Arkansas Wild Fall 2006 by Kellie McAnulty

Arkansas Wild

Vogue

HUNTING & FISHING IN STYLE

Pioneers of the Sport THE NATURAL STATE S OUTDOOR LEGENDS E IS S ASO H T

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ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

CONTENTS •

10 HUNTING AND FISHING IN STYLE

By Emily Griffin

18 COOKING WITH PHYLLIS

By Phyllis Spear

20 OUT-OF-THE-WAY WOOD DUCKS By Richard Hines

28 HUNTING LICENSE & PERMIT REQUIREMENTS Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

32 NATURAL STATE LEGENDS By Emily Griffin

34 GEAR OF THE YEAR By Emily Griffin

HIDE-AND-SEEK ON A GLOBAL SCALE By Emily Griffin

WINTER BASS FISHING By Emily Griffin

40 FISHING LICENSE & PERMIT REQUIREMENTS Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

44 FALL IN ARKANSAS A.C. (Chuck) Haralson

48 OUR PRECIOUS NORTHERN PRAIRIES By J. Brian Davis, PhD

52 CAN'T SEE THE FOREST FOR THE TREES By Jay Harrod

AUDUBON'S WATERBIRDS By Dan Scheiman, PhD

FALCON BOTTOMS NATURAL AREA By Chris Colclasure

62 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Cover: Lake Catherine near Hot Springs, AR, Photo by A.C. (Chuck) Haralson 4

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ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

CONTRIBUTORS • was born in Conway, and graduated from Hendrix College. He has been a newspaper reporter and columnist and was editor of Arkansas Times magazine. Since 1990 he has been a freelance writer specializing in travel and natural history. He is a contributing editor for National Geographic Traveler magazine and Living Bird, the journal of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. He has won awards from the Society of American Travel Writers for environmental reporting, and has covered destinations including the Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand national parks, the Amazon River, Madagascar, the Seychelles, Mount Kilimanjaro, Spain’s Costa Brava, Ireland’s County Mayo, and the Swiss Alps. In 2003 he drove 7,000 miles from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Miami, Florida, for a six-part series in National Geographic Traveler called "The Long Run." He wrote the National Geographic Guide to Birdwatching Sites (recently reissued), A Birder’s Guide to Arkansas, Exploring the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, and volumes in the series Smithsonian Guide to Natural America and National Geographic Guide to America’s Outdoors. His first story for National Geographic magazine, an essay on pelicans, was published in June, 2006.

Mel White

knows Arkansas. The Arkansas Parks and Tourism chief photographer has traveled all over the state in the past 25 years, capturing its splendor on film. From wildlife on the White River to fly fishermen in mid-cast, Haralson has been there to record each event, granting his audience a chance to see a fleeting moment in time. His work evokes a sense of wonder and awe in the viewer. One gets the sense of seeing the state through Haralson’s eyes, and what an amazing place it is indeed.

A.C. “Chuck” Haralson

a spokesperson for The Nature Conservancy in Arkansas, said prescribed burning is often misunderstood. "While working for the Conservancy and with partners like the U.S. Forest Service, I've learned a great deal about fire-dependent landscapes and the positive affects prescribed fire can have on wildlife, particularly game animals like quail, turkey, and deer," Jay said. "I hope this article on prescribed fire helps readers understand why this tool is beneficial to the environment, wildlife, and people."

Jay Harrod

a regional biologist for Ducks Unlimited since 2001, is part of nearly a dozen Arkansas DU staff who work diligently to deliver conservation education across the state. In addition to the many roles he plays for the DU organization, Davis also serves as adjunct professor at Mississippi State University participating in research that assesses benefits of Arkansas rice fields to waterfowl and other wildlife. He holds a masters degree in Wildlife Ecology and a doctorate degree in Wildlife Science from Mississippi State University.

Brian Davis

is the Deputy Director for the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission. He started with the ANHC as the Chief of Land Acquisitions and Stewardship in 2001, after working almost two years for the Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission. His role at the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission has focused on acquiring lands for inclusion into the state’s System of Natural Areas. Colclasure’s efforts have resulted in 32 successful land acquisition projects statewide. Several of these projects required multiple partnerships with private non-profit organizations as well as state and federal agencies. These acquisitions have added approximately 4,500 acres to the System of Natural Areas to be protected and managed in perpetuity. Colclasure is an avid sportsman and enjoys the Arkansas outdoors with his family whenever possible.

Chris Colclasure

photographs and articles have appeared in Kentucky Afield, Texas Trophy Hunter, Audubon, and Outdoors in Arkansas. Since 2000, he has been the Staff Wildlife Biologist for White River National Wildlife Refuge. His career as a wildlife biologist started in 1976 and has included state wildlife agencies in Kentucky and Texas. He has managed wildlife populations and habitat for deer, waterfowl, quail, turkey, and small game. Hines has been an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoors enthusiast for more than 40 years. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management from Eastern Kentucky University and a Master’s in Conservation from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

Richard Hine's

is the Bird Conservation Director for Audubon Arkansas. His goal is to establish the partnerships needed to accomplish bird conservation throughout the state, especially at Important Bird Areas. Scheiman received his BS from Cornell, MS from Eastern Illinois, and PhD from Purdue, all in wildlife ecology. He has over ten years of bird research experience, with an emphasis on grassland birds. Since making birds his career, Scheiman has found a new hobby watching butterflies.

Dr. Dan Scheiman

Born and raised in the Ozarks, Emily Griffin has enjoyed outdoor activities from an early age. From fishing the lakes and rivers around Mountain Home to canoeing down the Buffalo National River to Geocaching across the state, Griffin always finds time to partake in the beauty of Arkansas. “One of the great things about working for Arkansas Wild is getting to meet so many Arkansans who care about this state as much as I do,” Griffin said. Griffin holds a degree in journalism with an emphasis in photojournalism from Arkansas State University at Jonesboro.

Emily Griffin

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Hunting and Fishing

Arkansas offers outdoors-oriented lodges to fit everyone’s wishes By Emily Griffin

Near Casscoe next to the White River, Wildlife Farms offers guided duck, goose, pheasant, Hungarian partridge, chukar, dove, deer, and turkey hunts, and guided fishing tours.

long with an abundance of great wildlife habitat for hunters and waterways for anglers, Arkansas boasts a number of lodges especially catering to outdoorspeople. From simple to fancy, from basic meals to full-service restaurants, these establishments offer a diversity of accommodations and amenities. Many lodges have websites that let you preview your experience. They can provide guides and gear, so that almost all the client has to do is show up, if that’s what’s wanted. Some folks will always want to get out alone, with just their favorite Lab for duck hunting or beagle for rabbits, while others enjoy the camaraderie of a lodge atmosphere, swapping stories after a day in the field. Other people are just too busy to set up a hunting trip, and want someone to handle the details

10 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

for them. Any way you look at the experience, it’s great to have a choice.

Bayou Meto Lodge Bayou Meto Lodge (501-8603903; www.bayoumetolodge.com) is located about 15 miles south of Stuttgart, adjacent to Bayou Meto Wildlife Management Area. The lodge offers guided field hunts on private land for mallards, teal, gadwall, pintail, wigeon, shovelers, ring-necked and ruddy ducks, greater and lesser scaup, and an occasional canvasback or redhead. The lodge also offers a 12station sporting clay course. The lodge provides food service for up to 24 guests. The common area includes a television room, den with bar and fireplace, dining area, boot room, and a patio overlooking the wildlife management area.

The rate of $350 a day includes a guided morning hunt (which lasts until 10:30 a.m.), a light breakfast before the hunt, a full lunch after the hunt, dinner, and lodging. Bayou Meto also has afternoon and springtime goose hunts starting at $75.00 per person. Coffin blinds, full body decoys, goose shells, and windsocks are available. The lodge also offers the services of a duck processor for all ducks and geese for a fee. Bayou Meto Lodge provides experienced dogs for the hunt or you may bring your own trained dog. Suggested items to bring include chest waders, camouflage clothing, and a face mask. During the season, the temperatures can range from 30 to 60 degrees. Guides strongly recommend #2 steel

Guests enjoy a new lodge and 4,000 acres of hunting territory at Paradise Hunting Lodge near Moro (left). Bayou Meto Lodge (below), 15 miles south of Stuttgart, is known for duck hunting.

Wildlife Farms' main room and expansive deck overlooking a small lake is a great place to relax after a day outdoors.

shot in a 12-gauge load. For safety, the minimum barrel length allowed in the blind is 26 inches.

Paradise Hunting Lodge Located 40 miles east of Stuttgart and 15 miles south of Wheatley, near Moro, Paradise Hunting Lodge (501259-5926 for ducks or 501-514-2560 for deer, dove, and turkey; www.paradisehuntinglodge.com) offers guided hunt packages for duck, deer, dove, goose, and turkey. Clients enjoy a new lodge and can hunt in 4,000 acres of

green timber, sloughs, soybean fields, and rice. Suggested items to bring include waders, guns, camouflage clothing, shells, Arkansas hunting license, and state and federal duck stamps if applicable. Guided hunt packages start at $350 including lodging, meals, and drinks. Also offered are mixed hunt packages and unguided hunts.

Wildlife Farms Wildlife Farms (870-241-3275;

www.wildlifefarms.com) is located next to the White River near Casscoe (Arkansas County), with an attractive lodge overlooking a small lake. The main room and expansive deck are comfortable places to relax after a day outside. Duck and goose morning hunts are $550 per day, per person, and include guides, heated blinds, lodging, meals, and full bar. Afternoon hunts are $300 per day per person for lodge guests. Pheasant hunts are $175 for the first eight birds, $17.50 for each additional bird, guide and dog not included. Hungarian partridge hunts are $185 for first eight birds and $18.50 for each additional bird, guide and dog not included. Chukar hunts are $150 for the first eight birds and $16 for each additional bird, guide and dog not included. Guides are $75 per half day and dogs are $75 per half day. Dove hunts are $275 per day per person, including lodging, meals, and full bar. Sporting clay, skeet, and trap are $175 per round, ammunition not included. Trophy buck deer hunts are $500 per day per person, including guide, game processing, lodging, meals, and full bar. Trophy rates are: $1,000 for 130-140; $1,500 for 140-150; $2,000 for 150-160; $2,500 for 160-170; and ARKANSAS WILD â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 2006

Located on the White River below Bull Shoals Dam, Gaston's White River Resort is known worldwide for guided trout fishing trips. Gaston's also features an airstrip (lower right), gift shop, nature trails, confrence center, and restaurant (lower left).

$3,500 for 170 and up. Wild turkey hunts are $500 per day per person, including lodging, meals, and full bar. Guided wild turkey hunts are $600 per day per person, including lodging, meals, and full bar. Fishing rates are $225 per person or $400 per couple per day, including lodging, meals, and full bar. Boat rental is $20 per day and includes outboard and trolling motors. Fishing guides are $100 per day.

Lacotts Lodge Lacotts Lodge (870-282-3276 or 870-946-3283; www.lacottslodge. com) has been offering hunting and lodging for over 100 years. Located at Crocketts Bluff on the White River 12 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

(Arkansas County), Lacotts offers guide services for duck, deer, turkey, and fishing year round on their 1,300 acres of private land adjoining White River National Wildlife Refuge. The lodge accommodates 12 guests with three full-course meals per day. Room and board with morning and afternoon hunts is $250. A $100.00 daily rate includes one drivein hunt, morning or evening, and an experienced guide.

Mallard Pointe Lodge and Reserve Mallard Pointe Lodge (870-5892266; www.mallardpointelodge.com) is located west of Brinkley on 2,800

acres of land, bordering the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Dagmar Wildlife Management Area. The newly completed 11,000square-foot lodge includes large-screen televisions and pool tables, as well as, meals, drinks, and hors d’oeuvres. The lodge sleeps up to 22 people with a wide range of bed sizes. Duck and goose hunts are $300 per person, per night, including semiprivate room, meals, full bar, and morning hunt. Private rooms are available for $100 more. Pheasant hunts are $200 per day, per person, including guide, dog, and 8 birds. Accommodation is $100 per person, per night, and is not included in the price of the hunt. Dove hunts are $275 per day, per person, including

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Mallard Pointe Lodge near Brinkley (top and above) features an 11,000-squarefoot lodge. Lacott's Lodge (right) offers hunting and fishing trips at Crockett's Bluff on the White River.

lodging, meals, and full bar. Whitetail deer hunts are $500 per person, per night, for a private room. Trophy fee applies to 130 class deer and up. Combination hunts are available. Sporting clays, skeet, and trap are $17.50 for each round. Ammunition is not included in price but is available at the range. Basic room is $150 per person, per day, and couples are $225 per day.

Quack Attack Guide Service Quack Attack Guide Service (870830-0995; www.quackattackguideservice.com) is located 16 miles south 14 ARKANSAS WILD â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 2006

of Stuttgart and nine miles west of DeWitt, off US 165. This is about ten miles from Bayou Meto Wildlife Management Area, a Game and Fish Commission area noted for its migrant and winter duck population. The lodge accommodates up to ten hunters and includes everything except food and a cook. A 48-acre reservoir behind the lodge has bass, crappie, and catfish. Each hunt includes transportation to and from hunting area from the lodge, guide, and decoys. A trained retriever will also be provided or you may bring your own. Unguided hunting is available. Morning hunts are $125, and afternoon hunts, beginning at 2:30 p.m., are $75. Lodging is $25 a night and include all linens, furniture, satellite TV,

dishes, stove, grill, and fish cooker.

Pluck-A-Duck Duck and Goose Lodge Pluck-A-Duck (800-545-5944; www.pluck-a-duck.com) is located west of Wynne in Cross County, near the Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Anguille River. Hunters can go after mallard, gadwall, pintail, redhead, teal, wigeon, and wood duck, and snow, Canada, and specklebelly geese, among other species. Hunts are in flooded rice or soybean fields, flooded green timber, or along the river or bayou, with experienced local guides. Most hunting is for duck in the morning and goose in the afternoon. The lodge can accommodate up to

21 hunters. Meals are provided, as well as all bedding for bunk beds, towels, wash cloths, and washer and dryers. After a continental breakfast, the guide takes hunters to the blind. At the end of the morning hunt, which usually is around 10:30 a.m., guests return to the lodge for a country breakfast and a few hours of rest and relaxation before heading out for the afternoon hunt around 2 p.m. Group rates: four or more hunters with guide, $300 per day, per person; three hunters with guide, $310 per day, per person; two hunters with guide, $325 per day, per person; and one hunter with guide, $345 per day.

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Gaston’s White River Resort In our survey of outdoors lodges, let’s not forget some of the state’s favorite fishing spots. Gaston’s White River Resort (870-431-5202; www. gastons.com) is known worldwide for trout fishing trips on the White River below Bull Shoals Dam. It’s been a favorite for generations (it began in 1958), and has evolved into practically its own village on the riverside, including a well-respected restaurant. A boat comes free with every accommodation, but the motor and chairs are rental items. Accommodations include cable TV, private telephone, voice mail, and high speed internet. Flea-free pets on leashes when outside are welcome to stay at no additional charge. A guided full-day float trip down the river for one or two people is $270; $366 for three people. A half-day trip staying near the lodge is $206 for one or two anglers. Various other trips are also available, or you can rent a boat, motor, and gear and head out on your own. The resort also offers an airstrip, gift shop, nature trails, and conference center, as well as fly-fishing lessons.

Stetson’s on the White Stetson’s on the White (870-4538066; www.stetsons-resort.com) is located north of Flippin on the White River, a few miles downstream from Bull Shoals Dam. The Trout for Two fishing package

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Lindsey's Resort (above and right) is known for great trout fishing on the Little Red River.

Pluck-a-Duck Duck and Goose Lodge (left, top and bottom), located in Cross County near the L'Anguille River, offers hunting in flooded rice or soybean fields, flooded green timber, or along the river.

($530) includes two nights stay, fullday guided fishing trips, brunch or box lunch, bait and tackle (no artificial lures), and dinner at the lodge or a nearby restaurant. Winter discounts are available December-February. Singleday guided trips are also offered. A variety of cabin sizes are available and start at $95 per night. Up to fivebedroom cabins are available. All cabins have range/oven, microwave, refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, ceiling fans, satellite television, deck and outdoor grill, and central heat and air. 16 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

Lindsey’s Resort Lindsey’s Resort (800-305-8790; www.lindseysresort.com) is another longtime family business, located near Heber Springs off Ark. 25 on the Little Red River. It, too, is famous for trout, which thrive in the cold water below Greers Ferry Dam. Lindsey’s offers log cabins with fireplaces and jacuzzis, the Pot O’ Gold Restaurant, a swimming pool, the River Retreat meeting lodge, full hookups with cable TV in the campground, and

guided trout fishing services. Each cabin sleeps one to eight people and is equipped with a kitchen, range top, refrigerator, and sink, a sitting and dining area with cable TV, and full bathroom. The cabins are located near the Little Red River, swimming pool, and playground. Boats and motors are available for rent. Guided trout trips, including boat, motor, and guide fee, are $210 for one or two people; each additional person is $25. Fly-fishing and party-barge trips are also offered. ■

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Dove Stroganoff 10 to 15 dove breasts 1 cup white wine flour ½ cup onion, chopped salt & pepper 1 can cream of mushroom soup garlic powder 4 Tbsp. butter ½ lb. fresh mushrooms 1 cup sour cream Fillet dove breast from bone and cut into bite-sized pieces. Mix flour, salt, pepper, and garlic in small bowl. Melt butter in skillet and lightly brown pieces of dove, adding a few at at time and removing pieces as they brown. Set browned dove aside. In skillet, add onions and mushrooms and sauté until soft. Add wine. Simmer about 10 minutes. Add mushroom soup and stir until bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream. Add dove pieces to mixture. Heat until warm, but do not boil. Serve over noodles or wild rice.

Grilled Turkey Kabobs 1 lb. wild turkey breast salt & pepper ½ cup white wine ¼ cup olive oil 1 tsp. Italian seasoning 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 small onions, quartered 2 green peppers, chunked 8 oz. pkg. button mushrroms, capped Rinse and pat dry turkey breast. Lightly salt & pepper. Cut into 1-inch squares. Mix wine, olive oil, Italian seasoning, and garlic in plastic zip-loc bag. Add turkey pieces to bag and marinate for one hour. Turn bag at least once. Alternately thread meat, onion, green pepper, and mushrooms on skewers. Grill on indirect heat about 8 minutes; turn and grill on other side until turkey is done and veggies are done, but still crisp.

Phyllis Speer has been creating outdoor recipes for several years. You can see Speer on AETN’s "Arkansas Outdoors," which airs Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. For more information visit AETN’s web site at http://www.aetn.org/ arkansasoutdoors

Cooking with 18 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

Duck and Mushroom Soup 1 duck 1 apple 1 stick celery 1 small onion, sliced 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. pepper 4 Tbsp. butter 1 carrot, sliced 1 stalk celery, chopped 8 oz. button mushrooms 3 oz. fresh shiitake mushrooms ½ cup wild rice 1 cup heavy cream salt & pepper, to taste

Venison Pasta Sauce 1 pkg. Italian sausage, mild 1 28. oz. can diced tomatoes 1 lb. ground venison 1 can tomato paste Extra virgin olive oil 2 cloves garlic 1 medium onion, chopped 1 green pepper, chopped 2 bay leaves Dash crushed red pepper 1 red, yellow or orange pepper, chopped 1 8 oz. pkg. mushrooms, sliced Dash ground cloves 2 Tbsp. Sugar

Place duck, apple, celery and onion in large pot. Cover with water, bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer until duck is done (about one hour). When duck has cooled enough to handle, remove from bone and cut into chunks. Set aside. Strain duck broth and set aside. Melt butter in heavy pot. Add carrot and celery and sauté until soft. Add mushrooms, wild rice, and broth. Cover and cook about 45 minutes until rice is done. Add duck and heavy cream and simmer another 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with a good crusty bread.

Slice each sausage in five pieces. Remove casing if desired. Brown in large skillet. Remove to bowl. Brown venison in skillet, adding small amount of olive oil, if needed. Add onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Cook until soft. Return sausages to skillet and add remaining ingredients. Cook over low heat until vegetables are tender and flavors are blended. Remove garlic cloves and bay leaves before serving. This may be used on any type of pasta. Also, makes an excellent dip to use with tortilla chips.

Phyllis ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

Out-of-the-Way Wood Ducks By Richard Hines

River bottoms and sloughs provide isolated places for wood ducks to go unnoticed.

he official start time for shooting was 6:27 a.m., and by 6:29 three woodies had already flown over us with their typical jet-fighter speed. I managed to drop a lone fourth bird that was trying to slip through the treetops. Cypress, our female Labrador retriever, walked out into the water (which was only two or three inches deep), picked up the bird, and brought it back. She had sensed something was different with this hunt when we walked in before daylight and got everything set up. She probably thought, “Okay, which one of you dummies forgot the decoys?” She seemed to have a little more faith in us after retrieving the nice male woodie. The bayou we were hunting is normally chest-wader deep, and in years past we typically used our pirogue to move decoys and blind equipment to the more isolated sections of the stream. This morning I was wearing leather boots and my son Josh had his knee boots on—not quite what you’d expect for an Arkansas duck hunt. In fact, on this particular morning we weren’t even using decoys, but were concentrating on pass-shooting wood ducks. This was in 2005, one of the driest years I could remember in my previous 40 waterfowl seasons. It was so bad, in fact, that most duck hunters had given up on their favorite honey holes. It seemed every hunter was either staying home hoping for rain or was paying high diesel or electric bills to pump water onto a rice 20 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

field. And even the rice fields around our immediate area seem to have fewer ducks than in past years. In either case, you can’t fight Mother Nature. Unseasonable warm weather north of our location stopped many of the large flights of birds. This, coupled with the exceptionally dry weather, made it tough for hunting in our part of Arkansas unless you could pump your own water. But, for better or worse, my son and I are public land hunters— and this was a worse year. In any case, we decided to head out for some wood duck shooting on one of the small bayous that at least had a small trickle of water. Throughout the winter months Arkansas receives rain every few days, or at the least every week, and that’s generally sufficient to keep water in lakes, ponds, and creeks. This particular year seemed a lot worse—or was it? Droughts are a normal occurrence, and just as the high floodwaters arrive in the river bottoms each year, it’s also normal to have droughts. Very few sportsmen seem to remember those dry years, but droughts do occur and it’s best to have a plan. In my plan for dry weather I go to isolated areas along the state’s small bayous. The nice thing about the many miles of bayous throughout the Mississippi Delta is that most are in fact primary highways for the wood duck. These local flyways are traveled on a daily basis and, just like our system of highways; some have more traffic than others. From gravel roads to interstates, the volume of traffic varies. Our

idea this morning was a secondary road away from the crowds that were covering up the local interstate. If you’ve picked the right “road,” the idea is to simply sit down beside a large tree and wait. We typically wear full camouflage clothing and also use a camo net. I like the small camo nets for this type of hunting because they’re light and can be set up in a matter of minutes. If you don’t have a net, you can usually pick up some limbs or something similar to break your outline and not attract the attention of passing birds. With each of us on opposite sides of the tree we have most of the area in sight. Although it sounds like all we did was just run out and sit down by a creek, we actually did a little preparation. About three days prior to the hunt, we spent some time walking along this and two other bayous to determine if wood ducks were even in the area. If you’re hunting on private lands, you obviously will need permission, and if you’re planning to hunt public lands, be sure to read all rules and regulations. Many state wildlife management areas and national wildlife refuge lands may be closed in the afternoons to allow waterfowl some “time off” from motor boats, hunters, and just general disturbance. In either case, some early scouting will help determine which location would be best. For pass shooting, I prefer to place myself along a fairly long stretch of water. In a spot like this, you at least have time

to prepare for a shot. If you’re on a tight bend the ducks may overshoot the bend, and you. Although wood ducks can easily maneuver through standing timber in the woods and make quick turns, they’re more likely to take the path of least resistance—so set up on the long stretches. The wood duck is a migratory bird, and over a normal hunting season most of the ducks you’re hunting on any given day may be from another part of the country. I still consider this species an Arkansas resident, though, because they breed throughout the state, and many remain somewhere within Arkansas year round. You can see how our woodies move by examining returns from individuals banded in Arkansas. Over the past several years wood ducks banded in one Arkansas location have turned up in not only here and in the adjacent states of Mississippi and Louisiana, but west to Texas, east to New Jersey, and even as far north as Manitoba. If you haven’t guessed, this colorful member of the waterfowl family moves extensively, following rivers and stream channels. Throughout Arkansas, and in fact throughout most of the Mississippi River Valley, you’ll find thousands of miles

of small, hidden bayous, or pockets of water in the flooded river bottoms and sloughs, all of which provide hundreds if not thousands of isolated places for wood ducks to go unnoticed. It’s in these isolated areas that I prefer to hunt wood ducks. Unfortunately, many of the hunting areas in Arkansas can get pretty crowded during the 60-day season. A large majority of these waterfowl hunters are actually in pursuit of mallards, which in our state are Number One in both popularity and harvest rates. Depending on what part of the state and what type of area you are hunting, it seem the wood duck is running a close second. If you want to beat crowds and avoid the routine sky-busting, crowding, and all the inconveniences that sometimes go with hunting public hunting areas, you might want to look at the wood duck as your primary quest, particularly in dry years when water is at a premium. While the big public areas are dry, you might find that most of sloughs or bayous may have enough water to provide some shooting opportunity. In those cases, small, isolated holes quickly become premium hunting areas.

If you’re going to pass-shoot these little speed demons of the woodlands, you’ll need some pre-season practice. The wood duck can vary its speed from 39 to 55 miles per hour, with an average of around 47. During migration the speed is lower, because the birds are higher and so theoretically away from danger; by flying at lower speeds they consume less energy. Over the past 20 years I have watched this species flying through the woods and would have bet their speed was twice the average of 47 miles per hour! In any case, if it’s a dry year or you want to avoid the crowds of hunters that are competing around the few remaining water holes for a handful of mallards, why not take a trip into the backcountry and off the beaten path for a pair of wood ducks to fill your limit? Side note: While droughts in the bottomlands of Arkansas appear devastating to the resource, they actually are quite beneficial. Many species of trees such as bald-cypress must have several dry seasons to regenerate effectively. Even oaks living in low areas will have increased survival and excellent regeneration following a dry period. ■

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Natural State Legends

Bobby Murray (right)

Arkansas natives have influenced outdoor recreation in far-reaching ways By Emily Griffin

t’s no surprise that a state as outdoors-oriented as Arkansas has produced its share of legendary names in hunting, fishing, and conservation. The influence of Arkansas natives, and the products they have produced and their accomplishments, stretch beyond the state’s borders—in some cases around the world. The names listed here are well-known to many people, while younger folks or newcomers may not be familiar with them. But if you enjoy the outdoors— duck hunting, fishing for largemouth bass, or canoeing the Buffalo—you should know their stories.

Bobby Murray Bobby Murray of Hot Springs has been a fisherman all his life. While he’s retired from the tournament trail, Murray still finds satisfaction in the sport. Murray earned national attention in 1971 for winning the very first Bassmasters Classic tournament on Lake Mead near Nevada. In 1978 he won the tournament again, in Jackson, Mississippi, using a lure he 22 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

created in his hotel room out of a spoon and some blades from a spinner-bait lure. “One thing every angler dreams of doing is creating the bait no fish can resist,” Murray said. During his career, Murray won more than 40 regional and national tournaments, earned more than $75,000, and received Master Angler status in Alaska for trout and salmon. He also once landed a 964-pound tuna. Today, Murray works for Pradco, a lure company based in Fort Smith, and travels the world training people to use their products. “I’m proud of all the guys,” Murray said, referring to tournament fishers. “Arkansas is a hotbed for anglers. We’ve got a lot of world champs that live right here in Arkansas.”

Forrest L. Wood On any of Arkansas’s waters, look around and you’re bound to see someone fishing in a Ranger boat. Forrest L. Wood and his wife, Nina, operated a

Forrest L. Wood

fishing service in northern Arkansas. Years of guiding caused Wood to dream of what he considered the perfect fishing boat. In 1968 his dream became a reality when the first six Ranger boats were built in what is now the firehouse in downtown Flippin. As demand increased, Wood moved the operations to a larger building on the edge of town. A fire broke out in the building on the night of May 4, 1971, nearly destroying everything. Forty boat orders were salvaged the next day, and Ranger was back in full swing a little over a month later. Today, 30 years later, Ranger boats have become a household name among anglers worldwide. Forrest continues to be very active in promoting products of the famous company he founded and is the namesake behind the renowned Wal-Mart FLW tournament trail and widely marketed line of fishing products. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has honored Wood by naming their nature center in Jonesboro the Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center.

Rollie Remmel Rollie Remmel might be known for his unique hand-made “Rollie Sticks,” but his commitment to saving “momma duck” will be remembered for many years to come. Ducks across America have benefited from the enthusiastic involvement of Remmel with the Ducks Unlimited organization. Spending countless hours fund-raising for the organization and sharing his passion for conserving wetlands with the Greenwings (child DU members) are just a couple of the many contributions Remmel made during his lifetime. Dubbed “Papa Duck” by many members of DU, Remmel began creating his famous “Rollie Sticks” as an item to auction at DU banquets. The walking stick, complete with hand-carved mallard head on top, was always a big seller at the auctions, raising as much as $8,000 in one auction. Remmel also gave the sticks to others in the organization to thank them for their contributions. Remmel died July 2, 2006, but his enthusiasm ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

Rollie Remmel

Ben Pearson

and commitment to conserve wetlands rubbed off on many, landing him a place in the hearts of hunters and conservationists.

around the world. Some of the baits he has created include the Gay Blade, the Boy Howdy, the Red Fin, the Crazy Shad, the Big O, and the Hot Spot. Cordell has been elected into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame.

Cotton Cordell

Dr. Neil Compton

If you love to fish, the name Cotton Cordell is a familiar one. Cotton Cordell lures have caught countless fish, and Cordell is famous among anglers around the world. The story behind the name is probably less well known. Cotton Cordell grew up on Lake Catherine near Hot Springs, working alongside his father on the family’s boat landing. Cordell began purchasing survival kits from B-52 airplanes. The kits contained a knife, razor, twine, bandages, and a bucktail jig made with deer hair. The jig caught his attention and he began to make his own jigs using hair from his English Setter. Cordell began his lure-making career out of the bathroom of his bait and tackle shop. However, the demand for his lures quickly caused him to outgrow that modest space, and Cotton Cordell Lure Company was created. It’s now almost 50 years since his first lure caught a fish in Hot Springs, and his designs are still being used 24 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

Dr. Neil Compton, a physician, environmentalist, writer, and photographer, is renowned as “the man who saved the Buffalo River.” Born in 1912 in Falling Springs Flats, he grew up in Bentonville and graduated from the University of Arkansas, earning degrees in geology and zoology, and later a medical degree. An avid outdoor photographer, Compton took his first boat trip on the Buffalo in 1932 and returned to the river as often as he could. In 1956, the Buffalo River basin was threatened with destruction when the Corps of Engineers renewed plans to build dams that would have turned the freeflowing stream into another large reservoir. Protests by conservationists and fishermen resulted in a survey taken by the National Park Service to determine if the river warranted protection. As president of the Ozark Society, Compton launched a campaign to prevent the damming of the

Dr. Neil Compton

Cotton Cordell river, which included appealing to elected officials, taking journalists on float trips, and leading river cleanups. Then-Gov. Orval Faubus was among those who were converted to the cause of protecting the Buffalo. “Save the Buffalo” bumper stickers appeared on vehicles across Arkansas and surrounding states. On March 1, 1972, Congress passed legislation, which was signed by President Richard Nixon, to create the Buffalo National River, the nation’s first national river. Compton died in 1999, but because of his efforts, people today have the chance to enjoy the beautiful Buffalo in its natural condition—its tall bluffs, gravel bars, streamside forests, clear water, and smallmouth bass still in place.

Ben Pearson Arkansas’s Ben Pearson was to archery what Henry Ford was to the automotive industry. In 1925, Pearson read an article on bow-making. It sparked such an interest that he quickly gathered the materials needed to fashion his first bow. After a little practice, he entered the Arkansas state archery tournament. Though he finished next to last, Pearson wasn’t discouraged. He built a new bow and, with more practice, won the title the following year. Pearson continued making bows and arrows, and

in 1931 he caught the attention of a retired oil tycoon from Oklahoma named Carl Haun, who bought a bow and arrow set for his grandson. Soon Haun and Pearson teamed to form the Ben Pearson Company and mass-produced archery equipment. While starting the business Pearson remained an avid bow hunter, and one particular hunt in the spring of 1965 put his name in the record books.Pearson flew to Kotzebue, Alaska, to hunt polar bears. Flying over the arctic ice, Pearson and his crew spotted a polar bear and landed. After hiking to the area, Pearson got within 70 yards of the bear and drew his bow. One arrow just beneath the belly, and a second shot to shoulder, and the bear was down for keeps. A few days later grizzly season opened, and Pearson was successful a second time, killing a grizzly with an arrow through the chest. Pearson broke records with these hunts, the polar bear and grizzly becoming the world’s largest ever taken with a bow and arrow. Pearson was a talented archer, hunter, engineer and businessman. He has been named to numerous state and national halls of fame. In the 1960’s, as a getaway spot, Pearson built a cabin overlooking a waterfall near Prim, in north-central Arkansas. Ben Pearson Jr., his son, turned the getaway into Longbow Resort, which now features the original cabin and two more, one built over a stream and the other on the point of a narrow ridge. ■ ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

26 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

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Mountain Home natives Kirk Gilbert (left) and Tyler Beustring pose with their buck.

Hunting License and Permit Requirements Note: It is your responsibility to know and comply with Arkansasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hunting regulations. Rules change from time to time, and var y over different parts of the state. For the latest regulations, visit an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission office or go to www.agfc.state.ar.us. If you are 16 years or older, an Arkansas hunting license is required to hunt wildlife 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 28 ARKANSAS WILD â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 2006

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 pay or other value, you must have a guide license. Nonresidents under 16 do not need to purchase a hunting license except in these instances: after bagging a deer, turkey or bear or before hunting or trapping furbearers. In the latter case, a nonresident fur takers permit is required, too.

Hunter Education Requirements A hunter born after 1968 must carry a valid Hunter Education card. Hunters under 16 years do not need to have a card if they are under the direct supervision of a holder of a valid hunting license at least 21 years old. Arkansas honors the home state Hunter Education cards of nonresidents. Call 1-800-482-5795 or consult details of the Hunter Education Program for class schedules. Migratory Bird Hunter Requirements Any waterfowl or coot hunter 16

years or older must carry: 1. a valid Arkansas Waterfowl Stamp (residents: $7.00, nonresidents: $20.00) 2. a federal Migrator y Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp ($15.00), each signed in ink across the face. (See the federal duck stamp website, duckstamps.fws.gov) 3. proof of Arkansas HIP registration and one of the following hunting licenses: $10.50 Resident Wildlife Conservation License (HNT) $25.00 Resident Sportsman’s License (RS) $35.50 Resident Combination Sportsman’s License (CS) $25.00 65+ Resident Sportsman’s License (PLH) $35.50 65+ Resident Combination License (PLC) $25.00 3-year Disabled Sportsman’s License (RDH) $35.50 3-year Disabled Combination License (RDC) $55.00 Nonresident 5-Day Small Game Hunting License (SG5) $80.00 Nonresident Annual Small Game Hunting License (NRH) $100.00 Nonresident 3-Day All Game Hunting License (AG3) $150.00 Nonresident 5-Day All Game Hunting License (AG5) $300.00 Nonresident Annual All Game Hunting License (NBG) $1,000.00 Lifetime Sportsman’s Permit (state stamp not required) (LSP)

obtained by completing a short survey form available from license dealers or any Game and Fish Commission office or by using the online licensing system. Information required includes name, address and date of birth. Hunters will also be asked to provide information on the types of migratory birds hunted last year and how many birds of each type killed. How does it work? All migratory bird hunters in Arkansas over 16 are required to register with the Harvest Information Program. The registration is free and forms are available from license dealers or any Arkansas Game and Fish Commission office. You’ll be

asked to provide information on the types of migratory birds you hunted the previous year and how many of each type you killed. You will receive proof of Arkansas HIP registration, which must be renewed annually. Registration expires June 30 each year. Hunters are required to carry proof of registration when hunting ducks, geese, doves, coots, woodcocks, snipe, rails, gallinules or moorhens. If you hunt migratory birds outside Arkansas, you’ll need to register with each state in which you plan to hunt. HIP is now mandatory nationwide, except in Hawaii. A randomly selected sample of

Harvest Information Program (HIP) What is HIP? In recent years, wildlife biologists and hunters have noted declines in populations of doves, woodcocks, and other migrator y gamebirds. Habitat loss is believed to be the primary problem, but little data is available to support that conclusion. More information is needed to assess the impact of hunter harvest. In response to this need, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has developed HIP, the Harvest Information Program, a nationwide effort to improve small game harvest estimates. Information derived from HIP will improve migratory bird management and ensure that decisions regarding hunting seasons are soundly based on scientific evidence. The registration is free and can be ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

hunters from each state will be asked to complete a more detailed survey of migrator y bird hunting activities. If selected, you’ll receive a letter requesting your cooperation and a form for recording your harvest. After the seasons, participating sportsmen will return their completed forms to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Knowledge is power. Your participation in this program is important to the future of migratory bird hunting. State and federal wildlife agencies have faced opposition from groups concerned about the lack of accurate information on bird populations and hunting statistics. Obtaining this information will ensure that our migratory bird resources—and our hunting tradition—will be around for future generations to enjoy.

falconry and alligator or alligator snapping turtle commerce or farming. Call (501) 223-6456 for information about these licenses or permits. License Retailers Most licenses can be purchased from sporting goods stores, hunting and fishing supplies stores, some discount chains, and the AGFC’s Little Rock or regional offices. You can call 223-6349 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. in the Little Rock area. Or you can call 1-800-364GAME (1-800-364-4263) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please have your credit card and an 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

Waterfowl Guide Scott Heizler of Mountain Restrictions Home poses with his harvest during bow season. Waterfowl guides are prohibited from 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 hunting or fishing privileges become for five days and a $100 permit for the effective immediately and your license full season. Separate permits would be will arrive in the mail in a few days. needed for each WMA the hunter visits. Lifetime and commercial licenses are not available by phone or online. Other Wildlife License Licenses can also be purchased and Permit Requirements online (www.ark.org/agfc/license/ Commercial activities that require index.php). You will be asked to supply a license or permit are: Resident Fur personal information and a Visa or Mastercard number. Dealer ($50), Nonresident Fur Dealer Arkansas big-game hunters are ($200), Commercial Wildlife Breeder/ required to have their actual license Dealer’s Permit ($25), Commercial with record of game in their possession Hunting Resort Permit ($500), Special before hunting. Big game includes Commercial Quail Permit ($25) and deer, bear, turkey, and elk. Commercial (Gamebird) Shooting In the past, hunters who purchased Resort ($150). These licenses expire licenses over the telephone could have on June 30th. a confirmation number and carry it Other wildlife activities that with them while hunting. Sportsmen require a license or permit include 30 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

have to have their actual license in hand while hunting big game. Hunters who purchase their license via the Internet can use their confirmation number to hunt small game until they receive their license in the mail. The license hunters print out on their home computer is valid for 14 days after purchase to hunt small game. 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 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 licenses: resident foreign exchange students attending school outside of Arkansas; nonr esident foreign exchange students attending school in Arkansas; residents of Arkansas enrolled as fulltime 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 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.

License Prices & Descriptions Resident Hunting Licenses Resident Sportsman’s License entitles the holder to hunt all game

species using modern gun, muzzleloader or archery, and to take a total bag limit of deer. Valid one year from date of purchase. RS $25.00 Resident Wildlife Conservation License entitles the holder to hunt furbearers, migratory birds, quail, rabbit, and squirrel and to take one deer using modern gun. Valid one year from date of purchase. HNT $10.50 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. NBG $300.00 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. AG5 $150.00 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. AG3 $100.00 Nonresident Annual Small Game Hunting License entitles the holder to hunt migratory birds, quail, rabbit, and squirrels. State and federal waterfowl stamps must also be purchased to hunt waterfowl. Valid one year from date of purchase. NRH $80.00 Nonresident 5-Day Small Game Hunting License entitles the holder to hunt migratory birds, quail, rabbit, and squirrel for the five-day period specified. State and federal waterfowl stamps must also be purchased to hunt waterfowl. SG5 $55.00 Miscellaneous Permits/Stamps N o n r e s i d e n t F u r Ta k e r ’ s Permit entitles a holder of a nonresident hunting license to hunt and trap furbearers. Valid one year from date of purchase. Nonresident youths under 16 must purchase this permit plus a nonresident hunting license to hunt or trap furbearers. NFT $100.00 Arkansas Waterfowl Stamp (Resident) entitles Arkansas resident hunting license holders to hunt water-

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fowl. Not required of youths under 16 or holders of a non-expiring $1,000 Lifetime Resident Sportsman Permit. Stamp must be signed across the face in ink. Federal Duck Stamp and HIP registration are also required. Expires June 30th. DSR $7.00 Arkansas Waterfowl Stamp (Nonresident) entitles nonresident hunting license holders to hunt waterfowl. Not required of youths under 16 or holders of a non-expiring $1,000 Lifetime Resident Sportsman Permit. Stamp must be signed across the face in ink. Federal Duck Stamp and HIP registration are also required. Expires June 30th. DSN $20.00 Leased Land Permits Leased lands permits are available for $20.00 each. A permit entitles the hunting license holder to hunt, trap, and camp on leased lands. State and county roads are exempted from the permit requirement. Youths under 16 years are not required to have a permit. Permits are valid one year from the date of purchase. Maps of leased properties are provided when permits are purchased. Permit holders should be aware that the areas covered in the permit are “working forests” and that forestmanagement activities may be taking place. Permit holders enter these properties at their own risk. Some areas have limited access and it becomes the hunter’s responsibility to obtain permission to access adjacent private landowner’s property. Big Timber Leased Lands Permit entitles the hunting license holder to hunt, 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. LBT $20.00 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. LCJ $20.00 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 32 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

date of purchase. Map available from license dealer. LCH $20.00 Gum Flats Leased Lands Permit entitles the hunting license holder to hunt, trap or camp on Gum Flats Leased Lands (not required of youths under 16 years). Valid one year from date of purchase. Map available from license dealer. LGF $20.00 Lafayette Leased Lands Permit entitles the hunting license holder to hunt, trap or camp on Lafayette Leased Lands Dustin Small, now age 12, proudly poses with his 17 pound Jake killed near Norfork Dam

(not required of youths under 16 years). Valid one year from date of purchase. Map available from AGFC. LLC $20.00 Provo Leased Lands Permit entitles the hunting license holder to hunt, trap or camp on Provo Leased Lands (not required of youths under 16 years). Valid one year from date of purchase. Map available from license dealer. LPR $20.00 Hunting Guide Licenses The following Hunting Guide Licenses can be purchased only at one of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Regional Offices including Little Rock. Resident Guide License entitles an Arkansas resident to guide hunters, for pay or other consideration, on land not owned or leased by AGFC. Hunting guide licenses expire June 30 and do not include hunting privileges. GLH $25.00 Resident Special Guide License entitles an Arkansas resident, who provides proof of at least one year’s residency, to guide hunters, but not waterfowl hunters,

for pay or other consideration, on land owned or leased by AGFC. There is no nonresident equivalent of this license. Hunting guide licenses expire June 30 and do not include hunting privileges. GLS $150.00 Nonresident Guide License/ Hunting entitles a nonresident to guide hunters, for pay or other consideration, on land not owned or controlled by AGFC. Hunting guide licenses expire June 30 and do not include hunting privileges. GNH $150.00 Reciprocal Agreements with Adjacent States Mississippi and Arkansas jointly recognize the validity of Arkansas resident hunting licenses on Mississippi lands that lie west of the main channel of the Mississippi River. Mississippi resident hunting licenses are valid on Arkansas lands that lie east of the main channel. Resident license holders of either state may hunt migratory waterfowl 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 and their oxbows are excluded from this agreement. Floodwater which has overflowed natural banks is not included in this agreement. Hunters must obey the regulations of the state in which hunting occurs. 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 may not 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 regulations of the state that issues the license. Holders of nonresident licenses issued by either state have the same privileges as a licensed resident. ■

It’s waiting for

Hunter Education A hunter born after 1968 must carry a valid hunter education card. Hunters under the age of 16 do not need to have a card if they are under the direct supervision of a holder of a valid hunting license at least age 21. Hunter education courses are offered in communities throughout the state. Visit the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website at www.agfc.state.ar.us for a complete list of courses offered. In addition to community classes, the AGFC offers online classes and classes on CDROM. Students participating in the online self-study course are required to complete each section of the online application. Once complete, a report can be generated that will allow the student to take the final examination located at different sites around the state. Students must show a copy of the completed report when they take the final examination. Students studying via CD-ROM are required to complete each section of the CD-ROM. Once all sections are complete, a report can be generated which will allow the student to take the final examination at different sites around the state. Students must show a copy of the completed report when they take the final examination. To request a CD-ROM, email Joe Huggins, Program Coordinator, at jghuggins@agfc. state.ar.us, or call the AGFC office at 1-800-482-5795. Be sure to include your complete mailing address in your email. Upon receiving your request, the Hunter Education CD-ROM will be mailed to you. Visit the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Web site at www.agfc.state.ar.us to find a test site in your community. Arkansas honors the homestate hunter education cards of nonresidents.

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1-866-926-2420 Warranty offer equals 6-month Limited Factory Warranty plus 18-month Yamaha Extended Service (beneﬁt offered to Florida residents is a 24 month Yamaha Limited Warranty). 2500lb. Warn Winch offer available through participating Yamaha dealers only, Aug. 1, 2006 through Dec. 31, 2006, and good on any new 2007 (or new prior year, excluding Bruin 250) Grizzly 700 4x4, Grizzly 660 4x4, Grizzly 400 4x4, Big Bear 400 4x4, Grizzly 350 IRS 4x4, Grizzly 350 4x4, and Grizzly 350 2WD. Dealer participation may affect this offer. Installation not included. ATVs with engines 90cc or greater are recommended for use only by riders age 16 years 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 1-800-887-2887. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Always avoid paved surfaces. Never ride on public roads. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Never carry passengers. Never engage in stunt riding. Riding and alcohol/ drugs don’t mix. Avoid excessive speed. And be particularly careful on difﬁcult terrain. ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

GEAROFOFTHE THEYEAR Must have items for Fall. By Emily Griffin

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2 3 7 Pentax Optio W10 is a waterproof digital camera for those who seek adventure indoors and out. The 6.0 megapixels camera offers a reflection-free LCD allowing optimal viewing in outdoor settings. With ultra-fast autofocus features and high-quality video, this camera is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. $299 at Bedford Camera and Video (www.bedfords.com).

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Continuing the tradition of performance, the Swamplite ATV tire in 6-ply rating cuts a new standard of excellence in mud, snow, and hardpack. Distinctly designed with all features contributing to excellent versatile performance and lighter ground disturbance than many tires with lesser capabilities. Starting at $58.00 at Cabot Tire and Off Road (285 Arena Rd., Cabot). Alltel has introduced the new Fastap™ technology on the new LG AX 490 phone. “Built for speed,” the phone, shaped like a NASCAR racecar when folded, allows for dual levels of functionality by integrating the traditional 12-number keypad with raised buttons for each letter of the alphabet. Faster access to mobile phone-based applications including Text Messaging, Instant Messaging, Picture and Video Messaging and Web

34 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

Browsing is the idea. $29.99 online after rebates and with a new 2-year service agreement (www.alltel.com). New Natural Gear WinterCeptor Fleece Jacket and Bibs is windproof and water resistant by construction and is made of 400-gram micro fleece. The jacket has two zippered handwarmer pockets and cadet style collar to keep drafts out. The bib has two slip-in handwarmer pockets, two zippered front pockets, one zippered rear pocket, and leg zippers to the knees. $59.99 each by Natural Gear (www.naturalgear.com) Call 1-501-228-5590 or 1-800-590-5590 for a dealer near you.

The handheld Garmin eTrex GPS is truly a small wonder. The eTrex offers a 12 parallel channel GPS receiver in a six-ounce package that is only four inches high and two inches wide. All five buttons are located on either side of the unit, allowing for simple, one-handed operation that won't obstruct your view of the display. The eTrex will store up to 500 user waypoints with graphic icons and boasts Garmin's exclusive TracBack® feature that will reverse your track log and help you navigate your way back home. In addition, the eTrex uses animated graphics that

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will help you identify your marked waypoints quickly and easily. $98.86 at Gander Mountain in Sherwood (www. gandermountain.com). Add extra versatility to any ATV with the Moose Bucket Storage Trunk. The trunk easily mounts with supplied stainless steel u-bolts and quick release knobs, and accommodates two standard five-gallon buckets. In addition to the buckets, two sidesaddle compartments provide spacious water-resistant storage, along with two cup holders allowing for up to a 32 oz. beverage and a soft foam back rest to give riders the ultimate in comfort. An insert box is designed to nest in the bucket storage area and can also be used as a front storage box. $369.95 at North Little Rock Honda (4524 McArthur; 501-758-1339).

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Your utility vehicle can become a true multi-purpose vehicle when you consider the many accessories available. A winch is good insurance for your UTV. When you find yourself stuck in the mud or if you're climbing a hill and realize you can't make it, a winch can really save your bacon. Whether you’re cutting timber, doing construction work, or hunting big game, the capability to lift or pull 1,500 to 4000 pounds can really come in handy. This

winch comes with a six-foot cord that allows you to control the winch while pulling your UTV out of a mud hole as you stand on dry ground. $499 plus installation at Capitol Equipment (7200 Landers Road, Sherwood, 501-8349999; and I-30 at Reynolds Road, Bryant, 501-847-3310).

If you need a few spare tires for your ATV at a great price look no further than Richards Honda Yamaha. The store is selling their ATV “Take Off” tires (stock tires that have never been used) starting at $50. Brands include Ohtsu, Bridgestone, Dunlop, Maxxis, Goodyear, and Yamaha Rhino. For information on sizes and prices call Richards Honda Yamaha at 501-5620910.

Now with clear-coated graphics, ride in style with the Fly Racing Venom Helmet. The all new “QuickSnap” plush absorbent removable washable liner, high-flow chrome mouthpiece, adjustable flow-through visor, goggle grabbers, a lightweight and tough composite shell, and 35mm cheek pads will provide you with comfort and safety. This helmet is also available in silver and black, and blue and silver. $79.95 at Hot Springs Yamaha (619 Albert Pike, Hot Springs, 501-624-5414).

ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

Hide-and-seek on a Global Scale The new sport of geocaching takes players anywhere and everywhere By Emily Griffin

f you hide it, they will come. Geocachers that is, participating in what can be described as an international game of hide-and-seek. Geocaching is a game that makes use of the precision navigational capabilities of the Global Positioning System (GPS). The idea is simple: Individuals and organizations hide “caches” (containers with one or more items) and share the locations on the internet. GPS users can then use location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. GPS, which uses satellites to send signals to hand-held direction-finding units, was developed for the military, and originally was unavailable to the public. Later, a “dumbed-down” version of GPS was released, and eventually the present system became available, allowing users to find locations within just a few feet. In 2000, Dave Ulmer, a computer consultant, created the first cache near Portland, Oregon. Ulmer’s “Great American GPS Stash Hunt,” as he called it, involved hiding a container in the woods and recording the coordinates with a GPS unit. When someone found the container, he or she could “take some stuff and leave some stuff.” Along with a logbook and pencil, Ulmer left various prize items including videos, books, software, and a slingshot. By posting his idea and the cache coordinates online, he inspired people around the world to participate in what is now called geocaching. Its participants have become known as geocachers. Using GPS, geocachers hide a cache and post the coordinates on 36 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

"Travel bugs" are sometimes found in geocaches.

a geocaching web site. Anyone with a GPS can par ticipate in the game. Simply log on to a geocaching web site, enter the coordinates into your GPS, and you’re off. Geocachers will leave no stone unturned while looking for caches. They can be found under rocks or inside tree stumps, and can range in size from a film canister to a military ammo box. The cache will never be left out in the open, so be sure to consider good hiding spots while looking for the cache. In some areas, geocaching has become so popular that officials have become concerned about harm to natural resources. Caches should never be hidden in places sensitive to ecological disturbance. Some national forests, for example, have imposed rules about geocaching, requiring a special-use permit and forbidding caches in developed recreation areas and research natural areas. Caches can’t be buried, and must be removed if the number of searchers causes a trail to form. All caches must be moved after one year. To be on the safe side, if you’re considering placing a cache in a park or other natural area, check with staffers for regulations and restrictions. Types of caches include offset caches, multicaches, and virtual caches. An offset cache leads to coordinates found on a marker that lead to the real cache. The first cache of a multicache will include coordinates, or part of the coordinates, needed to take the geocacher to the next cache. Virtual caches are usually some type of landmark. Once the cache is found,

geocachers should log their find in the logbook provided in the cache. Many caches will include items for geocachers to take (toys, pencils, buttons, etc.). If an item is taken, though, something else should be left in its place and logged in the logbook. Never leave food, weapons, alcohol, or any harmful or inappropriate items. Geocachers might also find a “travel bug.” Travel bugs are small items with a geocache dog tag attached. The travel bugs act as hitchhikers, usually on a destination to a specific location or specific cache. If one is found it should be taken and

logged into the logbook. By typing in the tag number on a geocaching web site, cachers can find where the travel bug has been and where it’s headed. The travel bug should then be placed in the next cache you visit to keep it moving toward its destination. Finding the cache is only part of the fun. Getting to the cache in some cases can make for some very memorable adventures. Many caches can be found in parks, but hiking through the woods, wading across creek beds, and driving down bumpy dirt roads may be part of the task. Old country churches, rusted railroad signs, or historical landmarks may be near the cache. Be sure to take the time to look around and enjoy the beauty and history of the area. Some recent caches hidden are listed below: Bell Slough Wildlife Management Area Coordinates: N 34.56:466, W 092.24:691. This virtual cache takes you along a nature trail with interpretive signs about trees and wildlife. Canuhearmenow Coordinates:

N 34.53:047, W 092.14:187. This multicache takes you through two caches before you find the final cache, which contains a disposable camera. Take your photo with the camera and the photos will be displayed later on. This cache is located in a very busy area with many muggles (non-geocachers). Fun for Fido and the Family Coordinates: N 34.50:434, W 092.27:638. This cache is for the dogs! Items in A wide variety of "treasures" can be found in a cache (like this cache are items for the one shown here). Remember, if you take an item, your pet. If you plan to leave an item and never leave food, weapons, alcohol, or take one of the items, any harmful or inappropriate items. replace it with another For more information on these and dog-appropriate item. other caches visit: www.geocaching. Eureka!!! Coordinates: N com, www.arkansasstateparks.com/ 36.26.032, W 093.45:428.Placed near things/geocache, and www.agfc.state. one of the largest hand-cut native limear.us/education/geocaching.html. stone dams in the country, this cache is Good hunting! ■ hidden near a 100-acre spring-fed lake.

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Don’t Pack the Lures Away When Cold Weather Arrives Winter Bass Fishing Can be Fun and Productive By Emily Griffin

inter bass fishing can be a great time to catch some extremely large fish, as well as a rewarding way to escape cabin fever. Just because cold weather is moving in doesn’t mean the bass quit biting. In fact, many anglers look forward to cold-weather bass fishing. You may have to work a little harder to get at bite, but when you do, chances are it’ll be a big one! Studies show that in cold weather fish move deeper, where the water is warmer. (Wouldn’t you?) Fishing around 45 feet deep and along bluff banks has proved successful for many anglers. Another good piece of advice is simply to fish more slowly than usual. Because the water is cooler, fish (which, after all, are cold-blooded) will move only a minimal distance for food. Using fast-moving bait is less likely to get you bites. Large, slow-moving baits are key. Jigs, pork baits, and plastic worms work best. Try keeping a few baits in your pocket to keep them warm. Keeping soft plastic baits warm will make them easier to work with in and out of the water. A few bodies of water to keep in mind for winter bass fishing include the Buffalo National River, Bull Shoals Lake, DeGray Lake, Lake Norfork, Lake Ouachita, and the Mulberry River. Buffalo National River If it’s smallmouth you’re looking for, look no further than the Buffalo National River. The Buffalo is known for its beautiful scenery, and winter is no exception. As the temperatures drop, the noisy tourists in their canoes will fade away, giving anglers a peaceful fishing environment. With its clear, clean water, the Buffalo is sure to

38 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

provide plenty smallmouth to catch. The Buffalo runs from Boxley to its confluence with the White River at Buffalo City. Bull Shoals Lake Bull Shoals Lake and the White River below its dam have become known for their great year-round fishing, the latter for trout that thrive in the cold water released from deep in the lake. Largemouth bass, spotted bass, and white bass can be found in Bull Shoals Lake. With bass weighing up to 12 pounds, it’s no wonder that largemouth fishing is popular here. Black bass fishing is at its best between September and May. Bull Shoals encompasses nearly 1,000 miles of rugged shoreline and is located just outside Mountain Home in north-central Arkansas. Lake Norfork Striped bass in the 25- to 40pound range are caught each year on Lake Norfork, which was formed by a dam on the North Fork of the White River. Like its neighbor, Bull Shoals Lake, Norfork known for its great black bass fishing from September to May. Lake Norfork is located just outside Mountain Home in northcentral Arkansas. DeGray Lake With 15 boat-launching ramps on its shores, DeGray attracts anglers from all over to enjoy largemouth and hybrid bass fishing. The lodge at DeGray State Park is a comfortable place to stay, and there are plenty of campgrounds, too.

DeGray Lake is located near Arkadelphia along State Scenic 7 Byway. Lake Ouachita Lake Ouachita is Arkansas’s largest lake, with countless coves for privacy and islands for primitive camping. Ouachita consistently ranks high nationally for largemouth bass fishing. Ouachita’s clear waters are also full of striped bass. Located west of Hot Springs, Ouachita has a state park on its banks, as well as many campgrounds and private resorts that cater to anglers. Mulberry River The Mulberry is known for being one of the state’s wildest whitewater rivers for floaters during high water. The rest of the year, though, the river puts on a different face. Stretching 55 miles from Ozone to Mulberry, the river hosts smallmouth bass in its upper reaches, and largemouth and spotted bass where it approaches its confluence with the Arkansas River. ■

Safety First—Especially in Winter As with any outdoor activity, winter fishing requires that you keep a few things in mind for your own safety. First, check the weather before you leave the house. Fresh snow falling silently into the lake may seem like a tranquil fishing environment, but the cold temperatures can cause boat ramps to freeze and the floor of your boat to become very slippery. Dress in layers so you can adjust once you’re settled. You’d also be wise to bring along a windbreaker, waterproof wear, and an extra pair of socks in case you step in the water as you’re launching. Remember that cotton clothing provides no insulation when it gets wet. Dress in synthetics or wool. Always have your personal floatation device handy! Never fish alone. Always take a buddy along. Let someone know where you will be and how long you plan to be gone.

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Fishing License and Permit Requirements Note: It is your responsibility to know and comply with Arkansas’s fishing regulations. Rules change from time to time, and vary over different parts of the state. For the latest regulations, visit an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission office or go to www.agfc.state.ar.us. If you are 16 years or older, an Arkansas 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 nonresident, 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 501-2236386 for a copy of Commercial Fishing Regulations.

tification 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 or online. Licenses can now be purchased online (www.ark. org/agfc/license/index.php). You will be asked to supply personal information and a Visa or Mastercard number. The license itself will be printed on your home printer.

License Retailers Most licenses can be purchased from sporting goods stores, hunting and fishing supplies stores, some discount chains, and the AGFC’s Little Rock or regional offices. You can call 223-6349 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. in the Little Rock area. Or you can call 1-800-364-GAME (1800-364-4263) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please have your credit card and an identification number ready. Your iden-

Resident License Qualifications 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 fulltime enrollment in schools, colleges or universities while hunting or fishing in Arkansas) are eligible to purchase a resident licenses: resident foreign exchange students attending

40 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

License Expiration Unless it is a 3-, 7- or 14day license, one year from the date of purchase. License Replacement You may be able to get a replacement for a lost license at a reduced cost. Call 501-2236349 for details.

Weighing in with 7 pounds, 6 ounces, the largest catch of the final day, Scott Rook of Little Rock walked away $250,000 richer. The four day Citgo BASSMASTERS Legends tournament was held in Little Rock in September.

school 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 granted resident privileges for hunting and fishing. Activeduty ser vicemen 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. Lifetime License Qualifications 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 65 Plus Lifetime trout permit (purchased once after age 65) must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. Proof of applicant’s age and three years Arkansas residency

is required to apply for this license. 65 Plus Lifetime Combination License - PLC ($35.50) entitles Arkansas residents 65 years of age and older to the privileges of the Resident Sportsman’s License (hunting) and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License (fishing). HIP registration is required to hunt migratory gamebirds. To hunt waterfowl, a 65 Plus Lifetime waterfowl permit (purchased once after age 65) and federal waterfowl stamps are required in addition to HIP. A lifetime

Trout permit (purchased once after age 65) must also be purchased to fish in certain waters. Proof of applicant’s age and three years Arkansas residency is required to apply for this license. These two licenses are available from the commission’s Little Rock office or AGFC regional offices. If you wish to purchase a license in

person, bring proof of your age, such as a driver’s license, birth certificate or military record and proof of three years Arkansas residency, such as property assessments, Arkansas income tax forms, driver’s licenses etc. Applications and information are available by calling 1-800-364-4263 or (501) 223-6388 in the Little Rock area Monday-Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Lifetime licenses are not available by phone order or online. Non-Expiring Lifetime Resident Hunting and Fishing Sportsman’s Permit - LSP ($1,000.00) entitles purchasers of any age to the privileges of the Resident Kevin Short of Sportsman’s License Mayflower greets (hunting) and the his fans on stage resident Fisheries during the Citgo C o n s e r v a t i o n BASSMASTERS Legends tourna- License (fishing). ment in Little Rock F e e s f o r t r o u t in September. Short permits, leased land placed third in the permits, elk permits, tournament. state water fowl stamps and wildlife management area permit 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. This permit is available only from

Boating Education Mandatory boating education began January 1, 2001. This law affects operators of sailboats and motor-powered craft. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986, and of legal age to operate a motorboat, must have successfully completed an approved Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Boating Education Course and carry proof while operating a motorboat or sailboat on Arkansas water. The Arkansas boating education course teaches the fundamentals of safe and responsible boating. This is necessar y to reduce loss of life, personal injur y, and proper ty damage while increasing boating enjoyment for outdoor

enthusiasts. The basic six-hour boating course includes: Arkansas boating law; boat classification; registration and trailering; personal flotation devices (life jackets, etc.); rules of the road; maintenance; and boating accidents. Boating education courses are offered throughout the state. The “Boat Arkansas” boating safety video or DVD home-study course, and the online course on boat and PWC (jet ski) safety, are now available as official online courses of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. For a list of courses in your community or to request a “Boat Arkansas” video or DVD visit the AGFC Web site www.agfc.state.ar.us. ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

the commission’s Little Rock office. If you wish to apply in person, bring proof of identification and residency, such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, marriage license or militar y record. Applications are available at AGFC regional offices or by calling 1-800-364-4263 (223-6388 in the Little Rock area). Lifetime licenses are not available by phone order or online. Proof of one year Arkansas residency is required to apply for this license. 3-Year Disability License Resident 3-Year Disability Fishing License ($10.50) entitles all 100% totally and permanently disabled persons privileges of the Resident Fisheries Conservation License. A trout permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. Certification will be accepted from Social Security, Veteran’s Affairs or Railroad Retirement. Proof of one year Arkansas residency is required to apply for this license. Valid for three years from date of purchase, recertification is required for license renewal. Resident 3-Year Disability C o m b i n a t i o n L i c e n s e - RDC ($35.50) entitles all 100 percent totally and permanently disabled persons privileges of the Resident Sportsman’s License (hunting) and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License (fishing). HIP registration is required to hunt migratory gamebirds. To hunt waterfowl, state and federal waterfowl stamps are required in addition to HIP. A Trout permit must also be purchased to fish in certain waters. Certification will be accepted from Social Security, Veteran’s Affairs or Railroad Retirement. Proof of one year Arkansas residency is required to apply for this license. Valid for three years from date of purchase, recertification is required for license renewal. These two licenses are available only from the commission’s Little Rock office. If you wish to purchase a license, bring proof of one year Arkansas residency, such as driver’s licenses, state ID, property assessments, Arkansas income tax forms, and acceptable proof of disability. Applications and information are available by calling 1800-364-4263 or (501) 223-6349 in the Little Rock area Monday-Friday, 42 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. 3Year Disability licenses are not available by phone order or online. Resident Fishing Licenses 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. FSH $10.50 Resident 3-Day Trip Fishing License entitles a resident to fish the waters of the state with noncommercial tackle for the 3 day period specified. A resident trout permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. RT3 $6.50 Resident Trout Per mit is required to retain trout or to fish in certain waters in addition to a Resident Fisheries Conser vation License, a Resident Trip License, a Resident Combination Sportsman’s License or a Lifetime Fishing License. Not required for holders of the non-expiring $1000 Lifetime Resident Hunting and Fishing Sportsman’s Permit. No stamp will be issued. TPR $5.00 Resident Guide License, Fishing is required of any person who guides, aids or assists another person, for pay or other consideration, in the taking of fish. This license does not include fishing privileges. GLF $25.00 White River Border Lakes License entitles Arkansas resident fishing license holders to fish in Missouri waters of Bull Shoals, Norfork and Table Rock Lakes without having to purchase a nonresident fishing license from Missouri. WRL $10.00 Nonresident Fishing Licenses Nonresident Trout Permit is required of a nonresident to retain trout or to fish in certain waters in addition to a Nonresident Annual or Trip Fishing License. No stamp will be issued. TPN $12.00 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. NRF $40.00 Nonresident 3-Day Trip Fishing License entitles a nonresident to fish the waters of the state with noncommercial

tackle for the 3-day period specified. A nonresident trout permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. NT3 $11.00 Nonresident 7-Day Trip Fishing License entitles a nonresident to fish the waters of the state with noncommercial tackle for the 7-day period specified. A nonresident trout permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. NT7 $17.00 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 or to fish in certain waters.N14 $22.00 Nonresident Guide License, Fishing is required of any person 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 ■

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Prairie Grove

Cossatot River

Cotter Bridge 44 ARKANSAS WILD â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 2006

Fall

in Arkansas PHOTOGRAPHER A.C. (CHUCK) HARALSON CAPTURES THE ESSENCE OF ARKANSAS

Lake Catherine ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

North Little Rock's Old Mill

Little Rock Skyline

46 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

Arkansas State Fair

Harrison Courthouse

Petit Jean State Park ARKANSAS WILD â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 2006

The prairie pothole region is vital for the species sought by Arkansas duck hunters.

Our Precious Northern Prairies: The Demise of a Critical Link to Arkansas J. Brian Davis, PhD, Regional Biologist, Ducks Unlimited

he heart of a magnificent landscape called the prairie pothole region, or northern prairies, lies about a thousand miles north of Arkansas. This impressive landmass extends northwesterly from northern Iowa to western Alberta, Canada. Retreating glaciers some 12,000 years ago sculpted this regal terrain of rolling hills and diverse wetlands encompassing more than 276,000 square miles. Following glacial retreat, the climate warmed and permitted a sea of grasses, forbs (non-grass herbaceous vegetation), and wildflowers to flourish along rolling hills. Retreating ice also caused the ground to slump and form depressions, resulting in pothole-like wetlands. Insects, birds, and mammals discovered the new upland and aquatic habitats. Grasses and other plants were fodder for large buffalo herds that migrated across the prairie as the seasons changed. Lightning often ignited uncontrolled wildfires. Wildfires and wet and dry periods every seven to ten years, the most significant influences of prairie function, helped shape plant succession

48 ARKANSAS WILD â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 2006

and overall ecology of the prairies. Sometime after grasslands and wetlands appeared, wayfaring ducks, probably from ice-free southern North America, Europe, and elsewhere, discovered the Great Plains. Today, prairie pothole country is critical to at least 12 of the 34 species of ducks in North America. Fifty to 80 percent of the primary species of hunted ducks are produced here, although the region accounts for only ten percent of the breeding habitat in North America. The pothole region is vital for mallards, pintails, and other species coveted by Arkansas hunters. Also importantly, over 200 species of songbirds, wading birds, and other species rely on this region. In spring, parts of the prairie overwhelm the eye, as more than 200 species of grasses, flowering forbs, and other plants paint panoramic vistas. More than just buffalo were migrating about the prairie pothole region by the mid-1800s. Despite winter harshness, human settlers discovered the fertile soils of the plains, which paved the way for agricultural conversion. Prior to human settlement, it is

estimated that nearly 20 million acres of the region consisted of pothole wetlands, which may have covered 40 to 60 percent of the landscape. Today, at least half of the pothole wetlands have been drained or negatively impacted, and more than 33,000 acres may be lost annually. More alarming is that grasslands are under even greater siege. In North and South Dakota alone, nearly 200,000 acres of native prairie were destroyed between 20022004. Native prairie that has stood for 12,000 years and never been farmed is now being plowed and planted to marginal crops at alarming rates. These loss trends should spook anyone with a passion for the plants and animals of the northern prairies and North America. Some populations of ducks and other birds are at risk because the oncelarge expanse of grassland is now being destroyed and lost forever. Ducks that migrate through and winter in Arkansas and other areas return to the prairie potholes in spring and search for ideal nesting conditions. Ducks seek out shallowly flooded wetlands and large tracts of grassland, habitats that are currently

threatened by conversion to cropland. Why so much grass? In pristine times, the animal community was largely wolves and bison, two species that certainly benefited ducks and other birds because they helped maintain grassland health. After we eliminated the large mammals from the prairie, smaller animals such as coyotes became widespread. Wolves and coyotes roam large areas and generally do not prey on ducks and other birds. But as grasslands disappear, it is easier for smaller mammals such as foxes, raccoons, skunks, and ground squirrels to move in. The red fox is an efficient predator of birds, and is especially adept at catching nesting ducks. Smaller mammals such as raccoons did not reach the prairies until about the mid1950s, when culverts, barns, and other structures offered them refuge from winter weather. These changes have made nesting ducks and other birds especially vulnerable to predation. Mallards and other ducks usually lay one egg per day and produce 9-12 eggs. Thereafter, ducks incubate their eggs for another 26-28 days, depending on the species. This is ample time for predators to detect ducks and nests, especially in smaller tracts of grassland. Large expanses of grassland allow ducks to distribute their nests over the landscape and more efficiently hide from predators. Generally, it is more cumbersome for smaller mammals to roam over a large area to find food. Why is the prairie continually being whittled away? One reason is improved technology and genetically modified crops. New soybeans and other crops are more drought-tolerant and unaffected by herbicides. These factors are permitting crops to be grown in previously unsuitable areas. Retreating glaciers also left behind large rocks that can be found at the soil surface and subsurface. Areas that were extremely rocky previously remained unfarmed and in pristine condition or were grazed by cattle. However, incentives to grow new varieties of crops and new machinery capable of extracting large rocks have brought new threats to the prairies. For some farmers, it is now more lucrative to extract boulders from pristine prairie for crop production, versus maintaining the cattle grazing that has been more favorable to wildlife. In addition, lands enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

Unlimited is proposing a “Sodsaver” are also at risk. The CRP was initiated provision to Congress in the next Farm in 1985 and was developed to retire Bill. This provision would eliminate all marginal farmland from production. subsidy support, including conservation Lands were enrolled under 10- or 15and commodity payments, where native year agreements and have been a great prairie was destroyed. Although Farm Bill benefit for ducks and other fauna and subsidies are essential to farmers to make flora. In 2007, contracts will expire a profit in today’s economy, Congress did on 2.8 million acres of restored CRP not intend for these programs to facilitate grassland in the Dakotas and Montana. plowing native prairie. Sodsaver would Options for re-enrollment have been put the risk of breaking native prairie on offered on only 48 percent those acres. the producer, remove the federal governOn acres expiring in 2008 and 2010, it ment’s role in subsidizing the loss of is even worse: Less than 10 percent of native grassland, and relieve the American these lands may be re-enrolled. taxpayers of the fiscal burden. Loss of grasslands and wetlands in Ducks Unlimited is also working the northern prairies can significantly to ensur e continuation of the influence duck populations and hunting Conservation Reserve Program in seasons. Sound science predicts that the 2007 Farm Bill. CRP has greatly fewer wetlands and grasslands equals a benefited the plains of Montana, decline in duck and other bird populaNorth Dakota, and South Dakota, tions. Ducks Unlimited has aligned with as well as the wildlife species that conservation partners such as the Nature depend on grassland habitat. Millions Conservancy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife of acres of restored grassland have Service, University of Montana, and changed the landscapes of the prairie South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks pothole region, and ducks have been a in research efforts to examine the scope primary beneficiary. Continuing CRP of the problem. Researchers monitored will ensure that the important grassnearly 65,000 separate 40-acre tracts land acres in the prairies continue to of native prairie, dating back to 1984. produce the fall flights we saw in the The results are discouraging in that the late 1990s and early 2000s. average rate of grassland loss is 0.6 percent per year. In some important areas, over 2 percent of Rollie “Papa Duck” prairie is lost per Remmel Memorial Banquet year. Although 2 percent doesn’t The Doubletree Hotel in Little Rock sound like much, if loss continues at Join the Ducks Unlimited organization Friday, that rate, half of the Oct. 13, at the Doubletree Hotel in Little Rock for a remaining grassmemorial banquet honoring Rollie Remmel. Remland will be lost in mel died July 2, 2006, but his dedication and enthu34 years. siasm to conserve wetlands rubbed off on many. What is Ducks Ducks across America have benefited from the Unlimited doing to gracious involvement of Remmel with the Ducks Unameliorate prairie limited organization. Spending countless hours fundhabitat loss? In addiraising for the organization and sharing his passion tion to aggressive for conserving wetlands with the Greenwings (child research, we mainDU members) are just a couple of the many contributain open dialogue tions Remmel made during his lifetime. with a variety of Remmel is also known for his handmade “Rollie conservation and Sticks,” walking sticks complete with hand-carved commodity partmallard head on top. These items were always a big ners to help develop seller at the DU auctions and raised as much as sound agricultural $8,000 in one auction. policy to benefit For more information contact Steve Cook at both producers 501-332-5555. and ducks. Ducks ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

Only from the air can the real extent of prairie wetlands be appreciated.

In addition to important work on policy, Ducks Unlimited has a strong conservation program called Grasslands for Tomorrow, a long-term approach to habitat conservation in the prairies. Over the next 15 years, DU’s goal is to protect two million acres of the best waterfowl habitat, at an estimated cost of $120 million. This is one of the most ambitious, but critical, conservation initiatives ever undertaken on behalf of waterfowl and prairie wildlife. Because the nature of each property and the financial status of landowners differ, we employ two principal approaches to land protection: donated conservation easements and fee-title acquisition. First, when property is not for sale or the landowner is not in a position to donate a conservation easement, a perpetual grassland easement may be purchased from that willing landowner. In exchange for a onetime payment, the landowner enters into a legal agreement that prevents him/her and all future owners from ever plowing the grassland identified in the easement. At a purchase price of $100-300 per acre

(depending on land value), grassland easements are compatible with livestock production and allow the land to remain in private ownership. Under the easement, grazing is permitted but haying is limited to protect birds during the nesting season. Currently, almost 700 landowners are interested in protecting over 281,000 acres, but DU needs additional funding to conserve these areas. Second, key parcels of habitat are at risk of being plowed but the landowner is not interested in a grassland easement. In such cases, Ducks Unlimited may acquire the land in fee title using a revolving capital fund. With this approach, the land is purchased, wetlands and grasslands are restored, grassland and wetland easements are placed on the property to protect the wetlands and grasslands in perpetuity, and the land is sold to a public agency or private conservation-minded buyer. During the holding period, the cost of restoration is partially funded by various government programs, and easements may be sold to protect the grasslands and wetlands as well as offset the cost of the

land purchase. Easement payments, along with the net proceeds from the sale of the land, are deposited back into a revolving account used to fund new acquisitions. Through the Grasslands for Tomorrow initiative, DU intends to acquire 150,000 acres using this approach. When you har vest an elegant mallard drake this fall, remember the critical link between the northern prairies and Arkansas—I always do. But most importantly, realize that much more than ducks is at stake. The prairies support a cherished way of life for many good people. The prairie pothole region is a mysterious and wide-open place, reminiscent of wilder times. I have been lucky to have stood among the prairie grasses many times. The unique beauty inflates your spirit. You quickly recall how meaningful the world is as the tall grasses whisper to you as the wind pushes them around. Songbirds sing and the flowers are bright—these make you smile. The grass and shimmering water cause life’s day-to-day complications to dissipate. You look skyward and give thanks. If you are ever fortunate enough to stand in that grass, part of you will never want to walk out of it. We can measure “products” that the prairies yield, but its aesthetics are much more elusive and powerful. It doesn’t matter if you hunt or choose not to; people must be wise enough to realize that that doesn’t matter. All of us who are passionate about wild places need to unite because forces working against us are very powerful. As Tom Cassidy, director of Federal Programs for the Nature Conservancy, so wonderfully stated, “I can’t imagine not working with hunters and anglers—our shared values are too great.” Tom is absolutely correct. This is much more important— it is about place and being. ■

You can help make a difference. Major gifts to Ducks Unlimited can often be leveraged 4:1 to conserve prairie habitat. The Goebel Ranch in South Dakota is an excellent example of major gift partnerships at work. The recoveries of leg-banded ducks clearly demonstrate the important linkage between prairie habitats and waterfowl wintering areas like Arkansas. Take part in perpetuating one of the world’s great places. Please read more about Grasslands For Tomorrow and DU’s other critical Wetlands For Tomorrow conservation initiatives at www.ducks.org. You can also talk to someone personally. Dave Afton at DU’s Great Plains Office welcomes your call (701-355-3511). 50 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

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. ARKANSAS WILD â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 2006

John Andre, U.S. Forest Service

Above: The Big Piney demonstration area in the Ozark National Forest showcases results from forest management practices implemented through the Fire Learning Network. Right: Between September 2005 and May 2006, The Nature Conservancy conducted 49 prescribed burns in Arkansas, covering more than 11,000 acres.

Can’t see the forest for the trees…and the shrubs The need for woodland restoration in the Natural State By Jay Harrod, Arkansas Nature Conservancy

ometimes I come here and I sit and imagine what these woods looked like 500 years ago,” says McRee Anderson as he walks through the Ozark National Forest, not far from his bluff-top home near the Buffalo National River. “Then I imagine that someday, my great, great grandchildren may actually get to see what these woods looked like 500 52 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

years ago. That’s what motivates me as I work with our partners to create conditions that will allow these trees to become majestic again—giant red and white oaks with sprawling branches.” Historical accounts of southern woodlands are filled with descriptions of enormous trees and open, grassy forest floors. These same accounts often detail the abundance of

animals that inhabited the woodlands as well. Take a walk in the Ozarks today and you’ll likely find yourself under a dense canopy of smaller, shade-loving trees instead of in a more open forest landscape. “Most of our historical wildlife species, including game species like deer, quail, and turkey, thrive in open woodland conditions,” says Martin Blaney, habitat coordinator with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. “When forests become too dense, sunlight can’t reach the forest floor to nourish the native plants and grasses that animals need for food and cover. Over thousands of years, our wildlife adapted to coexisting with human disturbances, mostly fire and ax, that kept our forests and woodlands more open. Unfortunately, these activities were cur tailed during the last centur y, and, as a result, our forests look quite different nowadays.” Blaney points out that according to historical data, there were about 38 to 76 trees per acre in the Ozarks’ Boston Mountains. “Today ther e ar e about 150 trees per acre on average, plus another 300 to 1,000 young stems,” he says. “That’s pretty dense for these Photo submitted by The Nature Conservancy.

thin soils and limited moisture in the hills. No wonder we experienced a huge oak die-off in the late 1990s.” Overcrowded Conditions The oak forests, woodlands, and savannas of the Ouachita and Ozark mountains, which together are known as the Interior Highlands, are the largest intact remnant of a habitat that once stretched from Oklahoma to the middle Appalachians and Eastern Seaboard. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Interior Highlands forests were heavily cut. “During the latter part of the 20th century, people began to realize what had been lost,” says Anderson, who serves as the Interior Highlands fire restoration manager for the Nature Conservancy in Arkansas. “So people did what seemed right at the time. The forests were allowed to grow, and fires, for the most part, were suppressed.” What resulted, Anderson says, are weak forests with too many trees. “It just makes sense that when you have three or four times the number of trees competing for the same amount

of nutrients and water, you end up with a forest full of weak trees susceptible to drought, disease, and pests,” Anderson says. Case in point is the red oak borer, which in recent years has eaten its way through 1.6 million acres of Arkansas’s oaks. “The red oak borer is a native insect that’s always lived in Ozark forests,” Anderson says. “Entomologists who study these insects and these forests say an outbreak of this caliber has not happened in thousands of years.” Overcrowded, unhealthy forests are also at risk for intense, uncontrollable wildfires that can threaten homes and communities. Fire Fix Throughout history, fire has played a significant role in Arkansas’s forests. Periodic lightning fires burned until they reached natural boundaries like rivers or were extinguished by rain. Before European settlement, Native Americans used fire to manage the woods and improve conditions for the animals they hunted. Early European settlers also used

Partnership Vital to Arkansas Forest Restoration “Partnership is the most vital component to the Fire Learning Network,” says McRee Anderson of the Nature Conservancy in Arkansas. “Our goal is to restore 500,000 acres in the Interior Highlands. No agency or organization can do it alone.” Currently, partners have enrolled 306,000 acres of land in the Interior Highlands in the Fire Learning Network. Partners at the Big Piney demonstration area include: U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Forest Service National Park Service, Buffalo National River Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission Arkansas Forestry Commission National Wild Turkey Federation Quail Unlimited Southwest Fire Use Training Academy Caddo Nation of Oklahoma Arkansas Audubon Society The Nature Conservancy in Arkansas ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission ecologists say fire restoration benefits ground nesting birds like turkey and quail.

national forest lands, Arkansas Game walking through an oak restoration fire to maintain open forests with a rich and Fish Commission wildlife managedemonstration area at the Big Piney mix of grasses and wildflowers. ment areas, and Arkansas Natural Ranger District, north of Russellville. “Fire is one of nature’s ways of Heritage Commission natural areas in The demonstration area showcases keeping forests from becoming too the Interior Highlands. results accomplished through the dense,” says John Andre, ecologist for Six of the restoration sites, each Fire Learning Network, a nationwide the Big Piney Ranger District of the representing a different land type, project of the Conservancy, the U.S. Ozark National Forest. “Historically, compose the 60,000-acre Big Piney Forest Service, and the Department of periodic fires would consume smaller District demonstration saplings and other underarea. According to Andre, brush, which improved the Forest Service restored growing conditions for fire within the area to “It just makes sense that when you have three larger trees and plants that 30,000 acres in 2004 and grow on the forest floor. or four times the number of trees competing for 22,000 acres in 2005. These conditions beneMechanical thinning is fited wildlife as well.” the same amount of nutrients and water, you end another tool managers at Within the past few up with a forest full of weak trees susceptible to the Big Piney District use decades, land managers to restore the forest to its like the U.S. Forest Service drought, disease, and pests,” Anderson says. historical condition, by have begun using fire to thinning out dense areas improve the health of of smaller trees. forests. Management plans “There is definitely science behind the Interior. for the Ouachita and the Ozark-St. all of what we do,” Andre says. “We use Working through the network, Francis national forests, which collechistorical records, like Government Land the Forest Service obtained congrestively cover more than three million Office surveys and tree ring and fire history sional appropriations for prescribed acres in Arkansas, include ecological studies, and we analyze current forest burns, which, in Arkansas, allowed fire restoration. conditions to determine the frequencies for the creation of 15 restoration In the Ozark National Forest, of prescribed fires. And we specify desired sites, totaling some 300,000 acres, on the Conser vancy’s Anderson is 54 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

ecological conditions before we begin any restoration efforts.” Wildlife Results At 96 plots throughout the Big Piney demonstration area, researchers study and measure the effects of fire and thinning on trees, ground cover, shrubs, fuel loads, and the soil. Results show a 40 percent increase in the number of ground plant species and an 11 percent increase in ground plant coverage with just one or two prescribed fires. And the number of shrubs, which can crowd out other ground plants, has decreased 75 percent per acre in burned areas. These results equate to habitat that’s ideal for nearly all game animals, says Brad Carner, head of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s species coordinators. “Our folks on the ground see more game animals in areas where fire has been restored,” he says. “Any time we make efforts to regularly burn areas, we definitely see positive responses from ground-nesting birds like turkey and quail. And the burns increase forage for deer and elk and help increase their numbers as well.” A prime example is at the Buffalo National River and the adjacent Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area, which have histories of intensive forest management, including thinning and fire restoration. These practices have led to an “incredible increase in elk,” Carner says. Bob Taylor is a board member of the Arkansas chapter of Quail Unlimited, a nonprofit conservation organization that focuses on improving habitat for quail and other wildlife. He says that the group provides funds that match federal grants for fire restoration at the Big Piney demo area. “There’s an excellent management plan in place for the demo area, one that is undoubtedly enhancing wildlife habitat,” Taylor says. “We’re proud to be a part of the project.” Partnering with Private Landowners According to a 2002 U.S. Department of Agriculture study, 57 percent of forest lands in Arkansas are owned by families or non-forestindustry companies. Comprehensive forest restoration plans must include private lands to be effective at a mean-

ingful scale in the Natural State. To help private landowners who want to restore fire to their land, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has funded a Landowner Incentive Program targeting certain wildlife focal areas in Arkansas. The Nature Conservancy and the Arkansas Game and Fish, Natural Heritage, and Forestr y commissions are implementing the program. Since it began in 2004, more than 50 landowners have enrolled. The partners have conducted

controlled burns on nearly 6,000 acres of private land and held several workshops to share information with landowners about prescribed fire and wildlife management. Volunteer firefighters are joining the effort as well, by receiving prescribed fire training and helping landowners conduct controlled burns. To l e a r n m o r e a b o u t t h e Landowner Incentive Program, contact the Conservancy’s Jason Milks at 501614-5080. ■

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Audubon’s Waterbirds on Working Lands Initiative: Conservation with a Side of Rice DAN SCHEIMAN PHOTO.

By Dan Scheiman, PhD, Director of Bird Conservation, Audubon Arkansas

Rice has long provided habitat for a variety of birds. Its value can be enhanced for both birds and business through best management practices.

awn in the Delta, and camo-clad hunters wait for waterfowl to arrive. They aren’t waiting in a wildlife management area or national wildlife refuge, but on the edge of a privately owned rice field that was harvested and then flooded a few weeks ago. Arkansas is the duck capital of the country, with more than one million birds harvested each year—half of them mallards. Arkansas is also the top rice-producing state, with more than 56 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

1.5 million acres harvested annually. This is no coincidence. Ducks like rice, and rice farmers like ducks. Ducks benefit from an abundance of waste grain. Farmers benefit because ducks also consume weed seeds and insect pests, and speed up decomposition by shredding stubble. And then there’s the extra income generated by leasing the land for hunting. At least 25 percent of Arkansas’s rice fields are flooded in the winter to attract waterfowl. Rice farming generated $810.6

million in 2005. Duck hunting added another $133.6 million in revenue for the state. Rice fields attract other “waterbirds” as well. The shallow water and mudflats provided by drawdowns on rice fields concentrate the aquatic invertebrate prey that attracts hundreds of thousands of shorebirds, which require refueling during their long migrations. Rails and bitterns take shelter in stubble during their southbound fall migration. Herons

and egrets stalk aquatic animals like crayfish, fish, and frogs among the stems. Mottled ducks, black-necked stilts, king rails, sedge wrens, and redwinged blackbirds make their nests in mature rice. Before the advent of commercial agriculture in the state, mudflats, sandbars, oxbows, and sloughs provided the majority of waterbird habitat. Historically, approximately 28 percent of Arkansas (9.6 million acres) was covered by wetlands. Today, only 3.7 million acres of natural wetlands remain. Dams built in the 1950s and 1960s have altered the hydrology of the major rivers, resulting in fewer sandbars and mudflats. In addition, wetlands were drained and converted for agricultural and urban uses. Today, the area of row crops has increased to more than 14 million acres. For tunately, these “working lands” can provide waterbird foraging, breeding, and resting habitat year round. For waterbirds, rice is the row crop with the greatest actual and potential benefit, because water levels are actively managed in a way that is often compatible with waterbird needs. However, soybean, cotton, sorghum, and winter wheat also have potential to provide resources for some waterbirds if managed accordingly. Arkansas, along with Mississippi and Missouri, are pilot states for a new Audubon initiative called “Waterbirds on Working Lands,” aimed at finding common ground between the needs of agriculture and the needs of birds. Waterbirds on Working Lands seeks to identify and promote practical agricultural practices that will maintain the economic viability of farms while measurably improving environmental health and wildlife habitat value on private lands. Improved agricultural production technologies and federal farm programs are in place to enhance soil, water, air, and habitat quality on working lands. One way to measure the success of these practices is to assess the health of bird populations. Birds are sensitive to changes in environmental

quality such as pollution and habitat loss. Thus, birds are good indicators of environmental health. Some waterbird species are experiencing population declines and are of conservation concern at the state, national, or global level. Of the 102 waterbird species found in the state, four—least tern, piping plover, wood stork, and bald eagle—are federally threatened or endangered. Twelve species are on Audubon’s WatchList, meaning they are declining and of national or global conser vation concern. Shorebirds and marshbirds are of particular concern, in part because of the loss and limited distribution of mudflat and marsh habitat across the state and continent. At the local level, agricultural production practices that increase farm efficiency such as rapidly maturing rice varieties, clean farming practices, and pesticide use threaten waterbird populations. Fortunately, best management practices such as conventional harvesting,

gradual water drawdowns, and staggering water depths among levees can improve the quality of rice fields for birds. Audubon Arkansas, the state field office of the 100-year-old National Audubon Society, is developing a state waterbird management plan, and will work with the agricultural community to develop and implement a public outreach strategy for waterbird conservation in Arkansas. The goal of the strategy will be to influence and help land managers to adopt best management practices for waterbirds on agricultural lands. How did our camo-clad hunters do today? No luck with the waterfowl, but the shorebirding was amazing! If you would like to learn more about the Waterbirds on Working Lands program, contact Dan Scheiman at dscheiman@audubon. org or visit http://www.audubon. org/bird/index.html.

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Best Management Practices for Waterbirds on Rice Fields The issue: • Many waterbird species are experiencing population declines and are of conservation concern at the state, continental, or global level; • Loss of natural wetland habitat is partly responsible for bird population declines; • Rice production can provide feeding, resting and nesting habitat for many waterbirds throughout the year; • Waterbirds such as ducks, geese, grebes, herons, egrets, rails, plovers, sandpipers, and certain songbirds use rice fields; • Waterbirds benefit rice production by eating weed seeds and insect pests, and speeding straw decomposition; • A diversity of bird species is a sign of a healthy agricultural ecosystem.

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The solution - Best Management Practices: √ Winter flooding conserves soil and soil nutrients, increases the quality of runoff water, retards winter weed growth, and contributes to rice straw decomposition. This leads to economic and environmental benefits. √ Flood fields at a shallow depth of 4-6 inches. A shallow depth saves water and money. Stagger water depths within a levee, among levees within a field, or among adjacent fields. Areas of exposed mud are beneficial for birds too.

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58 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

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√ √ √

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Irrigate using surface water by installing a tailwater recovery system and by pooling rainwater. Surface water is cheaper to pump than ground water. Fields that were flooded during the winter should be drawn down beginning late February to provide habitat for late wintering waterfowl, early migrating shorebirds, and early migrating wading birds. Drawdowns should be gradual or partial to continually expose new habitat throughout migration. Where possible, flood fields beginning in August to provide habitat when conditions are typically dry. Plant later-maturing rice varieties to allow more time for rice-nesting birds to finish nesting before harvest. When rotating to another crop type, water should be held as long as possible before preparing the field for the other crop. Use nutrient management practices as specified in a nutrient management plan. Use a tillage system that leaves crop residue and waste grain such as conventional till, conservation till, or no-till. Roll straw after harvest. Use Integrated Pest Management. Allow field borders to grow to provide cover and food for waterbirds. If you must mow, delay until after July 31. Manage herbicide drift. Enhance buffer strips and reservoirs for wildlife using cost-share programs. Enroll in cost-share programs.

ROBERT HERRON PHOTO. RYAN BRADY PHOTO.

RYAN BRADY PHOTO.

The Least Tern, Piping Plover, Wood Stork, and Bald Eagle are federally threatened or endangered species that benefit from habitat provided by agricultural land.

ROBERT HERRON PHOTO.

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The Black-necked Stilt, King Rail, Sedge Wren, and Red-winged Blackbird are species that nest in mature rice fields.

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Falcon Bottoms Natural Area Keeping Arkansas Wild: A Conservation Success Story By Chris Colclasure, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission

s wild places become fewer, the importance of protecting those that remain becomes greater. So is the case for Falcon Bottoms Natural Area in southern Arkansas. Inventory work by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission (ANHC) identified Bayou Dorcheat, the centerpiece of Falcon Bottoms Natural Area, as one of the most intact and unaltered streams west of the Ouachita River in Arkansas. From this, the Falcon Bottoms conservation initiative was born. Bayou Dorcheat originates in southern Nevada County and flows south through Lafayette and Columbia counties. The bayou flows approximately 45 stream miles in

Arkansas from its headwaters near Irma to the Louisiana border. In Louisiana it is a state-protected stream, listed as a Louisiana Natural and Scenic River from the Arkansas border to Lake Bistineau, southeast of Shreveport. Falcon Bottoms is located along the northern reach of the bayou, mostly between Arkansas Highway 355 and U.S. Highway 82, southeast of the small town of Falcon. The natural area is a largely forested area of flood-prone land that extends along both sides of Bayou Dorcheat. This 2,444-acre area encompasses approximately six stream miles of the bayou. Bald-cypresses tower high above the

slow-moving water and give the area a true sense of wilderness. Adjacent floodplains thick with willow oak, overcup oak, and the rare laurel oak create an impressive bottomland hardwood forest. Swamps and small lakes are common. Topographically higher areas, less susceptible to flooding, support a mixture of pine and oak on sandy soil. Bayou Dorcheat winds through high-quality bottomlands with a surprising diversity of plants, animals, and natural communities. The Falcon Bottoms Natural Area supports seven different natural communities with more than 250 species of plants, several of which are considered species of

Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission The ANHC has a rich history in acquiring and protecting some of Arkansas’s wild and rare places. Since its creation in 1973, the agency has worked to conserve the natural state’s biodiversity. It has done so by acquiring lands for the System of Natural Areas, which currently encompasses 62 areas statewide, totaling 24,864 acres. The agency also provides information about rare species and unique places to increase awareness of Arkansas’s hidden treasures. This pursuit is all in an effort to provide current and future generations of Arkansans and the world a glimpse of Arkansas’s natural wealth and beauty. President Lyndon Johnson perhaps said it best in his signing of the Wilderness Act of 1964: “If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them something more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it.” For more information about Falcon Bottoms or one of the other 62 Natural Areas, please visit www.naturalheritage.com. The ANHC shares the goal of all six Department of Arkansas Heritage agencies, that of preserving and enhancing the heritage of the state of Arkansas. The agencies are Arkansas Arts Council, Old State House Museum, Arkansas Natural Heritage commission, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, Historic Arkansas Museum, Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, and the Delta Cultural Center in Helena. 60 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

conservation concern. Resident wildlife ranges from the common snapping turtle to white-tail deer. Ducks, wading birds, and songbirds dependent on bottomland hardwood forests are also common. The Spirit of Cooperation The conser vation of important natural areas is rarely achieved by one group or individual, and Falcon Bottoms is no exception. The first acquisition phase of the Falcon Bottoms project involved multiple partners. Early partnerships between ANHC, private landowners, timber companies, a local hunting club, and state and federal agencies played a key role in securing grant funding for land acquisition. These grants provided the means for the Falcon Bottoms Natural Area, by allowing the ANHC to acquire 741 acres from 1991 to 1993. Partners providing funding included the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant program and the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council (ANCRC). Additional land protection through acquisition did not occur again until 2000. From 2000 to 2005, the ANHC was successful in acquiring 1,704 additional acres, more than tripling the previous acquisition accomplishments. ANHC used funding from a settlement with Willamette Industries, Inc., and grants from ANCRC to seek a second NAWCA grant. Landowners again showed support for the project by agreeing to sell at or below market value. The Arkansas Field Office of the Nature Conser vancy was instrumental in providing staf f to assist in land negotiations. The Arkansas Forestry Commission and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, ANCRC, and the Attorney Generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office played key roles in helping secure federal funds. These partnering contributions are the reason that Falcon Bottoms is a state natural area today, to be protected and admired forever. Falcon Bottoms has much to show, if you like natural places and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind a little exercise (motor-

ized vehicles are prohibited). From nature walks and birding to hunting and fishing, this natural area has something to offer everyone. When visiting Falcon Bottoms, remember to leave the area as you found it. Removal of any plants or animals is prohibited, except for legally taken game and fish. For information regarding hunting regulations refer to current Game and Fish regulations for Falcon Bottoms Natural Area. The natural area is a part of the

Wildlife Management Area System, administered by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Access From Prescott, take U.S. 371 south to Ark. 53 and continue south on 53 to Falcon. At Falcon turn east on Ark. 355 and travel approximately 3 miles to the natural area. Parking is available at designated parking areas on either side of Bayou Dorcheat. â&#x2013;

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Calendar of Events: OCTOBER 13th-22nd: Arkansas State Fair, Arkansas State Fairgrounds, Little Rock. Gates open at noon daily, except Saturdays when the carnival opens at 10 a.m. Visit www.arkansasstatefair.com for more information and for admission prices. 13th: Rollie Remmel Tribute Dinner, The Doubletree Hotel, Little Rock, DU Event. For more information contact Steve Cook at 501-332-5555. 14th: Kayaking Basics at Lake Charles State Park, Powhatan. The staff at Lake Charles State Park will teach the basics of recreational kayaking followed by xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xatxguided x x x xkayak x x xtour x xofx Lake x x xCharles. x x Pre-registration is x xrequired. x x x x xAdmission x x x x x xisx$10. xxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 14th: x x x xMoro x x xCreek x x xDucks x x x Unlimited x x x x Banquet, Fordyce Armory, Fordyce. For more information contact Chris xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rich at 870-313-2588

19th: War Stories, Military Museum in Jacksonville. Greg Stitz, curator, will discuss submarine accidents. Admission is $2 plus admission to the museum. For more information visit www.jaxmilitarymuseum.org. 19th: Jonesboro Rice n’ Wings Ducks Unlimited Banquet, Jonesboro. For more information contact Pete Harmon at 870-931-6077. 19th: Central Arkansas Ducks Unlimited Banquet, Clear Channel Building, Little Rock. For more information contact Jeff Marcussen at 501-831-3818. 21st: Shaver-Farmer-Smith Ducks Unlimited Banquet, Cross County Technology Center, Wynne. For more information contact Michael Hirons at 870-238-7886. 21st: Hurricane Lake Ducks Unlimited Banquet, Searcy National Guard Armory, Searcy. For more information contact Larry Winningham at 501-268-5085. 21st: Magnolia Ducks Unlimited Banquet, Magnolia. For more information contact Todd Carlton at 870-230-0925. 21st: 30th Annual Grand Prairie Rice Festival at Hazen City Park. Activities will include a carnival, music show, antique farm machinery, parade and show, children’s events, food, arts and crafts, mini-tractor pull, attractions and games. Admission is free. 21st: University of Arkansas Razorback Football vs. Ole Miss, Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville. For ticket information call 1-800-982-4647. 21st: 30th Annual Sherwood Fall Festival in Sherwood Forest. Arts and crafts vendors, local entertainment, children’s activities, cute kids contest, photography competition, food vendors, petting zoo and pony rides can be expected. Admission is free. 21st: 7th Annual Fall Jammers Jamboree, Lester Flatt Memorial R.V. Park, Vilonia. Bluegrass and gospel music, jamming sessions, chili dinner and food vendors will be on hand. Admission is free. Camping is $8. Call 501-796-2030 for more information. 21st: 3rd Annual Downtown Blues and BBQ Festival, Broad 62 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

Street, downtown Texarkana. Sanctioned by the Kansas City Blues Society, nationally acclaimed blues artists, big screen football in the Pocket Park, Weiner Dog Races on State Line and plenty of BBQ will be featured. Admission is $5. Visit Call 870-774-2120 for more information. 21st and 22nd: 15th Annual Rendezvous at Pinnacle Mountain, Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Step back in time with mountain men, Native Americans and pioneers for a fall rendezvous. There will be food, music programs, crafters and more. From 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. For more information contact the park at 501-868-5806. Admission is $5 per vehicle. 22nd: Jeff Corwin, Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville. Corwin has traveled to exotic habitats around the world to make wildlife education fun, irreverent, and exciting for all. Now, as he ventures to Northwest Arkansas, Corwin and his animal friends will take audiences behind the scenes and discuss what it means to be a 21st century naturalist. Admission is $12, $16, and $20. For more information call 479-443-5600. 24th: Hot Spring County Ducks Unlimited Banquet, Hot Spring County Fairgrounds, Malvern. For more information contact Leny Baker at 501-844-7348. 26th: Cabot Ducks Unlimited Banquet, The Solid Rock (formerly Garden Gallery), Cabot. For more information contact Ken Kincade at 501-941-3369.

fisher Trail. Candy provided. Admission is free. For more information call 501-868-5806. 28th: 15th Annual Downtown Fall Fest and Chili Cookoff, downtown Russellville. Activities include live entertainment, games, rides and more. Admission is free. For more information call 479-967-1437. 30th: Drew County Ducks Unlimited Banquet, Monticello Country Club, Monticello. For more information contact Joe Fakouri at 870-367-6221. 30th: Clay County Ducks Unlimited Banquet, Corning Airport, Corning. For more information contact Shane Mansker at 870-857-1155. NOVEMBER 2nd: Texarkana Ducks Unlimited Banquet, 4 States Fairgrounds, Texarkana. For more information contact Scottie Walbeck at 903-244-0748. 3rd: Toad Suck Ducks Unlimited Banquet, Knights of Columbus Hall, Conway. For more information contact Jeremy Abbott at 501-428-3161. 3rd: Ducks Unlimited Steve Frick Wetland Dedication at Point Remove. For more information contact Bob Butler at 501-955-9268.

26th: Southwest Arkansas Ducks Unlimited Banquet, Hope. For more information contact David Hamilton at 870-777-8300.

3rd: Audubon Arkansas Fifth Year Anniversary Celebration. Special guest is Carol Browner, former head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Tickets are $100. Call Ellen M. Fennell or Paula Hicks at 501-244-2229 to purchase tickets.

27th: Pine Bluff Ducks Unlimited Banquet, Eden Park, Pine Bluff. For more information contact Richard Gill at 870-534-7538.

4th: DeQueen Ducks Unlimited Banquet, DeQueen Country Club, DeQueen. For more information contact J.Mark Bigham at 870-642-2911.

28th: Siloam Springs Ducks Unlimited Banquet, COG Warehouse, Siloam Springs. For more information contact Mike McGooden at 479-549-7377.

4th: Gospel Festival, The Ritz Civic Center, Blytheville. Gospel choirs and solo performances featuring groups from Arkansas, Missouri and Tennessee. Plan now to be a part of this unique celebration of true Southern gospel. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for students. For more information call 870-762-1744.

28th: Bluegrass Saturday Night, Ozark Heritage Arts Center, Leslie. Gospel and bluegrass, with New Southern Edition and King’s Highway will be featured. Show starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for students and seniors. For more information call 870-447-2500. 28th: Celebrity Concert Series with Doc Watson and David Holt, Ozark Folk Center State Park, Mountain View. See guitar legend Doc Watson perform at 7:30 p.m. along with clawhammer banjo master David Holt. For more information visit call 870-269-3851. Tickets are $25. 28th: 10th Annual Ghost Story Trail, Parkin Archeological State Park, Parkin. From 6-8 p.m., walk the village trail and encounter ghosts of Parkin’s past. Meet a Spanish soldier, Casqui’s mother or a woodman from the old sawmill. A bonfire will follow the walkthrough complete with roast marshmallows. Wear a costume and bring a bag for candy. Admission is $1. For more information call 870-755-2500. 28th: Creepy Trail Hike, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Kingfisher Trail, Little Rock. At 7 p.m. wear your scariest costume and brave the spooky King-

4th: Ouachita County Ducks Unlimited Banquet, The River Woods, Camden. For more information contact Mickey Lindsey at 870-836-7860. 4th: Fall Nature Walk to the Trail of Tears, Arkansas Post National Memorial, Gillett. Stroll along the nature path to the Arkansas River. Enjoy the fall foliage and learn about the forced removal of American Indians from their native lands east of the Mississippi and the role played by Arkansas Post. Admission is free. For more information call 870-548-2207. 4th: Full Moon Kayak Mania, Cane Creek State Park visitor center, Star City. A beautiful night tour with a park interpreter as your guide. Kayaks, lifejackets and paddles will be provided. Contact the park for tour times at 870-628-4714. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. 4th: Arkansas River Valley Ducks Unlimited Banquet, The Hughes Center, Russellville. For more information contact Bryan Fisher at 479-747-1090.

4th: Cypress Bayou Ducks Unlimited Banquet, MidArk Auto Auction, Beebe. For more information contact Barry Wolfe at 501-681-4286. 4th and 5th: Civil War Weekend, Old Washington Historic State Park, Washington. Cavalry, infantry and artillery will converge on Old Washington when re-enactors meet to relive the daily camp life, conflicts and challenges of the Civil War in Arkansas. Contact the part for a detailed event schedule at 870-983-2684. Civil War events are free, parking is $4 and building tours are regular price. 4th and 5th: Air Base Air Show, Little Rock Air Force Base. The US Navy Blue Angels are the headline performers along with the best aircraft and airmen from the US and Canada. Admission is free. For more information call 501-987-3353. 4th: Hot Springs Ducks Unlimited Banquet, LOCATION?, Hot Springs. For more information contact Trent Foreman at 501-622-8620. 4th: Ducks Unlimited Three Rivers South “Drawdown” at Doughboy Club. For more information contact Bill Noble at 501-837-1525. 7th: England Ducks Unlimited Banquet, B&B Bar and Grill-Hwy. 165, Scott. For more information contact R.D. Raulston at 501-902-3875. 9th: Van Buren Veterans Day Parade, Historic Main Street, Van Buren. A patriotic parade to honor our veterans begins at 6:30 p.m. For more information visit www.vanburen.org. 9th-11th: Mountain View Bluegrass Festival, Ozark Folk Center Auditorium, Mountain View. Single day pass or weekend passes available. Call 870-2698068 for more information. 10th: Wild Blue Yonder, Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville. Scaffolding, bungee cords, trampolines and hoops are just some of the equipment that fills the stage when Elizabeth Streb and her dancers come to town. In Wild Blue Yonder, dancers soar through the air, slam into walls and defy gravity in a tribute to the dream of taking flight. Admission is $18, $22, $26. For more information call 479-443-5600.

10th-11th: 21ST ANNUAL BUCK FEVER FESTIVAL, Main Street, Banks. This celebration of deer hunting season will include arts and crafts, kids’ rides, concessions, antler competition, exhibits, cash prizes, parade, catfish luncheon, talent show, baby buck fever pageant, seven divisions of Little Miss and Little Mister Buck Fever. Also, Petite Miss, Junior Miss and Miss Buck Fever. Admission is $2 adults, $1 for ages 12-18 and $.50 for children under 12. For more information call 870-465-2217. 10th-11th: Frosty Festival, Baxter County Fairgrounds, Mountain Home. Junior Auxiliary of Mountain Home brings together under one roof more than 40 vendors from across the State for your Christmas shopping enjoyment and convenience. Entertainment and food will also be available. Admission is $5. 11th: University of Arkansas Razorback Football vs.

Tennessee, Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville. For ticket information call 1-800-982-4647.

half-marathon, 5K and kids marathon will begin at 8 a.m. For more information call 870-425-5111.

11th: 8th Annual Birdbrain Day, Millwood State Park, Ashdown. This is a day for birdwatchers of all experience levels. Boat tours of Millwood Lake offer the best bird-viewing opportunities, along with guided birding walks along our nature trails. Bird-related programs and crafts are also on the agenda. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, bring your binoculars and enjoy a day that is truly “for the birds.” Admission is free. Boat tours are $6 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12.

18th: Sunset Kayak Tour, Cane Creek State Park, Star City. Enjoy a guided paddling tour of the lake and view the Delta sunset. No experience necessary. Fee includes equipment rental. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Call 870-6284714 for more information.

11th: Fall Hayride, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Little Rock. A toasty campfire and hot chocolate will be on hand after the hayride. Dress warm and bring a blanket. Space is limited. Advance payment is required. Contact the visitor center at 501-868-5806 for reservations. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for children ages 12 and under. 11th: Veteran’s Day Memorial Service, Madison County Courthouse, Huntsville. Held on the lawn of the courthouse at the War Memorial monument, the service will begin at 1p.m. and is hosted by the Huntsville American Legion Post. A parade will follow at 3 p.m. Admission is free. 11th: 26th Annual Newcomers Christmas Bazaar, Carmichael Community Center, Searcy. From 8 a.m.-3 p.m. visit this 54-booth arts and crafts show. Admission is free. 12th: Garvan Woodland Gardens Second Sunday Cinema, Klipsch Amphitheater, Hot Springs. Take a nostalgic trip to the days of outdoor movies, popcorn, and soda pop with the new portable big screen cinema in the Klipsch Amphitheater. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the movie “Mister Roberts” starring Jack Lemmon and Henry Fonda. Concessions will be available. Rain day is Nov. 26. Ticket prices vary. Call 501-262-9300 for more information. 15th: 15th Annual Hiking Extravaganza, Hot Springs. A guided hike along old Indian trails. Learn about wildlife, natural resources and the environment. Also, hear Indian legends. Admission is $25 for adults, and $15 for children ages 6-11. For more information call501-525-4457 16th: War Stories, Military Museum, Jacksonville. A lecture on Pueblo Incident and Bay of Pigs by Charles Linz B/Gen. (ret) supported in part by the Arkansas Humanities Council. Admission is $2 plus admission to the museum. For more information call 501-241-1943. 16th: Paragould Ducks Unlimited Banquet, Atkins Celebration Center, Paragould. For more information contact Tom Smalling at 870-236-0708. 16th: Phillips County Ducks Unlimited Banquet, Phillips County Community College, Helena. For more information contact Pete Hardy at 870-572-2775. 17th: Forrest City Ducks Unlimited Banquet, Forrest City Civic Center, Forrest City. For more information contact John Jordan at 870-633-2052. 17th-19th: 2006 “Classic Car” Super Cruise, Cash’s White River Hoedown Parking Lot, Mountain View. Classic and antique cars gathering for great fun and great cars! For more information call 870-269-4161. 18th: Mountain Home Marathon for Kenya, Mountain Home High School, Mountain Home. This marathon,

18th: Razorback Roundup Horse and Tack Auction, Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Arena, Fayetteville. A horse and livestock auction designed, promoted and operated by students in Horse and Livestock Merchandising, and Equine Behavior and Training classes. All profits support the teaching programs in the Department of Animal Science. Admission is free. For more information call 479-575-6300.

18th-25th: 71ST ANNUAL WORLD’S CHAMPIONSHIP DUCK CALLING CONTEST AND WINGS OVER THE PRAIRIE FESTIVAL, Stuttgart. Duck calling contests, arts and crafts, commercial exhibits, off-road vehicles, carnival and midway, duck gumbo cook-off, sportsman’s party, 10K race, children’s duck calling classes, and Queen Mallard Pageant. Admission to most events is free. For more information visit stuttgartarkansas.com or call 870-673-1602. 19th: Blanchard Photography Tour, Blanchard Springs Caverns, Mountain View. This event is a special opportunity to photograph the wonderful upper level of Blanchard Springs Caverns. Tours limited to first 10 people who return advance payment. Tours meet at the Visitor Center at noon and will photograph for four hours. Tripods welcome; this is not an instructional tour. Tours are by reservation only. Call 870-757-2211 or 1-888-757-2246 for rates and reservations. Admission is $20. 25th: Bluegrass Saturday Night, Ozark Heritage Arts Center, Leslie. The bluegrass event will feature Wye Mountain Bluegrass. Show starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for seniors and students. For more information call 870-447-2500. DECEMBER 1st: Tim Ernst Photographic Slide Show, The Lyric Theater, Harrison. A slide show of photographs taken by Tim Ernst along the Buffalo National River will be shown on the big screen in the Lyric Theater. Merchandise will be available to purchase. Admission is free. For more information call 870-391-3504. 2nd: 15th Annual Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk, downtown Little Rock. A fun-filled fundraising event consisting of a 5K fun run and walk. The race will raise awareness of America’s leading cause of disability, while raising desperately needed funds for arthritis research and community service programs. Call 501-664-7242 for more information. 2nd: Little Rock Holiday Parade and State Capitol Lighting Ceremony, downtown and the State Capitol, Little Rock. The official kick-off of the holiday season, the annual Capitol Lighting Ceremony follows the annual Holiday Parade through downtown Little Rock. Parade begins at 3:30 p.m. Admission is free. ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

Call 501-376-4781 for more information. 2nd: 21st Annual Arkansas Bluegrass Association Christmas Show, Malvern Community Center, Batesville. From noon-10 p.m. enjoy bluegrass and gospel music, jam session, pie, cake, and craft auction, family entertainment, potluck supper. No alcohol permitted. Admission is free. Donations accepted. For more information call 870-793-7591.

2nd: PRAIRIE GROVE BATTLE REENACTMENT, Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, Prairie Grove. The Battle of Prairie Grove is remembered with this event featuring a battle demonstration by hundreds of historical reenactors at 1 p.m. both days. There are also guided tours through the soldier camps where living history programs abound throughout the weekend. Reenactors and visitors may contact the park of a detailed schedule at 479-846-2990. Parking is $4. 2nd: A Conway Christmas, Reynolds Performance Hall, UCA Campus, Conway. The holiday concert of the Conway Symphony Orchestra features all the season’s favorites, plus a visit from Santa Clause and an audience sing-a-long. Admission is $20 for adults, $5 for children. For more information call 501-269-1066. 2nd: Tinsel Town, Centennial Park, Paragould. A Christmas celebration with horse drawn carriages, children’s events, choirs and music. Santa will be on hand, along with hot chocolate and cookies. For

more information call 870-240-0544. 2nd: 4th Annual Dinner of Angels, Courthouse Square, Paris. Dine amids 10,000 lights and festive trees around the Logan Courthouse. Dress warm! Proceeds will benefit the local Angel Tree. Admission is $25. Call 479-963-2244 for more information. 2nd: Fort Smith Ducks Unlimited Banquet, Holiday Inn, Fort Smith. For more information contact Ed Maestri at 479-452-1184. 2nd: Caddo-Ouachita Ducks Unlimited Banquet, State Park Lodge at DeGray Lake, Arkadelphia. For more information contact Scott Dawson at 870-245-7974. 2nd: Poinsett County Ducks Unlimited Banquet, Trumann New Sports Complex, Trumann. For more information contact Jason Stewart at 870-483-7631. 2nd: White River Chapter Ducks Unlimited Banquet, American AG Building, Des Arc. For more information contact Treyson Burgess at 870-256-3313. 9th: Cane Creek Ducks Unlimited Banquet, Piggott Country Club, Piggott. For more information contact Joey Rahn at 870-598-2225. 9th: Gillett/Tichnor Ducks Unlimited Banquet, Doughboy Club, Gillett. For more information contact Ray Holzhauer at 870-548-2609. 30th: Razorduck Chapter Ducks Unlimited Banquet, The Armory, Clarksville. For more information contact Cheryl Feikema at 479-754-3924. JANUARY 5th-7th: O’Reilly’s Autofest, Statehouse Convention

Center, Little Rock. O’Reilly’s Autofest is an indoor national level car show. Nationally recognized vendors and sponsors participate in the event. The Little Rock CVB and The Promotion Company have partnered for this event and it is a first-time national level show being held in Little Rock. For more information call 501-370-3201. 11th-13th: Regional Silver Gloves Boxing, North Little Rock Community Center, North Little Rock. Silver Glove boxers from across the region compete for a chance to go to Nationals. Admission is $5-8. For more information call 501-225-7998. 19th: Oaklawn Live Thoroughbred Racing, Oaklawn Jocky Club, Hot Springs. Live racing season begins. Plus, simulcast racing, thoroughbred horses, greyhound races and instant racing, the latest in electronic gaming. Admission is $2. 26th-28th: Arkansas Big Buck Classic, Arkansas State Fairgrounds, Little Rock. Unlimited Free Parking! Open Friday 1-8, Saturday 10-8, and Sunday 10-6. Admission is $8 for Adults, $3 for Children ages 5-12, and children under 5 get in for free. For more information, contact Catherine Helm 501-985-1533 or arbigbuck@aol.com. 26th-28th: Mega RV Show, Fort Smith Convention Center, Fort Smith. Exhibits and booths will be on hand from participating dealers. For more information call 660-438-5113. 27th: Three Rivers South Ducks Unlimited Banquet, Arkansas County Fairgrounds, Dewitt. For more information contact Bill Noble at 501-837-1525. 27th: Clear Creek Ducks Unlimited Banquet, Alma

1700 NORTH SHACKLEFORD • LITTLE ROCK, AR 72212 • 501-224-2400 64 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

High School, Alma. For more information contact Ron Bell at 479-806-3772. FEBRUARY 2nd: Arkansas Ducks Unlimited Annual State Convention, The Double Tree Hotel, Little Rock. For more information contact Don Compton at 501-842-2801. 3rd: Belch Amateur Chili Cook-Off, The Oaks, Fort Smith. Proceeds benefit the Children’s Service League. For more information call 479-646-9444. 3rd-4th: South Hot Springs Lions Gun and Knife Show, Hot Springs Convention Center, Hot Springs. There will be over 400 tables of guns, knives, and related items in this semi-annual show. Admission is $5, and children 12 & under get in free. 8th: 15th Annual Arkansas Greenwing Camp, 5 Oaks Ducks Lodge, Stuttgart. For more information contact Todd Carlton at 870-230-0925. 9th-11th: 31st Annual Arkansas RV Show, Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock. Arkansas’s Premier RV Show. Dealers throughout the state showcase the latest in RV’s. Travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-up campers and a large selections of motor homes on display and offered at discount show pricing. Resorts, campgounds and other exhibits related to the industry will be on hand. Admission is $4 for adults and kids 12 and under get in for free.

miles), 2-person half marathon relay, 5K Family Fun Run/Walk, and the Little Rockers Kids Marathon. Details are available at littlerockmarathon.com. 9th-10th: State Golden Gloves Boxing, North Little Rock Community Center, North Little Rock. Golden Glove boxers from around Arkansas compete to advance to the Regionals in April. Admission is $5-8. For more information call 501-225-7998. 17th: Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament, River Park Pavilion, Fort Smith. Fort Smith Parks & Recreation hosts a Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament at the River Park Pavilion at 1 p.m. Attendance is limited to the first 200. Admission fee is $20. For more information call 479-785-4225. 31st: 8th Annual Horse Festival, Pauline Whitaker

Animal Science Arena, Fayetteville. Exhibits from a wide variety of horse disciplines and breeds will be on hand. Vendors offer horse related merchandise, and local equine organizations and groups are on site to answer questions. Nationally prominent trainers and clinicians are featured, as well as many local celebrities. Students in Introduction to The Equine Industry class learn job skills while producing this event. Admission: Adult armband (includes indoor show and all outdoor activities) $10, kids 12 and under $5. Entrance to outdoor events only: Adults $5, kids 12 and under get in for free. Do you have an upcoming event you would like to include in Arkansas Wild? Contact Emily Griffin at 501375-2985 or via e-mail at emily@arktimes.com.

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23rd-25th: 21ST ANNUAL HOT SPRINGS BOAT, TACKLE AND RV SHOW, Hot Springs Convention Center and Summit Arena. Hot Springs Premier Boat & RV Show will showcase hundred’s of boats and RV’s during this three day show. The newest in Bass Boats, Ski Boats, Deck Boats, Party Barges and Personal Watercraft will be on display as well as Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels, Pop-ups and Motor Homes. A huge selection of tackle and dock companies will be on hand as well. Admission is $4 for adults. Children 12 and under get in for free. MARCH 2nd-4th: 16th Annual Arkansas Flower and Garden Show, Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock. Escape winter and “Come to a Garden Party” at the State’s premiere gardening expo! Ten landscaped gardens, over 100 garden related vendors, flower show, floral competition, wide variety of notable speakers, tea room (reservations required), and family exhibit. Admission: Adults $7; child $1; senior $5, 3-day pass $10. 2nd-4th: Manager’s Special, Superlift Off-Road Vehicle Park, Hot Springs. Bring out your SUV, ATV, or Dirt Bike. Just $50 gets you in Friday, Saturday and Sunday plus a year’s premier membership. We have over 1,200 acres of trails with all levels of difficulty. Door prizes will be given away and camping will be available. For more information call 501-625-3600. 4th: 5th Annual Little Rock Marathon, 3rd and Broadway, Little Rock. A running and walking tour through Little Rock’s historical sites. There will be a two-day expo at Robinson Exhibit Hall, prior to race day. Race features a marathon (26.2 miles), 1/2 marathon (13.1

Bowman Curve • Little Rock • 501-954-9400 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

Last Minute Reminder: Checking a Deer or Turkey at a Check Station Step 1: Immediately upon taking a deer or turkey, and before moving game, the hunter must remove the appropriate deer or turkey tag from his license and fill out the required information legibly in ink. The tag must be securely fastened to the ear or antler of a deer or to the leg of a turkey. The tag must remain on the deer or turkey until final processing and storage by the hunter. • If a deer was killed, refer to the deer zone map on pages 38-39 of the 2005-06 guidebook and fill in the appropriate number in the zone column. • If a turkey was killed, refer to the turkey zone map on Page 46 of the 2005-06 guidebook and fill in the appropriate number in the zone column. • If a deer or turkey was killed on a WMA, use the WMA zone number (Page 73 of the 2005-06 guidebook). Step 2: Within 24 hours of taking a deer or turkey, check (your own) game at a designated wildlife check station, at a designated deer camp, with an AGFC employee or at www.agfc.com. Members of deer camps in the Check Sheet Program must check deer on Camp Check Sheets within 4 hours. Entrails may be removed but evidence of the animal’s gender must remain. Deer may be quartered in the field, but the head must be retained with the remainder of the carcass. No big game animal may be transported across statelines prior to being properly checked, unless normal travel routes require said hunter to cross a

66 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AGFC

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

Kolby Rasmussen of Lavaca, is shown applying transportation tags to a 6 point buck and doe he harvested during the 2004 muzzle loading season. Kolby was hunting with his father, Dale, in the Ouachita Mountains.

state line in direct route to an official wildlife check station. Step 3: Validation The check station number will be recorded on the game tag. Step 4: Notice of Transfer If you choose to give away all or a portion of your game to another person, you are required to supply that person with the following information in writing: your name, address, type of game, number of animals, date of kill and your hunting license number. This requirement applies to deer camps and commercial processing or storage facilities. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission offers online deer and turkey checking for the 2005-06 season. To check your game online, please read the following information. Easy Online Checking Steps: 1. Log on to AGFC online checking. 2. Enter your name and e-mail address.

3. Enter your Hunter License Identification Number. 4. Enter your birth date. If under 16, enter age in Hunter License ID number box (ex. age 10) and then actual birth date. 5. Enter date of kill, game type (deer or turkey), and whether you bagged this animal in a Wildlife Management Area or National Wildlife Refuge? 6. Method used. 7. Confirm and/or change your information and submit to AGFC. 8. A confirmation e-mail will be sent for your records if you provide your email address. 9. Write the online check number on the back of your hunting license in the Station # column. The computer takes the place of the check station. This option is not available for those Wildlife Management Area permit hunts that require checking game at locations stated on the permit. After completing Step 1 (above), proceed to Step 2. Within 24 hours of taking a deer or turkey, go online and follow the instructions from the website. Step 3: The online web site will provide information to you. Step 4: Same as Step 4 above. If you have questions about checking game online, call 1-800-3644263 extension 6430. ■

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Gwatney at University 4601 South University Little Rock 501-562-0589 ARKANSAS WILD • Fall 2006

68 ARKANSAS WILD •

Fall 2006