Arkansas Wild 2003 by Kellie McAnulty

ARKANSASWild 2003

A GUIDE TO HUNTING AND FISHING IN THE NATURAL STATE

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Wild ARKANSAS 2003 CONTENTS 6 Ducks and Geese 11 Hunting in Arkansas 12 Waterfowl Habitat Management 21 Hunting Licenses and Requirements 27 Come Join the Fun — DU 31 Hunting Restrictions 36 2003-04 Early Migratory Bird Seasons 39 Fishing Licenses 44 Catch and Release Pointers 45 Fishing Methods and Regulations 47 Spearfishing 47 Using Live Bait 48 Sportfish Daily Limits 50 Black Bass 51 Arkansas Sportfishing Records 52 Temperate (White) Bass 56 Trout 59 Trout Stocked in Arkansas 60 Freshwater Mussels For information about Wildlife in Arkansas including information about Environmental Conservation, hunting and fishing seasons and hunting and fishing licenses contact the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

ARKANSAS WILD STAFF Heather Baker, Publisher Jill Donley, Account Executive Kellie McAnulty, Art Director Erica Atterberry, Assistant Art Director Rafael Mendez, Assistant Art Director Ira Hocut, Production Manager Roland Gladden, Advertising Traffic Manager Kassy Eason, Advertising Coordinator Bekah Lowe, Advertising Coordinator Jimmy Cheffen, Advertising Assistant Robert Curfman, IT Director Betsy Otwell, Controller Linda Phillips, Billing/Collections Courtney L. Adams, Office Manager Anitra Hickman, Circulation Director Delee Rickett, Office Assistant

4 ■ ARKANSAS WILD • 2003

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Geese of Arkansas

Canada Geese

Illustrations by Bob Hines – From "Ducks, Geese and Swans of North America," by Frank C. Bellrose Courtesy of the Wildlife Management Institute

Adult

Juvenile

Blue Goose Giant

Richardson’s

Interior

White-fronted Goose

Snow Goose: white color phase

(blue color phase of snow goose)

As winter progresses, juvenile geese gradually replace their body feathers with adult feathers and resemble adults by late winter. Juvenile Canada geese resemble adults all winter long.

Juvenile

(specklebelly) Juvenile

Ross’ Goose Adult

Adult

Juvenile

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Ducks of Arkansas BLUEWINGED TEAL HEN

BLUE-WINGED TEAL DRAKE

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BLUE-WINGED TEAL Length-16 inches Look for rapid, twisting flight in dense flocks. Shoulders are pale blue. Less than one-third the size of a mallard. Most have migrated through Arkansas to Mexico and Central America by mid October. GREEN-WINGED TEAL Length-15 inches The smallest duck seen in Arkansas. A fast duck that flies in dense flocks similar to those of blue-winged teal. Both sexes appear pale underneath and dark on top. Two pale lines on the top of wings are often visible. Prefer shallow water, common in rice fields. Third most commonly taken duck in Arkansas. GREEN-WINGED TEAL HEN

GREENWINGED TEAL DRAKE

CANVASBACK DRAKE Look for a red head, a pale colored body with a dark breast.

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Length-22 inches Arkansas' largest and fastest duck. Look for a sloped forehead and a dark bill. Wingbeats are noisy and rapid. Fewer than 500 taken per year in Arkansas. Season is closed in 2000-2003. Continued on page 18

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CANVASBACK

CANVASBACK HEN The same distinctive profile as the drake.

10 ■ ARKANSAS WILD • 2003

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H unting In Arkansas The 2002-03 Arkansas Hunting Regulations Booklet is available at license dealers statewide. The 2003-04 Arkansas Hunting Guidebook is due out by the end of August. The dates for the 2003-04 hunting season are listed below.

BIG GAME

Contact Wildlife Regional Offices about • Regulations Camping • WRA Waterfowl Permits • Hunting conditions • Water levels • Private Lands Management • Nuisance animals • License requirements • Mobility Impaired Program • Zone information • Acres for Wildlife • Wildlife Management Areas Region1: 2920 McClellan Dr., Jonesboro, AR 72401, 972-5438 or 1-877-972-5438 Region 2: 1201 N. Highway 49, Brinkley, AR 72021, 734-4581 or 1-877-734-4581 Region 3: 771 Jordan Dr., Monticello, AR 71655, 367-3553 or 1-877-367-3559 Region 4: P.O. Box 110, Camden, AR 71711, 836-4612 or 1-877-836-4612 Region 5: P.O. Box 6740, Perrytown, AR 71801, 777-5580 1-877-777-5580 Region 6: 350 Fish Hatchery Rd., Hot springs, AR 71913, 525-8606 or 1-877-5258606

Region 8: 1266 Lock and Dam Rd., Russellville, AR 72802, 967-7577 or 1-877-967-7577 Region 9: P.O. Box 729, Calico Rock, AR 72519, 297-4331 or 1-877-297-4331 Region10: 213-A Highway 89 S., Mayflower, AR 72106, 470-3650 or 1-877-470-3650

DEER Archery/Crossbow: October 1, 2003-February 15, 2004. Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 5, 5A, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16A and 17. Statewide bag limit applies. No dogs. Muzzleloader: October 18-21 and December 20-22, 2003. Zones 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, and 11. Legal bucks only (does may be taken by holders of zone quota doe permits). No dogs. Muzzleloader: October 18-21 and December 20-22, 2003. Zones 4A, 5A, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16A and 17. Statewide bag limit applies. No dogs. Muzzleloader: Closed Zones 4 and 5. Modern Gun: November 8-16 and November 27-December 7, 2003. Zones 1, 2 and 3. Legal bucks only (does may be taken by holders of zone quota doe permits). No dogs. Modern Gun: November 8-9, 2003. Zone 4. Statewide bag limit applies. No dogs. Modern Gun: November 8-9, 2003 and November 15-16, 2003 Zone 5. Statewide bag limit applies. No dogs. Zone 4 & 5: Modern guns are restrictContinued on page 14

2003-2004 Deer Zone Map

2003-2004 Bear Zone Map

ARKANSAS WILD • 2003 ■ 11

Region 7: P.O. Box 23669, Barling, AR 72923, 478-1043 or 1-877-478-1043

(Bear, Deer, Elk and Turkey) Archery/Crossbow: October 1November 30, 2003 or until zone quota is reached. Zones 1, 2 Only. Zones 3, 4, 5, 5A, 6 and 7: Closed. Muzzleloader: October 18-21, 2003 or until zone quota is reached. Zones 1 and 2 Only Zones 3, 4, 5, 5A, 6 and 7: Closed. Modern Gun: November 1-30, 2003 or until zone quota is reached. Zones 1, 2 Only. Modern Gun: December 13-21, 2003 or until zone quota is reached. Zone 5. Arkansas lands lying east of the Mississippi River are closed. Modern Gun: December 6-21, 2003 or until zone quota is reached. Zone 5A Arkansas lands lying east of the Mississippi River are closed. Modern Gun: Zones 3, 4, 6 and 7: Closed. White River National Wildlife Refuge is excluded from the Zone 5 & 5A hunts. Bag limit one (1) by any method. Zone Quotas: 200 bears for Zone 1 by any method,

150 bears for Zone 2 by any method, 35 bears for Zone 5 by modern gun, 15 bears for Zone 5A by modern gun. It is unlawful to take a bear if it is being pursued or treed by dogs.

W aterfowl Habitat Management

Caring for wetlands in spring could pay dividends during hunting season By J. Brian Davis, PhD, Regional Biologist-Arkansas Ducks Unlimited As you sit to enjoy your next supper, observe the food that you will consume. If your meal is nutritionally balanced, it probably will include protein (e.g., red meat, pork), carbohydrates (e.g., rice, potatoes), vitamins and minerals (e.g., fruit, vegetables), and other items. Although at times we covet a large order of french fries, that single serving deprives us of important nutrients that we need for maintenance, growth, and to ward-off disease. Waterfowl, or ducks, geese, and swans (I will focus on ducks), need a balanced diet just like humans. Their “dining rooms,” and the food obtained from them, often are only as good as what marsh managers and farmers provide. For exam-

Lodging/Guided Hunts

12 ■ ARKANSAS WILD • 2003

ARKANSAS DUCK HUNTING AT ITS FINEST

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ple, over 1.5 million acres of rice were grown in Arkansas in recent years. Rice grain is wonderful in that it keeps ducks fat and warm, similarly to us gorging on a big baked potato. Also, rice is a grass, and some grasses are attractive to a variety of invertebrates (bugs). Why would a duck care about insects? Because bug flesh provides protein to ducks for muscle tissue and feather maintenance. Also, some tiny critters, like snails, have hard skeletons that birds utilize to Habitat is key to waterfowl survival. produce egg-shells durhardwood forest are 2 important habitat ing the breeding season. The next time environments to ducks. However, a third you visit a flooded rice field in late-winhabitat, what we biologists refer to as seater, look closely into the water and sonally-flooded wetland, or moist-soil observe the unique world of aquatic inverimpoundments, is also critical to ducks tebrates. and other wildlife. For sake of simpliciA second important habitat familiar ty, moist-soil or seasonally-flooded habito Arkansas duck hunters is bottomland tats are basically weed fields that contain hardwood forest, or “green timber.” water. Plants that dominate these habiBottomland hardwood forest, and assotats are essentially the same ones that ciated wetlands and prairie habitats, once farmers attempt to rid from their fields dominated much of eastern Arkansas. during crop production. Soils in the Although literally millions of acres of this Arkansas Delta contain millions of seeds. habitat jewel have been sacrificed, many Over the millennia, soil layers have been ducks, especially mallards, wood ducks, deposited and moved around, helping and the less frequently-observed hoodweeds and grasses flourish in this warm, ed mergansers, all still rely on this imporsouthern environment. The types of moisttant habitat. Nuts from a variety of redsoil plants that grow each year during oak species, including water, nuttall, cherspring and summer are influenced by sevrybark, and willow oaks, provide tremeneral factors that include timing and duradous foods to forest-dwelling ducks. tion of flooding and drainage, temperaLikewise, aquatic bugs are abundant in ture, amount of shade, rainfall, and the flooded woods. Ducks best exploit these amount of time since the soil was last disresources in water that is less than 10 turbed. In pristine times (and still today), inches deep. Flooded lowland forests also moist-soil plants grew in forest openprovide great loafing and courtship habiings where sunlight penetrated the forest tats for mallards and wood ducks. floor. The resulting seeds, aquatic insects, Agricultural fields and bottomland

Continued on next page 16

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green browse, and acorns all provided important resources to migrating ducks, resident Giant Canada Geese, and other wildlife. If you drive along Arkansas highways during road construction, observe the roadsides and ditch banks in spring-early summer. Where heavy equipment has lightly scoured the soil, plants such as wild millet, panic grasses, and various weeds grow robustly. Those grasses provide a simple snapshot of what comprises a moist-soil impoundment. While driving, I often enthusiastically joke to my passengers that I’d give anything for those linear strips of weeds and grasses – I’d place them out somewhere on “the back40” to create my own duck holes. Of course, being a biologist and an avid waterfowl hunter, my exhilaration scares my companions and they see me as especially bizarre and beyond help! Oh well, many folks just haven’t appreciated the fact that some of life’s finer treasures grow along Arkansas’ ditchbanks! How do you go about managing your own weeds-for-waterfowl? You may already manage wetlands, such as through the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) or Arkansas Partners Program. Once a wetland is constructed, the subsequent 1-3 years generally are some of the most productive in terms of vegetative growth. Your basic goal as a manager is to maintain these moist-soil wetlands in an early-successional and vigorous state, meaning that sites should mostly be comprised of diverse and high seed-producing annual plants. Often, managers are prone to drain wetlands immediately following the waterfowl hunting season. In so doing however, plants that are adapted to drier, more upland environments, and are less favorable to ducks, may persist instead of desirable wetland species. Late winter is a critical time for ducks to feed un-harassed, and to store fat and nutrients for spring migration. Ideally, marsh managers in Arkansas should slowly drain wetland units sometime between midMarch to mid-June, and extend this over a 1-3 week period. This water management scheme ensures that wetland habitats are provided to birds during the critical pre-breeding period, and encourages plants favorable to ducks to flourish. Basically, creating a deliberately slow

Hunting In Arkansas

Wild Turkey Zone Map

Continued from page 11

ed to shotguns with slugs or centerfire handguns with barrels at least four inches long. Buckshot may not be used, muzzleloading shotguns and rifles may be used. Modern Gun: November 8-December 7, 2003 Zone 4A, 5A, 9 and 16. Statewide bag limit applies. No dogs. Modern Gun: November 8-16 and November 27-December 7, 2003 Zones 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11. Legal bucks only (does may be taken by holders of zone quota doe permits). Dogs allowed. Modern Gun: November 8- December 7, 2003 Zone 12, 13, 14 and 15. Statewide bag limit applies. Dogs allowed. Modern Gun: November 15- December 25, 2003 Zones 16A and 17. Statewide bag limit applies. Dogs allowed. Christmas Holiday Modern Gun Deer Hunt: December 26-28, 2003. Zones 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11. Legal bucks only (does may be taken by holders of zone quota doe permits). No dogs. Christmas Holiday Modern Gun Deer Hunt: December 26-28, 2003. Zones 4, 4A, 5, 5A, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16A and 17. Statewide bag limit applies. No dogs. Zone 4 & 5: Modern guns are restricted to shotguns with slugs or centerfire handguns with barrels at least four inches long. Buckshot may not be used, muzzleloading shotguns and rifles may be used.

14 â&#x2013; ARKANSAS WILD â&#x20AC;˘ 2003

ELK First Hunt: September 22-26, 2003. Zones 1, 2, 3, 4. 4 bull permits available (one per zone). Second Hunt: December 8-12, 2003. Zones 1, 2, 3, 4. 3 bull permits available (one per zones 1, 2 and 4). 12 antlerless permits (three per zones 1, 2, 3 and 4). Youth Hunt: December 8-12, 2003. Zone 3. 1 permit. Either sex. Zone A Hunt: September 22-26, 2003

TURKEY-FALL Archery/Crossbow: All Zones October 1, 2003-February 15, 2004 Limit one (1) either-sex turkey Firearms: Zones 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 7A, 8 and 17. October 25-31, 2003 Limit one (1) either-sex turkey Firearms: Zones 1A, 4, 4A, 4B, 5, 5A, 5B, 9, 9A and 10 Closed. SMALL GAME (Furbearers, Migratory Game Birds, Quail, Rabbit and Squirrel)

and December 8-12. 2003. Zone A. Quota 5 (each hunt). Either sex. *Permission Required from Land-owner TURKEY-SPRING Spring Turkey Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4B, 5, 5B, 6, 7, 7A, 8, 9, 10 and 17. Closed for the 2002-03 season. Dates for the 2003-04 season have not been set. Spring Turkey Zones: 1A, 4, 4A, 5A and 9A

FURBEARERS (Badger, beaver, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, red fox, mink, muskrat, nutria, opossum, raccoon, river otter, spotted skunk or civet cat, striped skunk and weasel) BEAVER Hunting/Trapping Sunrise, November 14, 2003- Sunset, March 31, 2004. No Limit Information: During furbearer season,

SHOOTING HOURS Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except Waterfowl shooting hours end at noon on Commission-owned Wildlife Management and Demonstration Areas. All day hunting is allowed January 24, 25 and 26.

only snares, box traps, smooth-jawed steel leg-hold or Conibear-type traps may be used for trapping. Furbearers cannot be hunted with rifled slugs, shot larger than size T or any ammunition for rifle or handgun other than .22 caliber rimfire except during the daylight hours of modern gun deer seasons. BOBCAT Hunting: Sunrise, September 1, 2003-Sunset, February 29, 2004. Daily Limit: 2 Information: Bobcats may be taken during daylight hours with archery tackle, firearms (.30 caliber or smaller) or shotguns (with T size or smaller shot). Limit two. COYOTE Hunting: September 1-February 29, 2004. No Limit; Dogs allowed. Spring Hunting: First day of spring turkey season through June 12, 2004 No Limit; No Dogs Best Management Practices for Trapping Coyotes in the Eastern U.S. International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (IAFWA)

MUSKRAT Hunting/Trapping: Sunrise, November 14, 2003- Sunset, March 31, 2004 No Limit Information: During furbearer season, only snares, box traps, smooth-jawed steel leg-hold or Conibear-type traps may be used for trapping. Furbearers cannot be hunted with rifled slugs, shot larger than size T or any ammunition for rifle or handgun other than .22 caliber rimfire except during the daylight hours of modern gun deer seasons. NUTRIA Hunting/Trapping: Sunrise, November 14, 2003-Sunset, March 31, 2004 No Limit Information: During furbearer season, only snares, box traps, smoothjawed steel leg-hold or Conibear-type traps may be used for trapping. Furbearers cannot be hunted with rifled slugs, shot larger than size T or any ammunition for rifle or handgun other than .22 caliber rimfire except during the daylight hours of modern gun deer seasons.

RACCOON Summer Hunting Season: July 1August 31, 2003 Daily Limit: 1 Raccoons may be taken at night from July 1-August 31, 2003. Dogs are required. Daily limit is one. Extended Hunting Season: November 14, 2003-March 31, 2004 No Limit Dogs are required for night hunting. Raccoons may be taken day or night from November 14, 2003-March 31, 2004. No limit. Dogs are required for hunting at night. FURBEARER HUNTING SEASON Season: Sunrise, September 1, 2003Sunset, February 29, 2004. Limit two per day per species, except for raccoon, muskrat, nutria and beaver. FURBEARER TRAPPING SEASON Season: Sunrise, November 14, 2003-Sunset, February 8, 2004. No limit. Continued on next page

ARKANSAS WILD â&#x20AC;˘ 2003 â&#x2013; 15

Hunting In Arkansas

GOOSE, CANADA Season: October 14-13 in the Northwest Zone. (10 days, bag limit 2.) Statewide Jan. 8-Jan. 30 (23 days, bag limit 2.)

Continued from page 15

MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS CROW Season: September 6, 2003February 26, 2004 Open Thursday-Mondays only. No Limit (124 days) Information: Open Thursday-Mondays only. Crows cannot be hunted with rifles or pistols larger than .22 caliber rimfire. Crows cannot be hunted with muzzleloaders larger than .40 caliber. Crows cannot be hunted with shotguns using rifled slugs, or shot larger than T shot. Crows cannot be hunted over bait. Crows may be taken during open coyote and gun deer seasons with firearms legal for those seasons. DOVE Mourning and Eurasian Collared Season: September 6-28; November 22-30; December 20-January 15, 2004 Mourning Doves Daily Limit: Possession Limit 30

Waterfowl

16 ■ ARKANSAS WILD • 2003

Continued from page 13

and well-timed drawdown in spring has important influence on potential waterfowl use and subsequent hunting success 6-8 months later! Once wetlands are drained at the appropriate time during spring-summer, wetland plant vigor can be further maintained through periodic disturbance of vegetation and soils. How? First, you could simply burn vegetation to reduce the density and stem mass of plants. Oftentimes, you need to ensure that the soils are adequately dry, and that fire will not spread and burn structures or neighboring lands. Second, bush-hogging can quickly shred and reduce plant mass. Bush-hogging can help rid willow or other trees that are invading at undesirable densities or locations in the wetland. Last and also most reliable is my favorite technique, disking wetland soils in springsummer when soils are dry enough to support a tractor and implements. Disking brings deep, dormant seeds up near the surface where your “duck garden” will be replenished. Additional benefits of

Andrew Kurrus (left) and his proud father, Baker, after the hunt.

Eurasion Collared Doves: No daily bag or possession limit. Information: Doves are migratory game birds, so federal rules of shotguns plugged to hold no more than three shells are in effect. State and federal migratory waterfowl hunting stamps (duck stamps) are not required. Hunters are required to be HIP registered before they dove hunt. disking or bush-hogging are that, 1) densely-growing vegetation can be reduced, 2) vegetation can be removed from desired portions of the wetland creating a variable vegetation pattern, or “hemiwetland,” (a 50/50 interspersion of water/vegetation, and 3) plant succession is reduced; disking especially eliminates dense, perennial plants and permits reinvasion of more desirable annuals. Remember, often you do not want to disk the entire wetland impoundment in the same year, but rather, disk only enough vegetation to maintain the hemi-wetland pattern. In subsequent years, other portions of the wetland can be disked; this favorably alters plant succession and encourages plant diversity. When landowners flood wetlands for the hunting season, an ideal moist-soil impoundment will have approximately a 50/50 interspersion of vegetation/open water, and water depths that range from 2 to 12 inches deep. Shallow flooded habitats with a hemi-wetland pattern generally produce the greatest diversity of seeds and aquatic insects, and receive intense use from a variety of ducks and other waterbirds. Regardless of which

As of the August 1st publication date of Arkansas Wild, the dates of the 2003-04 season for the following had not been set: • Duck • Gallinule, Purple • Goose, Snow, Blue and Ross’ • Goose, White-fronted • Merganser • Moorhen, Common • Rail, Virginia and Sora • Snipe • Teal • Woodcock, American

OTHER SMALL GAME QUAIL Open Season: November 1, 2003-February 8, 2004, statewide. Continued on page 23

habitats you provide, most puddle ducks (e.g., mallards) prefer to walk through shallow water, or easily tip-up, to reach food. Providing a diversity of easily attainable food will increase your chances of attracting and holding impressive numbers of waterfowl and other marsh birds. Wetland management is not an exact science. It is more of an art that should be manipulated and fine-tuned to reach desired results. Likewise, moist-soil habitats are important complements to agricultural and bottomland hardwood forest resources. This trio of resources best meets the biological and social needs of ducks. Ducks Unlimited works closely with state, federal, and private wetland managers in Arkansas. Through a dedicated partnership with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Natural Resources Conservation Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Arkansas Forestry Commission, and the USDA Forest Service, several habitat programs are available to landowners. If you would like further details regarding techniques for successful wetland management, please call Arkansas Ducks Unlimited at (501) 9559264.

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Ducks of Arkansas

WIGEON

Continued from page 9

Length-21 inches Look for a snowy white belly and a light blue bill tipped with black. Generally seen in small flocks and taken in low numbers. WIGEON DRAKE Look for white patches on the shoulder, white forehead and a green eye band.

MALLARD

Length-24 inches

More than 50 percent of ducks taken in Arkansas are mallards. More mallards are shot in Arkansas than in any other state.

MALLARD DRAKE

WIGEON HEN

SHOVELER DRAKE Look for a wide, spoon-like bill, a white breast, a dark belly and pale blue shoulder patches.

Look for a green head and a sharp contrast between the chestnut breast and gray belly.

MALLARD HEN Hens quack loudly. Drakes emit a soft "kwek."

BLACK DUCK Length-24 inches

Looks like a darker version of a hen mallard. White underwings and pale head contrast with a dark body. Often flies with mallards. Hens and drakes have a similar appearance. Fewer than 2,000 are taken in Arkansas each year.

PINTAIL

SHOVELER HEN Look for an orange, spoon-like bill. Otherwise, looks like a small SHOVELER mallard Length-21 inches hen. Has an undeserved reputation for being poor table fare. Shovelers rank fourth in the Arkansas duck harvest.

COMMON GOLDENEYE Length-19 inches Distinctive wing-whistling sound in flight has earned the name of "whistlers." These are active, strong-winged fliers moving singly or in small flocks. Generally seen on large rivers and lakes. Look for chunky body, fast direct flight, flash of white on wing.

Length-26 inches Look for a long, streamlined body with narrow wings. Often seen early in the season and then again in January.

PINTAIL DRAKE

GOLDENEYE DRAKE

Rarely seen in Arkansas. Fewer than 500 shot each year in Arkansas.

Look for a long pointed tail and a white neck, breast and belly.

PINTAIL HEN

18 â&#x2013; ARKANSAS WILD â&#x20AC;˘ 2003

WOOD DUCK Length-181/2 inches GADWALL DRAKE

GADWALL

Length-21 inches Illustrations by Bob Hines Courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Look for a white patch on the back of each wing and a white belly. A gadwall flock looks like a flock of small, slim mallard hens. Gadwalls emit a short, low "kack" call. The second most commonly taken duck in Arkansas (16 percent of the bag).

Frequents woods along streams or flooded timber. Commonly breeds in Arkansas.

WOOD DUCK HEN Frequently emits a long squealing call in flight.

WOOD DUCK DRAKE Look for a long tail, a large head held high in flight and a white belly and chin.

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H unting Licenses & Requirements License and Permit Requirements If you are 16 years or older, a hunting license is required to hunt wildlife in Arkansas unless you are on a licensed commercial shooting resort that supplies pen-raised birds. The license must be carried with you. You may not possess a license that belongs to someone else or one that has been altered, backdated or counterfeited. If you are a nonresident you may not possess a resident license. If you guide, aid or assist someone else for a fee, you must have a guide license. Nonresidents under 16 must purchase a hunting license and a fur takers permit to hunt or trap furbearers. Nonresidents under 16 years of age are not required to purchase a license until they bag a deer, turkey or bear.

guiding on Commission-owned or controlled Wildlife Management Areas. Points assessed for violation are increased to nine for waterfowl hunters who are guided on Commission-owned or controlled WMAs. Non-resident hunters who wish to seek waterfowl on any one of 23 wildlife management areas used for duck and goose hunting are required to purchase a $10 permit for five days and a $100 permit for the full season. Separate permits would be needed for each WMA the hunter visits. Other Wildlife License and Permit Requirements Call 501-223-6386 during office hours about these licenses or permits: fur dealer, resident fur taker’s permit, commercial

wildlife game breeder/dealer, commercial special quail, commercial shooting resort, falconry or alligator farming.

Hunter Education Requirements Hunters born after 1968 must carry a valid Hunter Education card. A card is also required of youth applicants for permit hunts. Youngsters (under 16 years) under the direct supervision of a licensed adult (over 21 years) do not need to have a card. Call 1-800-482-5795 to find out about Hunter Education classes. Arkansas honors the home state Hunter Education cards of nonresidents. Migratory Bird Hunter Requirements Mandatory Stamps Any waterfowl or coot hunter, 16 years or older, must carry a valid Arkansas Waterfowl Stamp ($7.00), a federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp ($15.00), each signed in ink across the face.

Waterfowl Guide Restrictions Waterfowl guides are prohibited from

Lt. Gov. Win Rockefeller in support of the Arkansas Wildlife Officers Association.

License Retailers You can buy many licenses over-thecounter at sporting goods stores, hunting and fishing supplies stores, some discount chains, boat docks or directly from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Little Rock office. You can also call 223-6349 during office hours in the Little Rock area or 1800-364-GAME (1-800-364-4263), at any time. Continued on page 24

ARKANSAS WILD • 2003 ■ 21

Harvest Information Program (HIP) All migratory bird hunters in Arkansas, 16 years of age or older, are required to carry proof of Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration when hunting ducks, geese, doves, coots, woodcocks, snipe, rails, gallinules, moorhens or crows.

Dr. Graham Green (left) and Gov. Mike Huckabee enjoying a morning hunt.

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If They’re Not Flocking to You, Flock to Them In Your Floating Custom Made Duck Blind Custom made portable, ﬂoatable & permanent duck blinds which are available in any size. Blinds can be trailer pulled. WE SPECIALIZE IN QUALITY NEW BOAT DOCKS REFLOTATION • SALES • SERVICE ALL TYPES OF BOAT & PWC LIFTS

Super Duty Docks, Lifts & Duck Blinds 147 Carter Dairy Road • Hot Springs, AR 71913

501-525-0000

Hunting In Arkansas Continued from page 16

Daily: 6; Possession: 12 Information: While training bird dogs, you may only use handguns or shotguns with blank ammunition. Penraised quail may be taken by first obtaining a Shoot-To-Kill Bird Dog Field Training Permit and complying with its terms. This permit is available from your local wildlife officer. RABBIT Open Season: September 6, 2003- February 29, 2004 statewide. Daily Limit-8 Possession Limit-16 Rabbits may not be hunted with rifles or pistols larger than .22 caliber rimfire. Rabbits may not be hunted with muzzleloading rifles or pistols larger than .40 caliber unless a muzzleloader deer or bear season is open. Rabbits may not be hunted with shotguns using rifled slugs or shot larger than T shot. Up to eight box traps may be used for trapping rabbits with interior dimensions up to eight inches wide and 10 inches high.

or pistols larger than .22 caliber rimfire. Squirrels cannot be hunted with muzzleloading rifles or pistols larger than .40 caliber unless a muzzleloader deer or bear season is open. Squirrels cannot be hunted with shotguns using rifled slugs or shot larger than T shot. FERAL “WILD” HOGS Public Land: Open Hunting Seasons Subject to methods allowed for hunting season Private Land: All Year. With owner’s permission

Matt Hynum and Coco love to hunt.

Make Your Next Duck Hunting Experience A Success!! Now Offering Firearms and Accessories From Benelli, Browning, Remington, Weatherby and Much More! Arkansas Outfitters Has The Knowledge And Equipment To Help With All Of Your Outfitting Needs. With Great Names Like... Browning, Mossy Oak, LaCrosse, Hodgman, McAlister, Natural Gear, Orvis, Avery, Woolrich, and Filson.

SQUIRREL Fall 2003 North Zone: September 6, 2003February 29, 2004. Daily: 8; Possession: 16. Dogs allowed. South Zone: October 4, 2003February 29, 2004. Daily: 8; Possession: 16. Dogs allowed. Spring 2004 Statewide: May 8-June 12, 2004 Daily: 8; Possession: 16. No dogs. Squirrels cannot be hunted with rifles

501-771-6900 www.arkansasoutfitters.net

ARKANSAS WILD • 2003 ■ 23

4844 North Hills Blvd. • North Little Rock, AR

Hunting Licenses Continued from page 21

License or Hunter Education Card Replacement Call 501-223-6349 to replace a lost license and 501-223-6377 to replace a Hunter Education card. Resident License Qualifications A resident means any person who (1) either maintains a permanent place of abode in the state and has been actually residing in the state for at least sixty (60) days prior

to applying for a license, or is domiciled in the state of Arkansas; and (2) does not claim residency for a hunting or fishing license in another state or country. Also included are nonresidents enrolled as fulltime students at colleges and universities in Arkansas who carry proof of full-time enrollment while hunting or fishing. Ownership of Arkansas real estate by a person living outside the state does not qualify the owner as a resident. Servicemen and women stationed (permanently assigned) in Arkansas are granted resident privileges for hunting and fishing. Servicemen and women who

GET THE FEELING TOYOTA

were Arkansas residents at the time of entering service are also granted resident privileges for hunting and fishing, regardless of where they are currently stationed. Lifetime License Qualifications Applications are available at the Game and Fish Commission building in Little Rock on Natural Resources Drive, at AGFC regional offices or by calling 1-800-3644263 toll free (or 501-223-6388 in the Little Rock area). For the purpose of obtaining a lifetime license, a resident means any person who (1) either maintains a permanent place of abode in the state and has been actually residing in the state for at least twelve (12) months prior to applying for a license, or is domiciled in the state of Arkansas; and (2) does not claim residency for a hunting or fishing license in another state or country. 65 Plus Lifetime Hunting License ($25.00) entitles Arkansas residents 65 years of age and older to the privileges of the Resident Sportsman’s License. HIP registration is required to hunt migratory gamebirds. To hunt waterfowl, state and federal waterfowl stamps are required in addition to HIP.

2003 4-RUNNER

Non-Expiring Lifetime Resident Hunting and Fishing Sportsman’s Permit ($1,000.00) entitles purchasers of any age to the privileges of the Resident Sportsman’s License (hunting) and the resident Fisheries Conservation License (fishing). Fees for trout permits, leased land permits, elk permits, state waterfowl stamps and wildlife management area permit

24 ■ ARKANSAS WILD • 2003

2004 TUNDRA DOUBLE CAB

1110 COLLIER DR. • CONWAY • 501-327-3900

Jason Hughes (from left), Jay Simms and Kenny Thaxton after a successful hunt on the Cache River.

RIGHT ON TRACK The Pioneer with Mossy Oak Camo Kit Craig Johnson (from left), David Argo, Earl Hynum and Matthew Pierre happy about their quail and pheasant hunt.

hunts are waived with this license. License holders must, however, apply for WMA hunts and be successfully drawn before being issued a permit. HIP registration is required to hunt migratory gamebirds. To hunt waterfowl, federal waterfowl stamps are required in addition to HIP.

LICENSES Descriptions and prices CS

$35.50

■ Resident Combination Sportsman’s License entitles a resident to the privileges of a Resident Sportsman’s License (hunting) and a Resident Fisheries Conservation License (fishing). A resident trout permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters.

$25.00

■ Resident Sportsman’s License entitles the holder to hunt all game species using modern gun, muzzleloader or archery, to take a total bag limit of deer; and to hunt or trap furbearers. State and federal waterfowl stamps must also be purchased to hunt waterfowl. Valid one year from date of purchase.

$10.50

■ Resident Wildlife Conservation License entitles the holder to hunt small game, except furbearers, and to take one deer using modern gun. State and federal waterfowl stamps must be purchased to hunt waterfowl. Valid one year from date of purchase. Continued on page 28

JACOBSEN • CLUB CAR • CUSHMAN 25821 I-30 Bryant, AR 72022 (501) 847-0233 (501) 258-0163

www.bobladd.com ARKANSAS WILD • 2003 ■ 25

HNT

BOB LADD, INC.

Arkansas duck hunters and conservationists now have a choice. Either plate is $25 per year plus a $10 plate fee to the state. A portion of the proceeds from each license plate is earmarked for conservation and habitat programs in Arkansas. Plates can be ordered through any state revenue office, and are stocked for immediate pick up at select locations. Questions? Call your local revenue office or contact Jeff Lawrence at 501-728-4949 or jlawrence@ducks.org.

AFTER THE HUNT, Stop by HEIGHTS FINE WINES AND SPIRITS to Take Home Quality Liquor that Will Help to Tame the Wildness in You The most common fundraisers for DU are the membership banquets held around the state.

C ome Join the Fun

Ducks Unlimited Banquets

to decorate an office, cabin, or home. Thrill of purchasing an item during the live auction keeps many people coming back for more each year. The membership events are primarily held in the fall each year, as the anticipated hunting season approaches. But actually, quite a few chapters have membership events in the spring also. In fact, DU events are held practically yearround in the state. The members of DU are its most treasured commodity and the secret of the continued success. DU has over 20,800 members in the state who are the backbone of our organization. These are the people who have brought DU to the status is it today — THE LEADER IN WETLANDS CONSERVATION. We invite you to attend an event in your community this year. Also, we would like you to join one of our local committees and join in on the fun and the tradition of waterfowling in Arkansas. For further information on how you can get involved with the local DU committee in your area, contact Arkansas Ducks Unlimited Field Office at 501-955-9268. Remember: KEEP ’EM FLYING

Hours: M-TH 9AM-10PM F-S 9AM-11PM

5012 Kavanaugh Little Rock, AR 72207

501-664-9463

ARKANSAS WILD • 2003 ■ 27

Although the main focus for Ducks Unlimited is conservation habitat for waterfowl, most people identify with DU through their event system and it’s unique brand of fundraising. Ducks Unlimited has pioneered many of the fundraising techniques other non-profit groups use to raise funds for their organizations. The strength of Ducks Unlimited comes from the members, consisting of both event attendees and the committees throughout the state. These hard working, fun loving folks share a connection and passion for the love of waterfowl and the habitat it takes for them to survive and keep flying each year. DU has many different types of fundraisers, but the membership banquets are the most common around the state. Approximately 145 events are held in the state each year, consisting of membership events, sponsor events, shooting events, golf tournaments, and anything else the committees can dream up. The main emphasis is FUN. Ducks Unlimited consistently has a vast array of fine sporting art, specially engraved guns, decoys, and anything else the waterfowl lover could wish for

• Large upscale inventory focusing on wines • Over 80 Single Malt Scotches • Walk-in Cigar Humidor • Knowledgeable, Friendly Staff • Case Discounts on Liquor and Wine Everyday • Thursday is Wine Discount Day

Hunting Licenses Continued from page 24

NBG

$225.00

AG5

$125.00

AG3

$100.00

NRH

$80.00

SG5

$55.00

■ Nonresident Hunting Licenses Nonresident Annual All Game Hunting License entitles the holder to hunt all game species, except furbearers. Expires on June 30th. State and federal waterfowl stamps must also be purchased to hunt waterfowl.

The Russells after hunting doves in Pulaski County. Rory (from left), Shan, Lindsey, Rick and Jarrod.

Jimmy Houston Marine is Now the Official Little Rock Dealership for War Eagle Boats!

■ Nonresident 5-Day All Game Hunting License entitles the holder to hunt all game species, except furbearers, for the 5-day period specified. State and federal waterfowl stamps must also be purchased to hunt waterfowl.

■ Nonresident 3-Day All Game Hunting License entitles the holder to hunt all game species, except furbearers, for the 3-day period specified. State and federal waterfowl stamps must also be purchased to hunt waterfowl.

■ Nonresident Annual Small Game Hunting License entitles the holder to hunt small game (does not include furbearers). State and federal waterfowl stamps must also be purchased to hunt waterfowl. Valid one year from date of purchase.

28 ■ ARKANSAS WILD • 2003

1285-A I-30 Little Rock, Arkansas 72209 501-455-3232

■ Nonresident 5-Day Small Game Hunting License entitles the holder to hunt small game (does not include furbearers) for the 5-day period specified. State and federal waterfowl stamps must also be purchased to hunt waterfowl. Continued on page 58

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Doug Lenzen shows off an 8-point.

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Please feel free to CALL US with any questions you might have.

Better yet, STOP BY when you are in the neighborhood and take a look at our complete inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles.

We look forward very much to meeting you in person.

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NISSAN • ISUZU 5703 Landers Road Sherwood (1-1/2 Miles North of McCain Mall)

1-800-204-1640 www.jonesnissan.com

H unting Restrictions No person shall take migratory gamebirds: with trap, snare, net, rifle, pistol, swivel gun, shotgun larger than 10 gauge, punt gun, battery gun, machine gun, fishhook, poison, drug, explosive, or stupefying substance; with a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells, unless it is plugged with a onepiece filler which is incapable of removal without disassembling the gun. Shot Requirements Nontoxic shot is required while hunting duck, goose, merganser or coot. The possession of shot other than steel, tungsten or bismuth-tin is prohibited while hunting these species. No person shall possess or use steel shot larger than size T or lead shot larger than BB while hunting migratory game birds. Baiting No person shall take migratory gamebirds by the aid of baiting (placing feed such as corn, wheat, salt or other feed to constitute a lure or enticement), on or over any baited area. Hunters should be aware that a baited area is considered to be baited for

Dennis Jungmeyer (from left), with President Bill Clinton and Bill Lawson after another great day of duck hunting in Cotton Plant.

10 days after the removal of bait, and it is not necessary for the hunter to know the area is baited to be in violation. Seasons and Limits No person shall : • take in any one calendar day more than one daily bag limit • take migratory gamebirds except during the hours open to shooting as prescribed • possess more than one daily limit while in the field or while returning from the field to his car, hunting camp, home, etc. • take migratory gamebirds during the closed season

Wanton Waste All migratory game birds killed or crippled shall be retrieved, if possible, and retained in the custody of the hunter in the field. Tagging No person shall give, put or leave any migratory game birds at any place or in the custody of another person unless the birds are tagged by the hunter with the following information: name and address, the total number of birds of each species and the date of kill. No person or business shall receive or have in custody any migratory game birds belonging to another person unless such birds are properly tagged. Dressing No person shall completely field dress any migratory game bird (except Continued on page 35

ARKANSAS WILD • 2003 ■ 31

Bill Ramsey Jr. shows off his banded mallard drake caught in Morten, Arkansas.

Shooting Hours One-half hour before sunrise and until sunset (local time), except: • Early teal season shooting hours are from sunrise until sunset (local time). • Regular duck season shooting hours statewide

are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset (local time). • Canada goose season shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset.

Mercedes-Benz, The Perfect Vehicle... No Matter What You Are Hunting.

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IT’S NOT AN AUTOMATIC; IT’S A HONDAMATIC. The new Honda FourTrax Rancher AT with Hondamatic, ESP, TraxLock and more. The 397cc Rancher AT will shift gears for you. Or you can do it yourself. Choose four wheel traction. Or two. And it can decide how much torque to give each drive wheel. It’s all possible thanks to its Hondamatic™ transmission with ESP,® TraxLok™ selectable 4-wheel drive, and torque-sensing front differential.

FourTrax® Rancher™ AT Recommended only for riders 16 years and older.

honda.com BE A RESPONSIBLE RIDER. REMEMBER, ATVS CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO OPERATE. FOR YOUR SAFETY, ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING, AND NEVER RIDE ON PAVED SURFACES OR PUBLIC ROADS. KEEP IN MIND THAT RIDING DOESN’T MIX WITH DRUGS OR ALCOHOL. HONDA RECOMMENDS THAT ALL ATV RIDERS TAKE A TRAINING COURSE AND READ THEIR OWNER’S MANUAL THOROUGHLY. For rider training information or to sign up for a rider training course, call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. FourTrax,® Rancher,™ ESP,™ TraxLock® and Best On Earth™ are trademarks of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (4/03)

HONDA OF NORTH LITTLE ROCK 4524 MacArthur Dr. North Little Rock, AR 72118 • (501) 758-1339 “We’re Easy to Deal With” Under New Ownership New owners: Rich & Terri Cowell Great Low Prices • Call Today

Hunting Restrictions Continued from page 31

Celebrating dove season. Top row from left: Zach Murray, Warren Overton, Chris Maris, Ray Bell, Pitt Moore, Brian Bratcher. Bottom row from left: Rob Robinson, John Horner, Doug McNeil, David John, Lee Maris.

doves and band-tailed pigeons) and then transport the birds from the field. The head or one fully-feathered wing must remain attached to all such birds while being transported from the field to one’s home or to a commercial preservation facility. Watercraft Requirements Duck boat operators are subject to the same laws regarding registration, running lights, licensing and life jackets as the operators of other kinds of boats. For further information, call the Boating Safety Office at 1-501-2236379.

An American Original. A Tradition. A Legend.

Complete federal regulations are available by contacting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 501-324-5643. Special Youth Waterfowl Hunt February 1-2, 2003 These days have been chosen to increase youth appreciation of our wetlands, outdoor traditions, sporting ethics and conservation. On these days, youths, 15 years and younger may hunt ducks, geese, coots, and mergansers. Youths who have completed a hunter education course must be accompanied by a mentor who is 18 years or older. Youths who have not completed a hunter education course must be accompanied by a mentor who is 21 years or older. Mentors may not hunt ducks, coots or mergansers, but may hunt other game in season. Shooting hours and bag limits are the same as regular duck season. Pintail daily bag limit is one. Canvasbacks are CLOSED.

ildlife Farms’ 1,750 acres rest along the White River, which is considered one of North America’s most important wintering grounds for migratory waterfowl. In addition to duck hunting, Wildlife Farms offers fantastic ﬁshing, as well as an excellent place to pursue both deer, turkey and upland bird hunting. A sporting clay and a wobble trap range is also available.

he lodge at Wildlife Farms offers all the amenities of home, including luxurious bathrooms and bedrooms, pool tables, large screen televisions and shuffleboard tables. In addition, Wildlife Farms offers a 5,600 square foot conference center with six Executive Suites.

178 WILDLIFE FARMS LANE • CASSCOE, ARKANSAS 72026 (870) 241-3275 • (870) 241-9012 FAX • www.wildlifefarms.com

ARKANSAS WILD • 2003 ■ 35

Report Bird Bands Call toll-free 1-800-327-BAND. Operators will be on duty 7 days a week 24 hours a day during the hunting season to take your calls. The operator will want to know the band number and how, when and where it was recovered. You will receive a Certificate of Appreciation with information about the bird. The band is yours to keep. You can also report bird bands using the Internet. The web address is http:// www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl

H W

unting in Arkansas is everything you have always heard about, read about and talked about. From the ﬂooded grain ﬁelds and hardwood timber, to the oxbow lakes and cypress sloughs, everything about Arkansas is a hunter’s paradise.

36 ■ ARKANSAS WILD • 2003

MARKETPLACE I

SE RV IC E

LL CA

5223 S. University • Open 24 Hours 568-6002 • Fax: 568-1616 Tony & Kim Zimmerman, Owners

Y NC GE ER EM

Little Rock’s Largest Live Bait Dealer

HO UR

ARKANSAS Wild

Cell: (501) 940-8804 Office: (501) 605-0280 Fax: (501) 605-0280 paulusi@cs.com 306 Lucy Lane Lonoke, AR 72086

PAUL ADAMS PRESIDENT

UNITED SUBSURFACE INC. “Utility Construction Specialist”

• Fiber, Power, Copper & Cable TV Construction • Duct & Manhole Construction • Road, Driveway & Landscape Boring • General Trenching & Excavating • Complete Surface Restoration

See Ducks, Shoot Ducks 10014 Rodney Parham • Little Rock • 227-7202 www.cameramart.net

Goss Camper Sales, Inc. “We Specialize In Truck Covers”

World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest & Wings Over the Prairie Festival! Bedliners • Truck Covers Running Boards • Fiberglass Lids Commercial Work Tops Full Line of Truck Accessories 13300 I-30 Little Rock, AR 72210

(501) 455-TOPS (8677) Fax (501) 455-4497

ArkansasAutobuyer.com Thousands of Local Cars & Trucks • Updated Weekly

Events will be held Friday, November 28, and Saturday, November 29, 2003 870-673-1602 • www.stuttgartarkansas.com

Do Your Part To Educate The Next Generation Of Waterfowl And Wetlands Stewards. Call Sunni Comstock, Central Arkansas Greenwing Coordinator @ 501-472-2507, or Bob Butler, Regional Director at the Arkansas Ducks Unlimited Field Office @ 501-955-9268.

ARKANSAS WILD • 2003 ■ 37

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Introducing the radical new Bombardier™ Outlander™, named 2003’s “ATV of the Year” by ATV Magazine and ATV Guide. And no wonder. It features TTI™ (Trailing Torsional Independent), a radical new concept in rear suspension that provides superior handling, reliability, and the smoothest, most comfortable ride. It also includes a powerful 400 H.O. or 330 H.O. Rotax® CVT engine, and our exclusive lightweight SST™ frame. The result is a superior power-to-weight ratio that provides quicker acceleration and more responsiveness in a variety of conditions. Making Outlander the rugged mid-sized adventure quad that’s sure to get rave reviews from you.

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N. Little Rock 501.833.2628 • www.bradfordmarine.com Finance offer good through July 2003. Warn winch offer available through participating Yamaha dealers only through October 31, 2003, good on any 2003 (or new prior year) Yamaha ATV. On the Yamaha card, subject to credit approval. Finance charges will not be imposed on this purchase and payments will not be required during the 6 months promotional period if your account is kept current. Standard Rate 17.9% APR. For accounts not kept current, the Default rate 21.9% APR will be applied to all balances. Minimum finance charge $1.00. Visit our website at yamaha-motor.com. ATVs with engine sizes of 90cc or greater are recommended for use only by those age 16 and older. Yamaha recommends that all ATV riders take an approved training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1800-887-2887.and local laws. Specifications subject to change without notice. All ATVs come with a 6-month Limited Factory Warranty. See your dealer for details.

www.Bombardier-atv.com ©2003 Bombardier Inc. All right reserved. ™Trademarks and ®Registered Trademarks of Bombardier Inc. in the U.S.A., the products are distributed by Bombardier Motor Corporation of America. ATVs with engine size greater than 90cc are recommended for use only by those ages 18 and up. Bombardier highly recommends that all ATV riders take a training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer or, in the U.S., call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety, Always wear a helmet, eye protection and other protective clothing. Always remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. Never ride on paved surfaces or public roads. Never carry a passenger. Never engage in stunt driving. Avoid excessive speeds and be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Bombardier urges you to ‘TREAD LIGHTLY’ on public and private land. Preserve your future riding opportunities by showing respect for the environment, local laws and the rights of others when you rude. Ride responsibly.

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ishing licenses

Which license do I need to fish for game fish in Arkansas? If you are 16 years or older, a fishing license is required to take or attempt to take game fish, turtles or frogs in Arkansas, unless you are fishing in a licensed “put-and-take pay lake.” The license must be carried with you. You may not possess a license that belongs to someone else or one that has been altered, backdated or counterfeited. If you are a non-resident, you may not possess a resident license. If you guide, aid or assist someone else in fishing for hire, you must have a guide license. To find out if you need a commercial license, call 501-223-6386 for commercial fishing regulations.

How do I get the licenses I need? BUY A LICENSE OVER-THE COUNTER You can buy many licenses over-thecounter at sporting goods stores, hunting and fishing supplies stores, some discount chains, boat docks or directly from the AGFC’s Little Rock or regional offices.

BUY A LICENSE BY PHONE

BUY A LICENSE ONLINE Licenses can now be purchased online at www.agfc.com. You will be asked to supply personal information and a Visa or Mastercard number. The license itself will be printed on your home printer.

For how long is my license valid? One year from the date of purchase, unless it is a three-, seven- or 14-day license.

Do I qualify for a resident license? A resident is any person who has established a bona fide or actual residence for at least sixty days prior to applying for a license, and who declares

intentions of becoming a citizen of Arkansas. Also, the following students (who must carry proof of full-time enrollment in schools, colleges or universities while hunting or fishing in Arkansas) are eligible to purchase a resident license: Resident foreign exchange students attending schools outside of Arkansas; nonresident foreign exchange students attending school in Arkansas; residents of Arkansas enrolled as full-time students in colleges and universities outside of Arkansas; and nonresidents enrolled as full-time students in colleges and universities in Arkansas. Ownership of Arkansas real estate by a person living outside the state does not qualify the owner as a resident. Active duty servicemen and women permanently assigned in Arkansas are Continued on page 40

ARKANSAS WILD • 2003 ■ 39

You can call 501-223-6349 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. in the Little Rock area or 1-800-364-GAME (1-800364-4263) 24 hours a day to by a license. Please have your credit card and identification number ready. Your identification number can be a driver’s license, social security number, hunter education number, state ID number or passport number. Your hunting or fishing privileges become effective immediately and your license will arrive in the mail in a few days. Lifetime and commercial licenses are not available by phone.

Will Dortch (left) with his 9-pound catfish and his father, Bill, with his catch of Brim and Crappie from Bearskin Lake in Scott, Arkansas.

FISHING LICENSES Continued from page 39

granted resident privileges for hunting and fishing. Active duty servicemen and women who were Arkansas residents at the time of entering service are also granted resident privileges for hunting and fishing, regardless of where they are currently stationed. Residency requirements for commercial fishing licenses are more stringent.

How do I replace a lost license? You may be able to get a replacement for a lost license at a reduced cost. Call 501-223-6349 or 1-800-364-4263 during office hours for details. Replacement licenses are also available from most regional offices (all except the Northwest Regional office).

Lifetime licenses

40 ■ ARKANSAS WILD • 2003

The following licenses are available from the commission’s Little Rock office. To apply in person, bring proof of age, such as a driver’s license, birth certificate or military record. In addition, bring proof of Arkansas residency of at least one year’s duration. If you

would rather apply by mail or need more information, call 1-800-364-4263 (or 501-223-6388 in the Little Rock area) during office hours.

NON-EXPIRING LIFETIME RESIDENT HUNTING AND FISHING SPORTSMAN’S PERMIT ($1,000) entitles purchasers of any age to the privileges of the Resident Sportsman’s License (hunting) and the resident Fisheries Conservation License (fishing). Annual trout and state waterfowl permits are also included.

65 PLUS LIFETIME FISHING LICENSE ($10.50) entitles persons 65 years of age and older to the privileges of the Resident Fisheries Conservation License. A resident trout permit must also be purchased annually to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. This license is also available from most regional offices (all except the Northwest Regional office).

65 PLUS LIFETIME COMBINATION LICENSE ($35.50) entitles persons 65 years of

Roderick Grey shows off the bass he caught in Lake Monticello.

age and older to the privileges of the resident Sportsman’s License (hunting) and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License (fishing). A resident trout permit must also be purchased annually to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. This license is also available from most regional offices (all except the Northwest Regional office).

License agreements with adjacent states MISSISSIPPI AND ARKANSAS recognize the resident fishing and commercial fishing licenses of the two states on flowing waters of the Mississippi River and all waters between the main levees of the Mississippi River, excluding the St. Francis, White and Arkansas rivers and oxbow lakes accessible from the mouths of the St. Francis, White or Arkansas rivers. Licensees abide by the regulations of the state in which they are fishing. This agreement does not include frog hunting. MISSOURI AND ARKANSAS recognize the sportfishing, residents commercial fishing and commercial mussel-taking licenses of the two states on the flowing waters of the St. Francis River that form a common boundary between the two states. A sportfishing licensed or legally exempt resident of either state abides by the regulations of the state issuing the license. The agreement does not apply to tributaries, bayous and backwaters of the St. Francis River. TENNESSEE AND ARKANSAS recognize the fishing licenses of both states on the flowing waters of the Mississippi, adjacent sloughs, bayous,old river runs (if accessible by boat from the river proper) and old river chutes that form a common boundary. Not included are Wildlife Management Areas and the Wolfe, Loosahatchie, Hatchie, Forked Deer and Obion Rivers. Anglers abide by the regulations of the state issuing the license. Commercial fishermen abide by the regulations of the state issuing the license, except that areas closed by either state are closed by both states. The agreement does not apply to tributaries, bayous or backwaters.

FISHING LICENSES Descriptions and prices CS

$35.50

NT3 $11.00

■ Nonresident 3-Day Trip Fishing License entitles a nonresident to fish the waters of the state with noncommercial tackle for the three day period specified. A nonresident trout permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters.

NT7 $17.00

■ Nonresident 7-Day Trip Fishing License entitles a nonresident to fish the waters of the state with noncommercial

tackle for the seven day period specified. A nonresident trout permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters.

N14 $22.00

■ Nonresident 14-Day Trip Fishing License entitles a nonresident to fish the waters of the state with noncommercial tackle for the 14 day period specified. A nonresident trout permit must also be purchased to retain trout Continued on page 44

August 22, 23 & 24, 2003 Little Rock Expo Center Fri. 4pm-9pm Sat. 9am-8pm Sun. 10am-5pm

FSH $10.50

■ Resident Fisheries Conservation License entitles a resident to fish the waters of the state with noncommercial tackle. A resident trout permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters.

RT3

$6.50

■ Resident 3-Day Trip Fishing License entitles a resident to fish the waters of the state with noncommercial tackle for the three day period specified. A resident trout permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters.

TPR

$5.00

■ Resident Trout Permit is required to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. Not required for holders of the non-expiring $1,000 Lifetime Resident Hunting and Fishing Sportsman’s Permit. No stamp will be issued.

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ARKANSASWild

A Guide to Hunting and Fishing in the Natural State

NRF $32.00

■ Nonresident Annual Fishing License entitles a nonresident to fish the waters of the state with noncommercial tackle. A nonresident trout permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters.

$6.00 Admission Covers ALL 3 Days! Kids 12 & Under Admitted Free!

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ARKANSAS WILD • 2003 ■ 41

■ Nonresident Trout Permit is required to retain trout or to fish in certain waters in addition to a Nonresident Annual or Trip Fishing License. No stamp will be issued.

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FISHING LICENSES

Catch-and-Release Pointers

Continued from page 41

or to fish in certain waters.

■ Remove the hook using needlenose pliers or forceps. ■ Barbless hooks can be made by crimping barbs with pliers. ■ Fish have a protective mucous film surrounding them which protects them from infections. Wet your hands before touching fish. ■ Fish need oxygen and get it from the water. Keep the fish in the water while removing the hook. ■ Take a photograph quickly with the fish in the water. Hold the fish gently just on the water’s surface and then take the picture. Cradle it with one hand on its belly and another on its tail. ■ Cut the line if the fish has swallowed the hook. ■ Use a net made with a soft material such as cotton or soft nylon. Nets made from hard nylon scrape the protective coating off a fish just as easily as dry hands. ■ Fish may use all their energy while being caught. Hold the fish in the water and gently move it side to side in the water to stimulate the gills. After a few seconds, the fish will swim off.

44 ■ ARKANSAS WILD • 2003

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GLF

$25.00

■ Resident Fishing Guide License is required of a resident who guides, aids or assists another person, for pay or other consideration, in the taking of fish. This license does not include fishing privileges.

GNF $150.00

■ Nonresident Fishing Guide License is required of a nonresident who guides, aids or assists another person, for pay or other consideration, in the taking of fish. This license does not include fishing privileges.

WRL $10.00

■ White River Border Lakes License entitles Arkansas resident fishing license holders to fish in the Missouri waters of Bull Shoals, Norfork and Table Rock Lakes without having to purchase a nonresident fishing license from Missouri.

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M ethods and Regulations Bowfishing Taking fish with bow and arrow. Scaled rough fish [gar, bowfin, common carp, asian carp (grass carp, bighead carp, silver carp), sucker (including buffalo) and drum] may be taken by bowfishing. A daily limit of two alligator gar may be taken from noon to the next noon, year-round. A daily limit of two catfish may be taken from noon to the next noon between July 15 to May 1.

Catch-and-Release The requirement that fish of a designated species must be released immediately into the water where caught.

Dip Netting Dip nets may be used only when fish are caught first by hook and line or bow and arrow. Dip nets may also be used to take baitfish for personal use while sportfishing. This use is limited to dip nets with mesh one inch or smaller.

Free-Floating Fishing Devices

Gaffing Taking or attempting to take fish with a hand-held hook. Gaffing is not allowed unless the fish is caught on a hook and line first (or with bow and arrow).

Gigging Taking fish with a gig. Only scaled rough fish [gar, bowfin, common carp, asian carp (grass carp, bighead carp, silver carp), sucker (including buffalo) and drum] may be taken with a gig. Gigging season is open between 10 a.m. and 12 midnight from September 15 to February 15.

A daily limit of two alligator gar may be taken from noon to the next noon by gigging from September 15 to February 15. The daily limit of suckers is 20, the possession limit is 40. Unless otherwise noted, gigging is not allowed in areas where fishing is limited to rod or pole. Continued on next page

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ARKANSAS WILD • 2003 ■ 45

A floating fishing device not attached to a stationary object or boat. Up to 20 jugs or similar devices may be used per person and must be clearly marked with either the user’s name and address, driver’s license number or current vehicle tag number. These may be left unattended only from sunset to sunrise.

Many fishermen prefer night fishing because fish are more active after the sun goes down.

METHODS

Continued from previous page

Hogging or Noodling

Grabbing fish by hand. Only rough fish and catfish may be taken for personal use by this method. Open season is August 1 through October 31, north and west of U.S. Highway 67; June 1 through October 31, south and east of Highway 67 and the Arkansas River; and May 1 through July 15 between the main levees of the Mississippi River. Special regulations affect hogging on the Mississippi River.

Snagging

APR FOR 24 MONTHS

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Snagging fish with treble hooks on lines and poles. When snagging sportfish from a bank, you may only do it within 100 yards below a dam. You must keep any sport fish snagged, apply them to your daily limit, and you may not sell them. When snagging, you are limited to half the sport fish daily limit (although you may take a full limit of catfish and paddlefish) and, once a limit of any species is attained, you must cease snagging. Suckers may be snagged between sunrise and sunset, from April 1 to February 15. The daily limit for suckers is 20, the possession limit is 40. Restrictions apply to some waters.

Trotline Fishing Trotlines are allowed for sportfishing in most areas. The drops or hooks may not be less then 24 inches apart and they must be attended and the catch removed daily. Sportfishing trotlines must be anchored on both ends by 100% cotton line.

46 ■ ARKANSAS WILD • 2003

Yo-Yo Fishing Gary Duncan, Owner (501) 329-3400 • (800) 748-8634 • FAX (501) 329-1395 398 Industrial Blvd. • Conway, AR 72032 Kawasaki Summer Thrill Ride Retail Financing © 2003 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. *Offer good on all new, not previously registered Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, JET SKI ® watercraft and MULE™ utility vehicles on your Kawasaki Good Times™ credit card, subject to credit approval. Offer ends 09/30/03. Restrictions may apply. See store for details. • 3.99% APR for 24 months – $0 Down, Low Payments for 24 Months. Maximum purchase price $20,000. Reduced Rate APR of 3.99% effective on these purchases for 24 months from the date of purchase if your Account is kept current. For purchases up to $10,000, the payment will be $39. For purchases over $10,000, the payment will be $69. After the reduced rate period, either the Standard Rate APR or Default Rate APR will apply. Standard Rate 17.8% APR. For Accounts not kept current, the Default Rate 21.8% APR will be applied to all balances on your Account. The number of months you will pay and the amount of your total minimum payment due will depend on additional purchases and your Account balances. Minimum Finance Charge $2.00. Certain rules apply to the allocation of payments and Finance Charges on your promotional purchase if you make more than one purchase on your Good Times credit card. Call 1-888-367-4310 or review your cardholder agreement for information.

PSTUV2

Up to 30 yo-yos (or similar mechanical devices) per person may be used as long as they are not left unattended (out of sight or hearing) nor more than one is hung from a line, wire, limb or support. They may be left unattended from sunset to sunrise if clearly marked with either the owner’s name and address, driver’s license number or current vehicle tag number.

Spearfishing Spearfishing season for game fish is open from June 15 until March 15, sunrise to sunset, in Lakes Beaver, Blue Mountain, Bull Shoals, Catherine, Conway, DeGray, Erling, Greers Ferry, Greeson, Hamilton, Harris Brake, Millwood, Nimrod, Norfork, Ouachita, Table Rock and impoundments created by the locks and dams on the Arkansas River. Spearfishing for smallmouth bass is not permitted on Lake Ouachita. Spearfishing for largemouth, spotted or smallmouth bass is not allowed in Lakes Beaver, Bull Shoals, Millwood, Norfork and Table Rock. Spearfishing season for flathead catfish is open from July 15 until March 15.

Rough fish may be taken by spearfishing all year on the waters mentioned above. Only catfish, gar, bowfin, common carp, asian carp, (grass carp, bighead carp and silver carp), sucker (including buffalo) and drum may be taken from June 15 until March 15, sunrise to sunset, on Gillham, Dierks and DeQueen Lakes. On these lakes, flathead catfish may be taken from July 15 until March 15. When spearfishing, half the game fish daily limit (or the lesser number nearest half when the limit is an odd number) may be taken. Spearfishers must abide by length and slot limits and may not have a spear gun in public waters other than those specified.

Spearfishermen must display a standard diver’s flag and spearfish no more than 100 yards from it. The flag must be at least 12 inches square and at least 12 inches above the water. Spearfishermen must also complete spearfishing activities and leave the body of water where fish were taken before cleaning or dressing fish.

Using Live Bait Baitfish include bluntnose minnows, bullhead minnows, chubs, crayfish, dace, fatheads, common carp under six inches, small goldfish, shiners, stonerollers, logperch (also called sand pike or zebra minnows), shad, gar (other than alligator gar), drum, bowfin under six inches, skipjack herring, silversides (brook and inland), buffalo (bigmouth, smallmouth and black), river carpsucker, sculpin (banded and Ozark) and bream under four inches long. Bream longer than four inches may be used as bait only if first taken by hook and line and are subject to daily limit restrictions. With the exception of shad, baitfish may not be taken in the area within 100 yards below a dam.

ARKANSAS WILD • 2003 ■ 47

During daylight hours, baitfish may be taken using: • Seines no larger than 50 feet long and four feet wide with 1/4 inch mesh. • Traps or lifts no larger than six feet by six feet by three feet with 1/2 inch mesh and with a throat size of two inches or smaller. • Cast nets with a one inch (or smaller) mesh. • Shad trawl nets with one inch (or smaller) mesh. • Glass, plastic or wire mesh minnow traps no larger than one gallon with a 1 1/2 inch (or smaller) throat. • Hand-operated dip nets or lifts with one inch (or smaller) square bar mesh for use while sportfishing. This method may be used day or night. All other species of fish should be immediately released.

SPORTFISH DAILY LIMITS FISH DAILY LIMIT ALLIGATOR GAR..........................................................................................................................................................................2 BLACK BASS (largemouth, spotted, smallmouth combined).......................................................................................................10 SMALLMOUTH BASS ...................................................................................................................................................................4 ROCK BASS.................................................................................................................................................................................10 BREAM (bluegill, redear, longear, warmouth and other sunfishes combined) ............................................................................50 No daily limit on bream shorter than 4 inches. CATFISH (channel, blue, flathead combined).............................................................................................................................10 No daily limit on bullhead catfish. TIGER MUSKIE..............................................................................................................................................................................6 NORTHERN PIKE..........................................................................................................................................................................6 PADDLEFISH.................................................................................................................................................................................2 PICKEREL.......................................................................................................................................................................................6 SAUGER ........................................................................................................................................................................................6 SAUGEYE ......................................................................................................................................................................................6 STRIPED BASS (including hybrid stripers) .....................................................................................................................................6 TROUT (all rainbow, brown, cutthroat, lake and brook combined per day) ................................................................................5 BROWN TROUT ..............................................................16 inch minimum length.................................no more than 2 per day CUTTHROAT TROUT ......................................................16 inch minimum length.................................no more than 2 per day BROOK TROUT ...............................................................14 inch minimum length.................................no more than 2 per day WALLEYE.......................................................................................................................................................................................6 WHITE BASS ...............................................................................................................................................................................25 YELLOW BASS ...................................................................................................................................................................No limit DAILY AGGREGATE LIMIT (maximum number of fish allowed to be taken from midnight to midnight)..................................75 POSSESSION LIMIT.....................................................................................................................................Double the daily limit SPEARFISHING LIMIT (see page 46) ................................................................................................................Half the daily limit SNAGGING LIMIT (see page 46)......................................................................................................................Half the daily limit

Hunting Property & Opportunities in Arkansas

HOPKINS & ASSOCIATES REALTY, INC. Call Bob at: (501) 758-9822

48 ■ ARKANSAS WILD • 2003

www.HopkinsWildlife.com

B lack Bass LARGEMOUTH BASS Scales on cheeks about as large as scales on body

Upper jaw extends behind eye

Shallow notch between dorsal fins

SMALLMOUTH BASS

Deep notch between dorsal fins

Upper jaw extends to the eye

No dark horizontal stripe on side

Uniform olive brown coloration

SPOTTED BASS

Shallow notch between dorsal fins

Upper jaw extends to the eye

Dark spots in rows

Scales on cheek much smaller than scales on body

50 ■ ARKANSAS WILD • 2003

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ARKANSAS SPORTFISHING

RECORDS Bass, Hybrid Striped 27lb 5oz • Greers Ferry Lake 4/24/97 Jerald C. Shaum, Shirley, AR Bass, Largemouth 16lb 4oz • Mallard Lake 3/2/76 Aaron Mardis, Memphis, TN Bass, Ozark 1lb 8oz • Lake Norfork 8/2/82 Jerry Heard, Everton, AR Bass, Shadow 1lb 12oz • Spring River 7/5/99 James E. Baker, W. Monroe, LA Bass, Smallmouth 7lb 5oz • Bull Shoals Lake 4/1/69 Acie Dickerson, Lakeview, AR Bass, Spotted 7lb 15oz • Bull Shoals Lake 3/26/83 Mike Heilich, St. Louis, MO Bass, Striped 64lb 8oz • Beaver Tailwaters, White River 4/28/00 Jeff Fletcher, Golden, MO Bass, White 5lb 4oz • Bull Shoals Lake 4/23/84 William Wilson, Indianapolis, IN Bass, Yellow (Tie) 1lb 13oz • Hargrove Reservoir, Arkansas Co. 7/29/89 Bill Kennedy, Little Rock, AR Continued on page 52

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Above are the daily limits for crappie, black and white and combined. Between the main levees of the Mississippi River and on Horseshoe Lake (Crittenden County), the daily crappie limit is 50. Check your fishing spot for special regulations.

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ARKANSAS WILD • 2003 ■ 51

Crappie Daily Limits

RECORDS

Continued from page 51

T emperate

(White) Bass Dorsal fins are slightly connected

YELLOW BASS Sides are yellow with distinct horizontal stripes

No teeth on back of tongue

Stripes are broken in front of the anal fin

WHITE BASS Teeth in a single patch on back of tongue

Horizontal stripes less distinct on bottom half of fish

Deep body, seldom exceed three pounds

STRIPED BASS

Teeth in two parallel patches on back of tongue Slender body, 20 pounders common

52 ■ ARKANSAS WILD • 2003

HYBRID STRIPED BASS

Teeth in two parallel patches on back of tongue Deep body, seldom exceeds 12 pounds

First horizontal stripe below lateral line is distinct and complete to tail

Horizontal stripes often broken

First horizontal stripe below lateral line is distinct and complete to tail

Bass,Yellow (Tie) 1lb 13oz • Old River, Scott Co. 2/10/97 Floyd E. Norfleet, Little Rock, AR Bluegill 3lb 4oz • Fulton County Pond 8/7/98 Albert Sharp, Elizabeth, AR Bowfin 17lb 5oz • Desha County Unnamed Lake 2/21/77 Doug Smith, McGehee, AR Buffalo, Bigmouth 35lb 2oz • Lake Conway 12/2/98 John Bales, Mayflower, AR Buffalo,Black 92lb 8oz • Lake Maumelle 2/26/01 Kenny DeLuca, Paron, AR Buffalo, Smallmouth 68lb 8oz • Lake Hamilton 5/15/84 Jerry Dolezal, Berwyn, IL Bullhead,Black 4lb 12oz • Point Remove Creek 04/11/86 Janet Story, Morrilton, AR Carp, Bighead 75lb 8oz • AR River 05/17/02 Mark Matthews, Arkadelphia, AR Carp, Common 53lb Lake Hamilton 3/23/85 Lynn Bradley, Royal, AR Carp, Grass 65lb 14oz • Horseshoe Lake 4/28/95 Gary Todd Brewer Hughes, AR Carp, Silver 39lb 4oz • Arkansas River 5/11/95 Ryan McKim, Alexander, AR Catfish,Blue 116lb 12oz • MS River, W. Memphis 8/3/01 Charles Ashley, Jr., Marion, AR Catfish, Channel 38lb • Lake Ouachita 6/3/89 Joe Holleman, Waldron, AR Catfish, Flathead 80lb • Arkansas River 10/28/89 Wesley White, Hartford, AR Crappie, Black 4lb 9oz • Oladale Lake 3/29/76 Danny Burfield, Ola, AR Crappie, White 4lb 7oz • Mingo Creek 4/12/93 Shelby Cooper, Bald Knob, AR Drum, Freshwater 35lb 2oz • DeGray Lake 4/11/00 W.B. Castleberry Hot Springs, AR Eel, American 4lb 12oz • Arkansas River 5/26/02 Gregg Armstrong, Sheridan, AR Flier 14oz • Saline River 7/10/85 Harvey Jones, Warren, AR Continued on page 54

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Spring, summer, fall, winter – anytime is a great time to fish the White River and enjoy the beauty of our four distinct seasons.

Sportsman’s Resort completed a $300,000 renovation during 2003 and is better than ever for enjoying world-class trout fishing and the great outdoors of the Ozark Mountains.

• Exceptional trout fishing (spin or fly) for all ages and experience levels • 22 newly renovated units • Fantastic food at Sportsman’s own cafe • Satellite color TV with remotes in all rooms • Private telephones in all rooms • Swimming pool and game room • On-site grocery store • Scenic riverside private park • Best guides on the White River • Hiking, birding, wildlife and wildflowers • All new boats and motors for rent • All rooms have fully-equipped kitchens and BBQ grills • Reunions and corporate groups welcome • Children and pets welcome

“Great fishing, scenery, food, guides, wildlife, accommodations and service make this a great place to spend your ‘chill out’ time. Come see us soon.” – Charley and Doris Gilbert, owners Crystal-clear water, beautiful scenery and trophy trout make an unforgettable outdoor experience. SHOWN: One of 300+ trophies caught each year.

Flippin, Arkansas

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(870) 453-2424

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RECORDS

Continued from page 52

Gar, Alligator 215lb • Arkansas River 7/31/64 Alvin Bonds, Clarksville, AR Gar, Longnose 29lb 4oz OuachitaRiver 6/16/99 M. Thompson, Huttig, AR

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54 ■ ARKANSAS WILD • 2003

Gar,Spotted 6lb 12oz • Mellwood Old River 10/3/95 Vernon Neal, Jonesboro, AR

Herring, Skipjack 2lb 13oz • Ouachita River 4/4/97 Monte Pascoe, Hot Springs, AR Muskie,Tiger 23lb 12oz • SpringRiver 6/27/95 Randy Wyatt, Thayer, MO Pacu 7lb 1oz • Lakewood Lake #1, NLR 7/22/95 Gerald H. Kenedy, N.Little Rock, AR Paddlefish 98lb 8oz Ouachita River 7/19/94 Michael Langley, Malvern, AR

Pickerel, Chain 7lb 10oz • Little Red River 1/6/79 Abe Vogel, Heber Springs, AR Pike, Northern 16lb 1oz • DeGray Lake 12/27/73 Dick Cooley, Arkadelphia, AR Sauger 6lb 12oz • Arkansas River 12/15/76 Claude Eubanks, Ft. Smith, AR Saugeye 6lb 1oz • Crown Lake 2/5/93 C. Henderson, Horseshoe Bend Shad, Alabama 2lb 13oz • OuachitaRiver 4/4/97 Monte Pasco, Hot Springs, AR Shad, Gizzard 2lb 14oz • White River 5/9/92 Charles Jordan, Mountain View Sturgeon, Shovelnose 2lb 4oz • White River 7/27/02 H. Eichelmann, Sherwood, AR Sunfish, Green 1lb 11oz 8 Pond, Dierks 4/12/76 K. McCullough, Dierks, AR Sunfish,Longear 1lb 2oz • Table Rock Lake 04/22/91 Carl Bohannan, Eureka Springs Sunfish,Redear 2lb 14oz • Lake Bois d' Arc 5/4/85 Glenda Tatom, Stamps, AR Tilapia 1lb 4oz • Lake Hogue 7/28/01 Jimmy Cox, Bono Trout, Brook 5lb • North Fork River 6/3/02 Billy J. Meeks, Wylie, TX Trout, Brown 40lb 4oz • Little Red River 5/9/92 H. "Rip" Collins, Heber Springs Trout, Cutthroat 9lb 9oz • White River 10/6/85 Scott Rudolph, Ozark, AR Trout, Lake 11lb 5oz • Greers Ferry Lake 12/15/97 Clark Stevenson, Greenbrier, AR Trout, Rainbow 19lb 1oz 8 White River 3/14/81 Jim Miller, Memphis, TN Walleye 22lb 11oz • Greers Ferry Lake 3/12/82 Al Nelson,Higdon, AR Warmouth 1lb 8oz • Black Bayou 5/20/98 Michael Curtis, Pine Bluff, AR

Unrestricted Tackle Buffalo,Bigmouth 56lb 4oz • Calion Lake 4/30/00 Torry Cook, Wilmar, AR (Bow & Arrow) Continued on page 58

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T rout Certain regulations are unique to trout waters. The table on page 48 shows daily and length limits. Be sure to check regulations for your destination. Only one rod or pole may be used, and it must be attended at all times, on many trout streams. These include Beaver Lake tailwaters, Greers Ferry tailwaters, Norfork tailwaters, Bull Shoals tailwaters and Spavinaw Creek. No more than two rods or poles may be used on Spring River, Blanchard Springs and the Lake Greeson tailwaters. These must also be attended at all times.

Trout may not be driven, harassed or pursued with noise, objects, boats or by wading to concentrate them.

56 ■ ARKANSAS WILD • 2003

A trout permit is required to keep trout from any state waters or to fish in the tailwaters below Beaver Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, Lake Norfork, Greers Ferry Lake or east of Highway 59 on Spavinaw Creek. Anglers under 16 or holders of the $1,000 lifetime License don’t need a trout permit. License requirements are on page 39. Trout may not be driven, harassed or pursued with noise, objects, boats or by

Arkansas trout fishing at its best.

wading to concentrate them. A guide may not give away his or her fish if it causes the recipient to exceed his or her daily limit. In trout waters designated as catch-andrelease, baits such as marshmallows, salmon eggs and moldable substances (for example, Power Bait®, Power Eggs®, or Zeke’s Gold®) are not allowed. Baits like these contribute to excessive mortality

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when the fish is unhooked. In catch-andrelease waters, only artificial lures with one, single barbless hooking point per pole may be used. (In the brown trout catch-and-release area in the Bull shoals tailwaters, a treble hook may be used in season.) Trout must be released immediately to the water. Check your destination to see whether it is designated as a catch-and-release area or if any special regulations apply. Chumming is not allowed in trout waters designated as catch and release. Anglers may not cull rainbow trout. Once an angler has retained a rainbow trout on a stringer, in a livewell or in a fish basket, the the rainbow trout may not be subsequently released. The only exception is that a rainbow trout longer than 16 inches may be temporarily retained in a livewell for measuring, weighing and photographing before being released.

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RECORDS

Hunting Licenses

Buffalo, Black 105lb • Harris Brake Lake 03/14/94 Kenneth Harvey Perryville, AR (Bow & Arrow)

NFT

Continued from page 54

Continued from page 28

Catfish, Blue 116lb 8oz • Mississippi River 5/29/95 J. D. Harmon, Dermott, AR (Trotline) Eel, American 3lb 14oz • White River,Prairie Co. 4/21/01 N. Eichelmann, Sherwood, AR (Trotline) Gar, Longnose 36lb 5oz • Ouachita River 7/03/00 Jeremy Burton, Monticello, AR (Bow & Arrow) Gar, Shortnose 6lb 12oz • Lake Conway 4/03/98 Robert Perkins, Conway, AR (Bow & Arrow) Gar, Spotted 11lb 2oz 8 Arkansas River, 1-430 Bridge 8/22/98 John Norrell,Little Rock, AR (Bow & Arrow)

$100.00

■ Nonresident Fur Taker’s Permit entitles a holder of a nonresident hunting license to hunt and trap furbearers. Valid one year from date of purchase. Note: nonresident youths under 16 must purchase this permit plus a nonresident hunting license to hunt or trap furbearers.

$7.00

■ Arkansas Waterfowl Stamp entitles resident and nonresident hunting license holders to hunt waterfowl. Not required of youth under 16 or holders of a non-expiring $1,000 Lifetime Resident Sportsman Permit. Stamp must be signed across the face in ink. Expires June 30th. Federal Duck Stamp is also required.

FCR

$100.00

■ Live Fox and Coyote Permit entitles a resident to import, sell, barter or trade fox and coyote after meeting certain requirements to protect public health. Expires June 30th.

FCN

$250.00

LCJ

$20.00

LCH

$20.00

LBT

$20.00

■ Live Fox and Coyote Permit entitles a nonresident to import, sell, barter or trade fox and coyote after meeting certain requirements to protect public health. Expires June 30th.

■ Casey Jones Leased Lands Permit entitles the hunting license holder to hunt, trap or camp on Casey Jones Leased Lands (not required of youths under 16 years). Valid one year from date of purchase. Map available from license dealer.

■ Cherokee Leased Lands Permit entitles the hunting license holder to hunt, trap or camp on Cherokee Leased Lands (not required of youths under 16 years). Valid one year from date of purchase. Map available from license dealer.

■ Big Timber Leased Lands Permit entitles the hunting license holder to hunt, Continued on page 62

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58 ■ ARKANSAS WILD • 2003

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The Water Calls

T rout Stocked in Arkansas Tail spotted, forked

RAINBOW TROUT

Black spots over entire body

Pink streak

Fin often white-tipped

CUTTHROAT TROUT

Black spotting heavier towards rear of fish Tail spotted, forked

Red-orange slash marks on the underside of the jaw

Fin never white-tipped

Sides usually have orange or red spots with halos

BROWN TROUT Golden brown to silver

Tail slightly forked, faint or no spots

Abdomen usually yellow

BROOK TROUT

White and black edge on front of lower fins

ARKANSAS WILD • 2003 ■ 59

Crimson spots with blue halos and yellow spots

Light wormlike markings on dark green upper body

F reshwater Mussels

BY BILL POSEY, AGFC MALACOLOGIST

Arkansas Fatmucket

Arkansas is blessed with an abundance of fish and wildlife species. But something known to fewer people is the fact that there are 74 species of mussels that live in our rivers, creeks, lakes and ponds, often in our own backyards. Arkansas is home to more mussel species than any state west of the Mississippi river. Of the 74 species, eight are listed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as endangered, one is listed as threatened and another is listed as a candidate for listing, affording it protection as well. Two of the listed species are found only in Arkansas and include the Arkansas Fatmucket and Speckled Pocketbook. Several other species are found in the Ouachita and Ozark Mountains only

in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. Freshwater mussels have a unique life cycle in that the larvae of mussels require an intermediate host, usually a fish, to complete the transformation from larvae to adult. Many species of mussels can use several different species while others may only use one species from the stream that the mussel lives in and will not use the same fish species from another stream. The history of man and mussel extends back thousands of years when Native Americans utilized the meat as a food source and the shells for tools, utensils, ornamentation and crushed shell was used to temper clay pots. They also knew about pearls and

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60 ■ ARKANSAS WILD • 2003

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would place them on strings, much like we do today. Around 1880, mussels became an important resource for the button industry. Millions of mussels were harvested for the button factories, completely decimating entire reaches of rivers and mussels. A secondary market was for the pearls that are found in mussels. The largest freshwater pearl recorded was found in the Arkansas River and is over three-quarters inch in diameter. Since the invention of plastic in the 1940s, mussels have been used for the cultured pearl industry where the shells are cut into cubes that are rounded into spheres to serve as a nucleus for pearl production.

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What can you do to help? Become involved in protecting rivers and streams that have freshwater mussels in them.

New

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See page 25

ARKANSAS WILD • 2003 ■ 61

Mussels are in a general decline in North America, and have been for over 50 years. Dam construction has altered habitat. Poor farming and construction practices have allowed sediment to choke streams. Pollutants have entered our streams and killed thousands of mussels and now the zebra mussel is harming mussels. What can you do to help? Become involved in protecting rivers and streams that have freshwater mussels in them. Good citizens can watch their local streams and report suspected water pollution to the authorities. You can organize a local Stream Team to conduct stream improvement projects. And lastly, preventing the spread of zebra mussels and stopping the invasion of other exotic animals is essential to the survival of our mussels. As long as mussel populations remain healthy and abundant, then we are also helping ourselves by maintaining clean, fresh water.

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Hunting Licenses

ly residing in the state for at least twelve (12) months prior to applying for a license, or is domiciled in the state of Arkansas; and (2) does not claim residency for a hunting or fishing license in another state or country. Written proof must be presented when license is purchased.

Continued from page 58

trap or camp on Big Timber Leased Lands (not required of youths under 16 years). Valid one year from date of purchase. Map available from license dealer. The following Hunting Guide Licenses can only be purchased at one of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Regional Offices including Little Rock.

GHN

Hunting Guide Licenses

GLH

$25.00

■ Guide License-Hunting entitles a resident holder to guide or assist another person, for pay or other consideration, in hunting game species on land which is not owned or leased by AGFC. Valid one year from date of purchase. Does not include hunting privileges.

GLS

Bobby Castile with his harvested turkey from Zone A.

ation in hunting on land owned or leased by AGFC. Valid one year from date of purchase. Does not include hunting privileges. For the purpose of obtaining a GLS, a resident means any person who (1) either maintains a permanent place of abode in the state and has been actual-

$150.00

■ Guide License-Special entitles a resident holder to the same privileges as the GLH plus the privilege to guide or assist another person for pay or other consider-

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62 ■ ARKANSAS WILD • 2003

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288 Hwy. 64 East • Conway

(501)327-7774 David Ross, Owner

$150.00

■ Guide License-Nonresident entitles a resident holder to guide or assist another person, for pay or other consideration, in hunting game species on land which is not owned or leased by AGFC. Valid one year from date of purchase. Does not include hunting privileges.

Detail & Service Center

Reciprocal Agreements with Adjacent States Mississippi and Arkansas recognize the resident hunting licenses of both states on Arkansas lands that lie east of the main channel of the Mississippi River and on Mississippi lands that lie west of the main channel of the Mississippi River. Migratory waterfowl are included only on flowing waters of the Mississippi River, on waters accessible by boat from the main channel of the Mississippi River or on state line lakes when the season is open in both states. The St. Francis, White and Arkansas rivers are excluded from this agreement. Hunters must obey all regulations of the state that issues the license. Tennessee and Arkansas recognize the hunting licenses of both states on the flowing waters of the Mississippi River, adjacent waters which are accessible by boat from the river proper and the old river chutes that form a common boundary. Excluded are wildlife management areas established by either state and the Wolf, Loosahatchie, Hatchie, Forked Deer and Obion rivers. Migratory waterfowl may be hunted on these waters by a license holder of either state when the season is open in both states. Hunters cannot hunt from, nor attach any device or equipment to land under the jurisdiction of the state in which they are not licensed. Hunters must obey all regulations of the state that issues the license. Holders of nonresident licenses issued by either state have the same privileges as a licensed resident.

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