTS 8 OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS 10 EXPLORE 38 WILD EVENTS

32 THE HOME PLACE

HISTORIC BILL BYERS HUNTER CLUB LOOKS TO THE FUTURE. 4 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2023

ON THE COVER: Cason Short, owner of Bill Byers Hunter Club. Photography by Novo Studio.

Marvel at the beauty of changing leaves as you hike scenic trails in the 1.8 million-acre Ouachita National Forest. At five Arkansas State Parks, find even more hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and outdoor adventure. Enjoy some of the state’s best fishing with scenic views of the Ouachita Mountains on five sparkling lakes and three rivers. Head to a lakeside cabin to relax for the evening, and you’ll wonder why you ever spent your fall vacation anywhere else.

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#ARKANSASWILD BROOKE WALLACE Publisher brooke@arktimes.com DWAIN HEBDA Editor dwain@arktimes.com

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MANDY KEENER Creative Director mandy@arktimes.com LESA THOMAS Senior Account Executive LUIS GARCIAROSSI Account Executive SOMMER THROGMORTON Account Executive WELDON WILSON Production Manager/Controller ROLAND R. GLADDEN Advertising Traffic Manager MIKE SPAIN Advertising Art Director ROBERT CURFMAN IT Director CHARLOTTE KEY Administration JACKSON GLADDEN Circulation Director ALAN LEVERITT President

©2023 Arkansas Times Limited Partnership 201 E. MARKHAM ST., SUITE 150 LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201 501-375-2985 All Contents © 2023 Arkansas Wild

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Move confidently in your surroundings even after the sun goes down with this high-performance headlamp by Black Diamond. The Storm 500-R delivers 500 lumens and has a high-beam range of 120 meters. Charge this baby up via the handy micro-USB port and you’re ready to own the night. Get yours at Ozark Outdoor Supply in Little Rock. (ozarkoutdoor.com)

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Birders of the world rejoice! The Vortex Diamondback HD smashes the scale of price versus performance with a rock-solid optic that competes with much pricier models. With a close focus as near as 6 feet and a compact design that comes in at only 16 ounces, you’ll be spying on warblers under any conditions. Check out a pair at Mack’s Prairie Wings in Stuttgart. (mackspw.com) Whether unwinding after a day of spelunking or looking to get the campfire party started, the Demerbox DB2 Speaker is ready for any situation. At just under 5.5 pounds and boasting a 100-foot Bluetooth range, this waterproof beauty will let you shake your tailfeathers all night long. Because it gets old just listening to bugs. Grab yours at Domestic Domestic in Little Rock. (domesticdomestic.com)

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ARKANSASWILD.COM | 9

EXPLORE

AUTUMN ROAD TRIP FIVE BEAUTIFUL ARKANSAS TOWNS TO VISIT THIS FALL

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BY SARAH AND PAUL HEER

e love stumbling across a hidden gem, and Arkansas offers some of the most amazing small-town treasures!

If you're looking for a diverse range of experiences, captivating history and breathtaking natural beauty, our state delivers in every aspect.

With so much to offer, it can be a challenge to choose which cities to explore, with each destination offering its own unique charm and attractions. Let’s take a closer look at some of our small-town favorites.

Start your visit to Glenwood with a stroll through nearby Daisy State Park.

10 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2023

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From left to right: Catch a nap in the peaceful woods of Daisy State Park. Sample local brews at Rapp's Barren in Mountain Home. A stroll over Little Missouri Falls, a short drive from Glenwood, is lovely this time of year. Breathtaking Norfork Lake near Mountain Home, where they do sunsets right. It says "BBQ" over the door, but the burgers at Bob and Sandy's Beach Club in Hardy are legit.

1. GLENWOOD: PERFECT WEEKENDER Located in the heart of Arkansas, Glenwood (Pike County) offers an unforgettable weekend getaway for outdoorsmen and art lovers alike. The town is renowned for its scenic beauty with the Caddo River flowing through its picturesque landscape.

Outdoor Fun: For those seeking adventure, Caddo River Camping and Canoeing is a must-visit destination.

Rent a kayak, canoe or tube and embark on a river journey. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can camp along the river in one of the many scenic sites. Fans of fishing will also find their paradise with opportunities to catch walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass and crappie.

Daisy State Park is the perfect place for a fall camping trip. Located just 15 minutes from Glenwood, it’s right on Lake Greeson and makes for a picturesque setting for kayaking, fishing or just watching the sun rise.

It's also located less than an hour from Murfreesboro if you want to do some diamond digging and is also less than an hour from Little Missouri Falls where you'll find plenty of hiking opportunities.

12 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2023

Art: Glenwood is not only blessed with natural beauty, but also boasts a unique art scene. Make sure to visit Baker's Fabrication & Welding Inc. to witness the incredible metal art creations by John Mark Baker, whose craftsmanship and stunning pieces will leave you in awe.

Accommodations: To make the most of your stay in Glenwood, consider booking a cabin at Hangout Properties.

These uniquely themed cabins are situated directly on the Caddo River.

They offer style, comfort and are the perfect spot to hang out and enjoy the view.

2. HARDY: UNIQUE ADVENTURES Established in 1883, the historic town of Hardy (Sharp and Fulton counties) is quite the hidden gem. With its vibrant shops and eateries offering delectables, it promises a unique and exciting adventure for visitors.

Foodies Rejoice: Hardy has quite the food scene for when you get hungry after shopping around downtown. Start your day at The Corner Booth, a lovely breakfast spot that will fill you up. If you have a sweet tooth, don't miss the Hardy Sweet Shop where you can indulge in

homemade fudge, hand-dipped ice cream and a variety of sweets. You’ll be amazed at the vintage flavors, many of which you can’t find anywhere else.

Hardy Hot Dog & Blues Station offers custom hot dogs with flavors like the Reuben Dog, Tex Mex Dog and BBQ Dog, and don't miss snapping a pic with the Blues Brothers outside. Around the corner, you'll find Arkansas Food Hall of Fame Nominee Bob and Sandy's Beach Club BBQ. Their BBQ is definitely amazing as are their legendary burgers.

Shopping: Hardy is a haven for shopaholics with Jades Boutique and Zen + Zeus offering trendy clothing and accessories. For antiques, 3 Magi is the place to go, while The Brass Cat is a must-visit for vintage finds, unique vinyl records and an overall eclectic shopping experience.

History: Explore the town's rich heritage at the Hardy History Museum where exhibits showcase the town's first bank safe, printing press and the hat the sheriff was wearing when a bullet missed his head by less than an inch. A few hours at the museum make for a fascinating dive into the intriguing history of this remarkable town.

The Spring River: One of the main

highlights of Hardy is the breathtaking Spring River, which flows through the heart of town. This spring-fed river is always flowing and offers the perfect place to beat the heat and enjoy a refreshing swim.

Accommodations: Hardy offers a range of lodging to suit everyone’s needs.

Consider staying at the historic Spring River Stone House Inn or enjoy views at Riverview Falls overlooking Buford Beach Park. For those seeking extra excitement the rumored-to-be-haunted Old Hardy Hotel adds a thrill to your visit.

3. RUSSELLVILLE: EXCITING GETAWAY OK, this one’s not quite as small as the others, but if you're looking for a great getaway in a historic town, Russellville (Pope County) is the place to be. This fascinating city offers a wide range of experiences from specialty coffee to outdoor adventures and everything in between.

Coffee: Begin your day at Retro Roasts, where you'll find a wide selection of specialty brews to kickstart your morning. Afterward, satisfy your inner bookworm at Dog Ear Books, a cozy

bookstore next door offering a wide range of genres and titles.

Culinary Delights: For a great meal, head over to an Arkansas favorite, Stoby's.

The place is known for its scrumptious burgers, loaded baked potatoes and famous cheese dip, but we also highly recommend the BBQ quesadilla. Be sure to announce your arrival with the train whistle.

Speaking of barbecue, a stop by Ridgewood Bros. BBQ should be on everyone’s Arkansas foodie bucket list.

Enjoy burnt ends, fall-apart brisket, to-die-for slaw and don’t forget to save room for the excellent banana pudding.

Outdoor Adventures: Jackalope Biking is a must for outdoor enthusiasts.

Rent a bike and hit the trails for an exhilarating ride through the scenic landscapes of Mt. Nebo. While you’re on the mountain, take in the view from Sunset Point, one of our favorite places in the state.

Unique Stay: Russellville is also home to a very interesting stay, The Hobbit House. This shire-inspired abode is comfortable and cozy, inviting guests to step through the round door and enjoy a getaway to another world.

And don’t forget to put Russellville on

your list for the 2024 solar eclipse. This River Valley community promises to have one of the longest totalities in the state.

4. MOUNTAIN HOME: INCREDIBLE SCENERY We can’t say enough great things about this Arkansas gem. Mountain Home (Baxter County) is the most delightful surprise town in Arkansas, offering a mix of natural wonders, cozy coffee spots and unique shopping experiences with an up-and-coming downtown entertainment district.

Coffee and Craft Beer: Start your day at Cove Coffee where you can enjoy a delicious cup of joe in a cozy vintagethemed atmosphere. If you're a craft beer enthusiast, Rapps Barren Brewing is a must-visit. Indulge in their unique and flavorful brews and savor the delicious food this gastropub offers, especially Sunday brunch.

Shopping: For those who love all things sparkly, Gregory Jewelry is the place to stop. From stunning diamonds to beautiful gemstones, they are every girl’s best friend. Nomad Clothing Co. offers trendy clothing and accessories that will make you feel like a fashionista, ARKANSASWILD.COM | 13

From left to right: Check out local history at the Old Independence Regional Museum in Batesville. Channel your inner Frodo with a visit to the Hobbit House in Russellville. The view from Mt. Nebo is spectacular any time of year.

and Mountain Home Mercantile is the place to pick up unique home goods.

You’re sure to find the perfect memento of your trip among its wide selection of locally made products.

Nature: Nearby Bull Shoals-White River State Park is a haven for outdoor lovers. Explore its scenic trails in the beauty of nature and make plans to enjoy a day on the water in the trout fishing capital of Arkansas. Also, be sure to visit Norfork Lake for more water-based fun including fishing, boating, swimming and scuba diving.

The Perfect Ending: To top off your exciting day, stop by Stories Whiskey Bar, a speakeasy and cigar lounge that offers an impressive selection of whiskeys from around the world. Just make sure you know the password.

5. BATESVILLE: FUN-FILLED ATTRACTIONS Batesville (Independence County) is the oldest town in Arkansas but don’t let its age fool you! Its downtown Main Street offers an exceptional getaway for all, from luxurious accommodations to 14 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2023

lively entertainment options. And did you know Batesville is the Christmas capital of Arkansas?

Luxury Stay: Get the royal treatment at Royal on Main, a historic hotel offering top-notch details and excellent customer service. With amenities like heated floors and in-room gas fireplaces, your stay will be nothing short of regal.

Theater and Shopping: The Melba Theater is a must-visit, showcasing a variety of live performances and movies, including Throwback Thursdays. Main Attire offers a curated selection of fashionable clothing and accessories, while Home Holidays and More is a treasure trove of unique home decor and gifts.

Culinary Delights: Indulge in delectable pizzas at Stella's Brick Oven Pizzeria. These pies are made to order with fresh ingredients and baked to perfection so they’re sure to satisfy your hunger. Top off your meal with a treat from the amazing selection of gelato while you’re there.

Art and History Scene: The Batesville Area Arts Council is at the heart of the

town's thriving arts scene. This nonprofit organization promotes and supports local artists and arts education. Sponsoring a variety of events, exhibitions and workshops, the council engages the community with the work of local artistic talent.

The Old Independence Regional Museum is also not to be missed. Step back in history as you step through the doors of this former National Guard Armory, built in 1936 out of locally quarried sandstone. Exhibits change throughout the year and include programs and special events yearround. Holiday visitors can experience wonderful programming as part of White River Wonderland that showcases local makers creating goods such as candles and leatherworks using historical practices.

Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, exploring the arts or indulging your foodie side, these five small towns in Arkansas have got you covered. So pack your bags and enjoy every second of an unforgettable journey in The Natural State.

WHERE THE OUTDOORS IS A WAY OF LIFE, NOT JUST A SEASON

There’s no place like Arkansas for natural beauty, history, outdoor activities and a thriving downtown. And nowhere in the Natural State do you find all of these attributes together in one place quite like Mountain Home.

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ARKANSASWILD.COM | 15

Ad paid for with a combination of state and Ozark Mountain Region Funds. Mountain Home Advertising & Promotion Commission.

ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH FOUNDATION

MARION McCOLLUM 1942-2023

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rkansas’s outdoors has lost one of its biggest and most well-known figures, Marion Taylor McCollum Jr., who died June 21 at the age of 81.

McCollum, who grew the family business Mack’s Prairie Wings from a converted hardware store on Stuttgart’s main drag to a massive standalone retail store and major online presence, graduated from Stuttgart High School and attended Arkansas Tech University. Forsaking a planned career in architecture, he came home in 1961 to help his father, M.T. “Mack” McCollum, run the burgeoning Mack’s Sport Shop, which many today claim was the first sporting goods store dedicated to outdoor gear.

The junior McCollum proved an adept retailer and a sharp businessman. In 1970, the business moved to a 3,200-squarefoot building on Highway 79, expanding several times. In 2000, Mack’s Prairie Wings christened a 55,000-square-foot location on Highway 63.

Today, the 120,000-square-foot store has become a muststop for all manner of outdoor enthusiasts, especially during duck season where no trip to the Grand Prairie is complete without stopping into the store. A Mack’s T-shirt, with its signature pinfeather logo, is practically the official state uniform.

Throughout his life, McCollum was a staunch advocate for conservation and getting young people turned on to the outdoor activities he’d loved since childhood. He served as chairman of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in 2001-02. For his tireless efforts in the renovation of Greenlee Lake, the body was renamed Marion McCollum Greenlee Lake in 2001.

He was also a reliable and generous patron of Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl and Waterfowl USA, as well as thousands of other requests through the years, supporting the community and protecting the wilds in ways that didn’t command headlines but were simply the right thing to do.

Among his many accolades were Stuttgart’s 2002 Citizen

16 || Arkansas Arkansas Wild Wild || SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2023 2023 16

of the Year; 2010 Jerry Jones Sportsman's Award; and 2020 Winchester Legend Award. He’s also enshrined in the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame (2007), Arkansas Outdoors Hall of Fame (2008) Arkansas Waterfowler Hall of Fame (2016).

“Marion had a tremendous impact on those of us who were fortunate to call him a friend, and he never met a stranger,” said Deke Whitbeck, president of the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation. “He leaves a legacy in the institution that is Mack's Prairie Wings but also his passion for getting the next generation of Arkansans involved in the outdoors. During his time as a commissioner for the agency, he had a front-row seat helping lead the charge for the passage of Amendment 75 Conservation Sales Tax Fund, which would bolster outdoor conservation forever in Arkansas.”

Whitbeck said a series of special tribute hunts are being scheduled for the 2023-24 waterfowl season entitled Mallards for Marion. Proceeds will go to support the youth shooting programs McCollum helped establish.

“When he served on the board of the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation he was instrumental in the fundraising effort to build a state-of-the-art shooting sports complex in Jacksonville, home of the AGFC Youth Shooting Sports Program,” Whitbeck said. “His steadfast dedication to youth shooting sports was unwavering.”

McCollum is survived by his wife, JoAnn; a son, Dodd (Tammy) McCollum of Little Rock; three daughters, Jill (Jon) Flaxman of Little Rock., Ginger (Phillip) Holladay and Sarah (Justin) Berg of Stuttgart; and nine grandchildren.

Arkansas Wild joins the chorus saluting McCollum as a fine Arkansan and a steadfast friend of the outdoors. He will be missed and remembered by all who watch the sun rise over flooded fields in November, await their buck from a silent tree stand, or catch their limit from the shimmering waters of the Delta.

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ARKANSASWILD.COM | 17

A RIVER JOURNEY THROUGH CENTRAL ARKANSAS, PART 3

BY BRIAN C. HURLEY Under normal conditions, much of the Arkansas River is slow to no current, providing plenty of chances for a canoe portrait.

Having braved the rapids of the upper Mulberry River and chugged onto the broad, flat shoulders of the Arkansas River, our paddlers are about to enter the third and final leg of their journey. When last we left them, they had pulled into Ozark to dry off from being caught in a shower hiking from the riverbank to town.

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e were still slightly wet as the rain let up, but decided to go ahead and go back to the canoe. We set off toward the lock and dam, a process whereby we needed to paddle up to a chain hanging from the wall about 100 yards from the upper gates of the dam. When we pulled the chain, a loud buzzer sounded, summoning the operator.

The operator drove out to us in a little cart and chatted about our trip. He went back to open the gates and we paddled in, tied up to a buoy, and waited as the gates closed behind us. The sound of a siren indicated activity was starting, along with the birds that gathered to scoop up the fish that often get stranded as the water lowers.

Imperceptibly at first, we began to go down. The farther we went down, the more the gates behind us groaned, holding back the force of the river. It is mildly disconcerting to sit there in a small canoe in an area large enough to accommodate a barge while

18 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2023

WHERE DO RAPTORS GO FOR VACATION? TO HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, ARKANSAS OF COURSE! SPEND THE DAY EXPLORING MID-AMERICA SCIENCE MUSEUM, WITH WILD ADVENTURES AND ENDLESS EXHIBITS FOR ALL AGES!

Numerous sandbars along the way provide campsites for overnight trips. Just be sure to beat the rising tide the next morning.

the walls and water get taller around you and fish try to flop their way back into the river. When we had lowered some 20 feet or so, the lower gates opened and we paddled out.

The rain picked up but so did the current and we were able to make the quickest miles of the trip. Just before dark, we pulled over onto a small island — really just a sandbar — with nothing on it but some vulture droppings and a lone broken folding chair. Not ideal, but as we were still wet and cold, it seemed good enough.

We pulled the canoe a good ways up from the water and set up our tent at the high point in the middle, about 2 feet above river level. We changed into some warm clothes and went to sleep.

Popping my head out of the tent the next morning, I found the river had come up considerably. The canoe was still there but was all the way in the water. I woke up Ana, we had a quick cup of coffee and then we packed up our ever-shrinking campsite, which would be entirely underwater in another hour or so. We set off for the final push.

The sun finally came out in earnest and the previous day’s cold became a distant memory, as did the previous day’s current.

From Clarksville on, the Arkansas River is a lake. Progress slowed from 6 miles 20 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2023

per hour to 3. More than that, as Lake Dardanelle widened and we were further from reference points on shore, it felt as though we were standing still. Turning the final bend we saw Arkansas One, the state’s only nuclear power plant, on our left, Mt. Nebo on our right. Straight ahead of us was the Dardanelle Lock and Dam, our finish line, barely visible and still 3 hours of hard paddling away.

The water finally narrowed between the cliffs on the Russellville side and Dardanelle Ridge. At the lock there was a pontoon decorated with colorful umbrellas. We thought it was also waiting to enter the lock, but it turned out they were just fishing.

We got to the side and pulled the chain, but this time when the operator saw us in our canoe, he was reluctant to let us through. Because of high water, all of the floodgates were open, and the water below was rough. He finally assented and we went through the enter process again.

As we exited the lock, we found he wasn’t kidding. The water was rough.

These were the biggest waves we’d encountered since the upper Mulberry and were coming at a strange angle.

It probably wasn’t terribly dangerous, but it would have been embarrassing to flip in front of all of the people fishing

below the dam. Not to mention quite unpleasant to do so just before dark and in the last 5 minutes of the trip. Happily, we made it to the boat ramp intact and pulled the canoe out one last time just as the sun was setting.

There are lots of ways to define ideas like “wildness” and “wilderness,” and entire books have been devoted to versions of that debate. We’re often drawn to the places that check officially designated boxes, with primitive shorelines and free-flowing water. We find those can be wonderful, but a similar experience and connection with ourselves and nature can be found in all kinds of landscapes.

It can come from running rapids through mountains or from trying to jump off a bluff at the park. It can come from wondering if the gates of the lock will hold or marveling at places where there aren’t any cliffs and swallows build their nests on bridges.

It was getting dark as we hauled our bags and boat up the steep ramp from the river. My in-laws were waiting to drive us up the mountain for showers, dinner and a real bed. Usually at the end of a trip, I can’t wait for it to be over. But looking downstream toward the next bridge, with empty sandbars still visible, I just wanted to keep at it and see where else the water was going.

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ALL ABOUT THAT BASS

If there’s such a thing as a glamorous fish, it must be the iconic bass, the breed that launched multiple professional leagues and a thousand outdoor products. Great bass fishing can be found throughout Arkansas in its sparkling lakes, but don’t go to sleep on river fishing, which offers great opportunity throughout. Here are a few tips for the lunker-hunter in all of us:

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Angling Notes: • Originally native to the eastern and southern U.S., this bad boy is a favorite fish of Arkansas anglers who employ different techniques to haul ’em in.

• Using baitcaster or spinning reels is ideal in areas you know bass are hiding. Use the baitcaster for heavier rigs and a spinning reel for lighter tackle.

• Still fishing can also be effective; allow your bait to suspend in the water near the bottom where the predatory bass can strike it.

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Text 870-421-7665 Ad paid for using a combination of state and Ozark Mountain Region funds.

RELAX & RECONNECT

Favored Habitat: • Generally prefers vegetation with thick weeds or near sunken objects that provide cover. Fishing along vegetation, under lily pads, and near structures are good options.

• Migrates to deeper waters as winter approaches and water temperatures drop.

Will also favor deeper waters during summer heat.

Bait and Lures: • Jigs, plugs, spinners, minnows and artificial lures are all effective for catching largemouth bass.

• Other good bait choices include crankbaits, jerk baits, hoppers and bass fishing rigs.

• Choosing the right lure depends on water clarity, weather and temperature. Consult your favorite fishing source for advice on the best lures for your outing.

Source: Norrick.com

• Riverfront Family Lodging • Kayak and Boat Rentals, • Guided Fishing Trips • River Adventures 129 County Road 640, Mountain Home, AR Call or text (870) 425-4221 • rileysoutfitter.com

Ad paid for using a combination of state and Ozark Mountain Region funds.

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 21

If you can beat the crowds, Lobo is worth the trip.

22 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2023

The author's 9-year-old daughter, Audrey, gets ready to launch.

fishing little red CLOSE-BY AND EASILY ACCESSIBLE, THE LITTLE RED RIVER PROVIDES ENDLESS FISHING POSSIBILITIES

BY CHRIS YIELDING

he Little Red River offers many different access points to anglers looking for fun, T scenic fishing adventures, either out on your own or with the whole family. But with so many put-ins, it can be difficult to decide which place would be the best to start your outing.

The Little Red is a calm stream with great trout waters between Heber Springs (Cleburne County) and Pangburn (White County). As the river continues flowing past Pangburn, the water gets warmer the further downstream you go, so if you are after trout, it is best to fish at Pangburn and above.

GENERATION IMPACT The first thing we need to address are the river conditions and how they can shift throughout the day. The river is controlled by Southwestern Power Administration’s Greers Ferry Dam and how much water is released for generating power for the area.

The stream is typically easier to fish about eight to 10 hours after generation stops.

Generation usually takes place late in the evening, making early to mid-morning fishing ideal. One will also find some variances in river conditions depending on distance from the dam.

While there can be some unexpected adjustments to the generation plans, they are set on a schedule and can be found at the Southwestern Power Administration website at energy.gov/swpa/generation-schedules.

One other item that plays a role in the river flow is recent rainfall. After heavy rains,

Depending on water levels, you can wade or fish from the boat at Ramsey.

Dripping Springs offers good fishing and a waterway that's easy for beginners to navigate.

24 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2023

Watch water levels and generation cycles at JFK Park, just below Greers Ferry Dam.

If you time it right, placid JFK Park is great for wade fishing.

the little red offers multiple areas to start your fishing adventure. more runoff into the river and more generation from the dam cause the water to be dirtier, higher and harder to fish.

That said, let’s look at some of the more popular put-in points for a marvelous day of fishing: RAMSEY 35.451699462885394, -91.77466896855898 Ramsey offers great fishing, but depending on the water level the options are limited. Just below the boat launch, there is a beautiful stretch of shoals. And while they are a sight to see, they make going downriver more difficult. It is possible to go downstream if the water is high enough, but the higher water can really affect fishing in a negative way.

It is actually not that difficult going down the shoals at normal water levels; just floating will get you down there. The problem comes when you try to motor back up. I know this from firsthand experience when, as a teenager, I beat the tar out of my dad’s motor and prop trying to work my way back up the shoals. It was a good lesson that has stuck with me to this day.

There have been a lot of fish caught from anglers wading through those shoals, making for a picturesque setting. But if you prefer to fish from a boat, your best bet is to motor upriver. There are plenty of deeper holes with shallow spots just above them that offer great opportunities for catching some nice rainbows.

JFK 35.51208870834097, -91.99642067225979 Located just below Greers Ferry Dam, JFK Park access offers beautiful river shoals and abundant opportunities for wading to fly-fish or use spinners when the dam is not generating. With this spot being right below the dam, the effects of the generation are felt immediately. No generation means good water for wading, but when it is generating, that water will be flowing fast and a boat is your only option.

LOBO 35.45758110733999, -91.92533401328365 Lobo is one of my favorite put-ins on the river. It can be crowded at times; if you can go during the week you will have considerably more elbow room. I have also found more success when motoring upriver a good distance.

About 10 minutes upstream from the launch, there is a little stretch of low water with no shoals. I have found that when the fishing is the best, this low run will be about a foot and a half deep at some points. Tilting the motor and going slow should get you through this, and just past it the fishing is great.

Once there, I like to throw medium weight spinners or crankbaits like the Rapala Countdown. These help get to just the right depth, which gets the trout’s attention and gets them to hit hard. It can be a little tedious getting up to these honey holes, but if you are able to make it, they consistently provide a lot of action.

DRIPPING SPRINGS 35.43509220420962, -91.85751703999219 Located at Pangburn, between Lobo and Ramsey, is Dripping Springs, which provides easy access for a quick outing on the river. This access point offers good fishing both upriver and downriver from the put-in. There are no major shoals or low points at this spot on the river, and the fishing it provides is pretty good. This is a good spot to try for those who are new to the river and/or those who are learning to handle the challenges of low water and shoals that some stretches here present.

AN AWESOME ADVENTURE The Little Red offers multiple areas to start your fishing adventure. With a location in north-central Arkansas, there are numerous towns lying close enough for a quick, half-day or full-day outing. The beautiful scenery only adds to the peaceful atmosphere. It doesn’t take but a couple of trips to get the hang of managing the river for exciting, productive fishing excursions.

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 25

Total Eclipse of the Ark

ARKANSAS IS PRIME REAL ESTATE FOR NEXT YEAR’S TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE.

A

springtime total solar eclipse has skygazers headed for The Natural State, which lies directly under the path of the celestial event. The eclipse will appear over Arkansas on April 8, 2024, beginning at 1:45 p.m. local time.

The final exit of the moon’s shadow from the state will occur at 2 p.m. CDT. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and earth, an alignment known as syzygy. Arkansas is in a prime location for viewing the event this time around, as the entirety of Interstate 30 from Texarkana to Little Rock lies within the path of total solar eclipse as well as Interstate 40 from Atkins to nearly Lonoke.

State tourism officials are viewing the heavenly phenomenon from a different angle, that of potential visitors and their dollars.

Estimates vary on the possible visitors the event could attract — ranging from a couple hundred thousand to 1.5 million, depending on the source — but suffice to say, the eclipse has the potential to be Arkansas’s largest eco-tourism event ever.

“Arkansas has never seen an event like this, and likely will not again in my lifetime,” said Kim Williams last year to an audience at Arkansas State University. Williams is director of Arkansas’s Great River Road, a travel writer for the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism and project manager for the department’s 2024 eclipse preparations.

The 2024 total eclipse, the first to fly directly overhead of Arkansas in 106 years, will feature a zone of totality stretching 123 miles. About two-thirds of Arkansas will be in the viewing area, including Hot Springs, Little Rock, Conway and Jonesboro.

26 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2023

"A total solar eclipse is a must-see item, and none has crossed Arkansas since 1918," said Carl Freyaldenhoven, eclipse resource coordinator for the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society for an August article in the Arkansas DemocratGazette. "Eclipses are a display of nature in action. You can experience this eclipse with your fellow humans as a commonality, not a dividing factor but a uniting event."

With the expected influx of people, RV sites, hotels and campsites are already booking fast for dates on and around April 8. Many operators already have waiting lists for eclipsegazers seeking lodging.

“So far out of 26 sites, 75% [of those] are already booked for the Eclipse weekend,” Jenny Hardaway, park manager of Lakeview RV Resort in Jonesboro told KAIT Channel 8 last month. “This is not an event where we can fly by the seat of our pants and show up at an RV park and hope that we get a site to be able to watch the eclipse.”

Many so-called “totality towns” — those on the centerline of the eclipse’s path — are hard at work creating festivals and other special events to accompany the event. These are in part to commemorate the celestial happening and also a means to coax a portion of the visitors to linger and spend in place before heading back home.

“You can do absolutely nothing, and the people are still going to come,” Williams told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in April. “But are they going to have a good experience? No, not if there’s nothing for them to do. We want to get them in town early, we want them to stay put, and we want them to stay late.”

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 27

"I was never really scared to try.”

Restaurateur Bart Likes grabs some rare downtime duck hunting.

28 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2023

BART-B-Q LOVE OF OUTDOORS LED RESTAURATEUR TO THE KITCHEN.

BY DWAIN HEBDA

I

t has been said you only get in life what you’re willing to ask for, and all Bart Likes has ever asked for is a chance.

“I’ve never really known a stranger,” he said. “My personality has a lot to do with the connections that I’ve made even ’til now.”

Likes is seated in Ol’ Bart’s at Diamond Bear, his second restaurant, which he recently opened with business partner Baker Aldridge in Diamond Bear Brewery in North Little Rock.

He’s grateful for his business success, of course, but his face has nothing of a gee-how-did-I-gethere expression. That’s because he knows damn well what it took to get here.

“I had a ’97 Chevy and a couple of big skillets,” he said. “That’s where I started.”

He’s clad in a service station-style workshirt with a chest patch that bears his name. The working-class image suits him as does his signature barbecue, a high art form perfected by the poorest folks using the toughest cuts.

“I can’t complain,” he said. “I’m not the only one with problems. There are people who have got it worse. I often tell myself, ‘Get over it, shut the hell up and get to work.’”

Ol’ Bart started life like many of his Blytheville peers, playing outside in the woods and water.

He didn’t always have a consistent positive male role model, so he learned to speak up or get left behind.

“My mom worked and worked and worked, so we didn’t go without, but it was a bit of a broken

home. My real dad was gone and not in the picture,” he said.

Likes’ mother would remarry and from his stepfather he’d learn how to golf and bowl. But for his education in the outdoors, the lad relied on his grandfather, Bobby Gosha, who took his hunting seriously.

“Around Thanksgiving, they would pack trailers down and they would go up to deer camp for a week,” Likes said. “There was a place in Evening Shade called Deer Run Park where we’d go. All the men would go and do the huntin’ and carryin’ on. My grandma would pack down a flatbed trailer full of food, everything from chili to pecan pie. It would just be plumb full of everything.”

After Gosha died and Likes’ mother and stepfather moved the family to Walnut Ridge, Likes’ natural affability got him invited along on other excursions.

“When I got to Walnut Ridge, it was a duck hunting scene. It’s right there in that flyway,” he said. “Like I said, I just don’t know a stranger and that helped get me out to the woods. People from church would carry me under their wing.

I’d meet friends and they’d say, ‘Me and my dad are going to go here.’ I don’t know if that was you inviting me, but I’m going to invite myself and here we go.”

A metallurgy major at Arkansas State in Jonesboro, Likes planned to get into the steel industry back in Blytheville (Mississippi

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 29

Likes plates some grub for hungry hunters.

"I've got to stay humble ...

I'm just ol' Bart, you know?"

County), but decided he wasn’t cut out for it. He signed on with the railroad after college but got laid off due to costcutting.

“I’d known some hunters and we made friends,” he said. “They owned guide services and then I was guiding. People would come in and it would be a lot of fun. That was in Delaplaine right by the Walnut Ridge area.”

In 2013, Likes’ mother was killed via domestic violence at the hands of her third husband. Grieving and out of steady work, Likes tried to get on with duck clubs but all guide slots were filled.

Desperate to pay the bills, he turned back to his well-refined people skills and went into overdrive “I said, ‘Hey, I’ll help! What I gotta do? Strong back and a weak mind? I’m there. Whatcha need?’” he said. “They were like, ‘Can you cook?’ I’m like, ‘No, but I have my mom’s recipes and I’ll bet I 30 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2023

can figure it out.’

“Mom was a huge cook. She was always cooking for church, family, just always cooking something. I grew up on a barstool watching her cook.”

Likes got his shot, preparing dinner for 50 his first night out.

“Dinner was scheduled to be late; we ate at 8:30 p.m.,” he said. “I knew what I was doing; I brought two kegs of beer with me and we had some whiskey and I made sure people started feeling good. Then it was grab a beer, here we go, just figure it out.”

The event was a hit and Likes’ reputation grew quickly. Over the next decade he would grow to be as in-demand as they come, catering to clubs in Arkansas as well as around the country. He’d also partner with major outdoor brands including Sitka, Realtree, Mossy Oak and Yeti and became the chef of choice for national

touring musicians, including Thomas Rhett, Riley Green and Drake White. In 2019 alone, his catering business served 50,000 people.

Now with two restaurants (the original being Ol’ Bart’s Southern Eats in Conway), a wife and three kids on his plate, Likes has plenty to say grace over.

His col’ beer and hot ’cue rap, that at first sounds like schtick, is actually a love language of the highest order.

“I was never really scared to try,” he said. “I know it sounds super-weird, but I wasn’t afraid of this because I know where my mom’s at and she’s right there.

I’m good, I’m protected.

“I’m recognized by chefs and I get that, but I’ve got to stay humble because it would be very easy to get outside of your pants on that. I’m just ol’ Bart, you know? I’m just here to take this son of a bitch to the moon and that’s what I’m going to do.”

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CENTRALARKANSASTICKETS.COM ARKANSASWILD.COM | 31

RICH IN HISTORY, BILL BYERS HUNTER CLUB WELCOMES A NEW GENERATION OF HUNTERS.

BY DWAIN HEBDA

In

many families, home is as much a state of mind as an actual place.

People pass, kids move away and buildings change hands, leaving few constants through time save remnant memories of sights, smells and sounds of days gone by.

Not so for Cason Short. At least five days a week he leaves his house and comes home, working the third-generation land that is Bill Byers Hunter Club in Hunter (Woodruff County). There, he tends the 3,000 acres that produce rice and soybeans during the growing season and delight scores of hunters during duck season.

“We still are an active farm involved in ag production,” Short said. “I guess, to put it colorfully, I am a land manager for ag production and for duck hunting.”

Any independent farming operation lasting seven decades is doing something right, but business and passion are often two different things, as Short acknowledged about his ancestral land.

“Farming is something that we do and it is important,” he said, “but it’s ducks

32 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2023

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NOVO STUDIO

I’m really passionate about.”

By all indications Short’s grandfather, Bill Byers, felt the same way. A descendant of the Byerses who settled around Lodge Corner in Arkansas County before the Civil War, Bill drove his stake into the Delta soil with 1,200 acres of green timber in 1953. He proved a visionary for his day, installing an extensive system of levees that helped move water efficiently.

“He had grown up around commercial duck hunting and rice production, and so he saw water as an asset,” Short said.

“When he came to our part of the world, he knew that he could pay for that land.

He could subsidize it through duck hunting, but he also recognized the value of water.

“He was very far ahead of his time developing water control structures in the desire to manipulate water, move it from one place to another. A lot of things we now take for granted hadn’t been done before in the ’50s and ’60s” Byers’ place quickly became a prime spot for hunters, and he’d soon add

1,800 acres and adopted other forwardlooking practices that have survived to the present day.

“What we call our rest pond is a 230acre field and I believe it has been our rest area since the ’50s,” Short said. “My grandfather started it and recognized how valuable that was and how successful it was, and we continue that practice today. We don’t drive around it and we try not to hunt next to it. We limit as much access to it as possible for the season.”

Byers had built a duck hunter’s paradise but had to pivot in the 1960s when a short season and one-duck limit came along. To pay the bills, the painful but necessary decision was made to clear timber for rice farming. The duck side of the ledger waned until Short’s father, Charlie, came aboard in the mid-1970s.

“The duck hunting had not gone away, but it definitely had taken a back seat to farming at that point,” Short said. “My father got involved and with my mother and my grandfather at that time they decided to get it back where it was in the

Cason Short, third-generation proprietor of the family farm and hunting club.

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 33

34 | Arkansas Wild | JUNE 2023

“Farming is something that we do and it is important but it’s ducks I’m really passionate about.”

—Cason Short

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 35

’50s and ’60s.

“We were pretty lucky. The government had a lot of subsidies for what they called set-aside grounds where they would pay you not to farm, and you could plant cover crops. Through the ’70s and ’80s we were hot cropping as you would call it today; we would grow milo and leave the whole thing standing for ducks on that set-aside ground. It made for some amazing hunting.”

Short started guiding hunts at 14, and remained involved in various capacities even as he was educated in Memphis and earned a construction management degree from Mississippi State. In less than a year between 2009 and 2010, he’d lose both his grandfather and his dad, putting the legacy of the family operation squarely at his feet. Since then, he’s continued the tradition of conservationminded hunting while expanding amenities to include sporting clays and bass fishing.

“Our lodge is the original building from 1953. It’s been added onto a number of times, and I think people really enjoy the history of that,” he said. “On the food side of things, we definitely upped the quality of what we offer and the items we offer on the menu.

That’s part of the experience now. Something else we offer that we didn’t a few years ago are afternoon specklebelly hunts. We are planning to get involved in upland bird hunts in the future for afternoon activities to round out the experience.”

“Experience” is a watchword Short pays a lot of attention to these days. While the majority of his hunting clients are, in his words, “Joe Duck Hunter” from Arkansas, 36 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2023

his vision for the future has led him to dabble in new tactics to broaden his reach.

“To put it bluntly, duck hunting has been a middle-aged, white male-dominated sport and it still is,” he said. “But we have had hunts with a group I guess you would label as social media influencers. They are an extreme minority in our sport, but that’s been kind of interesting and fun.

“Our clientele base has changed a little bit in recent years and I think social media is driving some of that. We deal a good bit with other partners, companies like Remington that have started sending out writers from different parts of the country. I’m not sure social media really books any hunts for us but our customers do follow it and they do pay attention.”

It’s a unique spot Short finds himself in these days, on the seam between his forefathers’ generation and that of his children, ages 2 to 9. Helping reshape the land he knows so well to be enjoyed in new and different ways is the path forward, but translating 70 years of spirit and tradition in an Instagram post takes a little doing. Fortunately, there are plenty of stories to tell, like that of his grandfather’s funeral.

“When my grandfather passed away in ’09, he was buried on the opening day of duck season,” he said. “My mom was a little bit irritated with us that we went hunting that morning, but it was pretty neat in the midst of all of that to be able to go with the pallbearers and people who were there and enjoy what he had done and to celebrate his life. I think that’s what he would’ve wanted.”

History abounds at Hunter, even as Short begins to attract new audiences to the place. The operation has upped its culinary game and leverages influencers to help promote the experience to the younger generation.

"Our clientele base has changed a little bit in recent years and I think social media is driving some of that."

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 37

WILD EVENTS

FALL FOR ALL

Fall is the perfect time to experience the best Arkansas has to offer, from running, cycling and climbing to local food, festivals and entertainment.

We recommend one of the most unique events of the autumn, the 24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell, Sept. 27 to Oct. 1 in Jasper. It’s a climbing competition, camping experience, costume party and rock concert all rolled into one fun, dayglow weekend. Check it out! (twofourhell.com)

DON’T MISS THESE EVENTS! SEPT. 22-23

BDB100 Little Rock The Big Dam Bridge 100 is an annual cycling event celebrating the 4,226foot bridge spanning the Arkansas River. The longest bridge built for pedestrian and bicycle traffic in North America, the Big Dam Bridge is as iconic as the race that bears its name.

Join your fellow cyclists in this challenging event, which has become a fixture on the racing calendar. (thebigdambridge100.com)

OCT. 6-7

TIMBERFEST Sheridan One of the unique festivals in Arkansas, Timberfest features an entertaining roster of attractions, including lumberjack skills competitions, 5k, pageants and baggo tournament. Enjoy local crafts and food while taking in the car show, Timberfest parade and pinewood derby races. It’s family-friendly entertainment in a classic small-town setting. (grantcountychamber.com/timberfest)

OCT. 7

HERE’S JOHNNY 10K REDRUN Bentonville Here’s a spooky run in advance of Halloween, a spine-tingling 10k trail run through the eerie woods of the Coler Mountain Bike Preserve in Bentonville. This inaugural event starts in the misty valley heading through parts of the Here’s Johnny Trail and back to The Homestead. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, so get your registration in and get ready to run. (app. regwiz.io/register/heresjohnny/981)

38 | Arkansas Wild | SEPTEMBER 2023

Raise some hell in Jasper at the 24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell climbing weekend.

OCT. 7-15

ARKANSAS HIGH COUNTRY RACE Hot Springs This one isn’t playing around, an ultra-endurance 1,000-mile biking event taking competitors through the Ouachita Mountains and the Arkansas River Valley. In addition to the classic Arkansas High Country Route, this event will also feature the South Loop and the Ouachita Triple Crown. A 50/50 paved and unpaved route, this one-of-a-kind event will connect all the high points of Arkansas via a roller coaster of mixed surfaces, from steep and chunky to remote and relentless. (bikereg.com/arkansas-high-country-race)

OCT. 14

KING OF THE CRAG Batesville Celebrating a decade of conquering the scenic and challenging Jamestown Crag, the King of the Crag supports the growth of climbing and outdoor recreation in Arkansas. Enjoy food, drinks and entertainment plus a great stash of prizes and swag. Sponsored by the Nomads climbing club of Cave City, the event features point-based sport climbing in three divisions. (facebook. com/kingofthecrag) MULE JUMP Pea Ridge This unique event draws thousands to witness mules from across the country and their handlers compete to see which beast can soar the highest. In between leaps, check out the food and craft vendors, tour the Pea Ridge National Military Park or just take in the stunning natural scenery. (pearidgemulejump.com)

OCT. 20-22

BAD JACK’S TRAIL FEST Fifty-Six Can’t decide among running, biking or climbing? Why choose? Enjoy all of the above at Bad Jack’s Trail Fest, a threeday festival-style event for everyone.

Complete your favorite trail run among 5k, half-marathon and marathon distances or ride the IMBA Epic trails at Syllamo via a 16-mile or 26.2-mile course. And in between, tackle a bouldering competition at Blanchard Springs. Plus camping, great food, live music and lots of fun and games. (syllamoevents.com/badjacks)

NOV. 10-12

GÜDRUN – NORTHWOODS MTB FESTIVAL Hot Springs Put on your horned helmet, load up your bike and get ready to pillage the Spa City! The 5th annual 3-day Gudrun – Northwoods Mountain Bike Festival returns to Hot Springs offering great rides with fun people. Enter today and awaken your inner Viking! (northwoodstrails.org/events/gudrun/)

NOV. 11

SPA RUNNING FESTIVAL Hot Springs Welcoming runners of all ages, the Spa Running Festival offers something for kids, walkers, beginners and elite competitors. From the Squirt Race for kids 2 to 10 to the flat-and-fast 5k, to the 42nd 10k on West Mountain, you’ll find your distance. For the ultimate challenge, tackle the Summit2Summit Half Marathon scaling both Hot Springs Mountain/North Mountain and West Mountain. (facebook.com/Spa10k)

THE HUNT IS ON #HuntNatural

You’ve waited all year for it, and hunting season has finally arrived.

Don’t miss a single moment. Get your hunting license, and get back to your passion.

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