WALDRON — Last summer’s drought may have some lingering impact on Arkansas’s black bear reproduction, but there’s no immediate cause for alarm, according to Myron Means, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s large carnivore program coordinator. Each year Means works with biologists and technicians from the AGFC’s Wildlife Management and Research divisions during February and…
All posts in Outdoors
Master Gardener plant sales offer wide selection for green thumbs
LITTLE ROCK — For gardeners of all skill levels and ages, Master Gardener plant sales offer a wide variety of plants for purchase. More than 30 plant sales are taking place across Arkansas in April and May. Proceeds from the sales will benefit local Master Gardener beautification projects and educational programming. Many clubs also…
Bradley County 4-H Senior Shooting Sports Team takes second place in national qualifying event
WARREN, Ark. – The Bradley County 4-H Senior Shooting Sports Team recently made their debut at the national qualifying event held in Ferndale, Arkansas on March 22. The team, consisting of Landon Duncan, Jake Castleberry, and Mayli Castleberry, made their mark by winning second place in the competition. This was the first time that the…
Top 10 vegetables to grow in Bradley County with limited space and experience
Are you interested in starting a home garden in Bradley County, but have limited space, time, or experience? Don’t worry! With the right vegetables and a little bit of know-how, you can enjoy fresh and healthy produce from your own backyard. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 recommended vegetables for a home…
EIA Verification Class announced for April 13
Overnight freezing poses potential damage to Arkansas fruit
LITTLE ROCK — With the official start to spring less than a week away, winter is throwing one last curveball at fruit growers in Arkansas and the surrounding region. Below-freezing temperatures throughout much of the state made an appearance Monday night and Tuesday morning, with more cold weather on the way, particularly in the northwestern…
Turn spring break into a nature break this year with the AGFC
LITTLE ROCK — Each year thousands of parents across The Natural State spend the last week or two of March racking their brains trying to find fun family activities they can enjoy with their children while they’re out of school for spring break. Instead of wasting away the kids’ days off from school, take advantage…
2022-23 deer harvest up from 2021-22 season
LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas’s 2022-23 deer season concluded Feb. 28, and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s deer program coordinator expects the final harvest totals to finish higher than last year’s 181,379 total, but likely down about 15,000 deer from where the state has averaged during the last decade. “I’d expect around 185,000 deer harvested…
Aerial surveys show slight increase in Arkansas elk population
JASPER, Ark. – Arkansas Game and Fish Commission biologists took to the skies during the last two weeks to evaluate the status of Arkansas’s elk herd, and preliminary results indicate the population is again on the rise. Wes Wright, elk program coordinator for the AGFC, said the initial tally of elk during the surveys was…
Ag Department hosts “Free Tree Fridays” in recognition of Arbor Day
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – In recognition of National Arbor Day, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division will be hosting giveaways of bare root seedlings at various locations across the state each Friday from March 17 through April 28. “Adding trees to your yard or to a community forest is beneficial to all Arkansans, and…
Ozark outfitters tell tales in Arkansas Wildlife
PONCA — As the crow flies, Buffalo Outdoor Center is about 26 miles from Kings River Outfitters, which is 45 miles north of Turner Bend Outfitter, in turn, 38 miles west of Moore Outdoors. Those distances are greater, of course, via twisting, roller coaster roads. It’s a relatively small, mountainous world for these four canoe…
Recipe from the AGFC: Buttermilk fried goose with Bluewing Syrup
STUTTGART — With another end of duck season leaving most duck-hunting die hards in a slight state of depression, what could be better than a little comfort food using some of the geese you brought home during the last few months? This play on the classic chicken and waffles recipe uses goose but can be…
Wonders of Waterfowl Workshop being held Saturday in Humphrey, Arkansas for High School students
River otters offer antics for winter wildlife watchers
LITTLE ROCK — Conservation comeback stories often focus on the amazing return of white-tailed deer, the black bear in Arkansas and other game species, but one of The Natural State’s most charismatic critters also came back as a result of proper game management and habitat conservation. Once nearly wiped clean from Arkansas’s streams, the river…
First-time archer proves it’s never too late to start
PINE BLUFF — Finding a place to start hunting if one doesn’t have family or friends who enjoy an outdoors lifestyle can be intimidating. Thanks to a new program through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Gov. Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center, six “adult onset” hunters overcame that hurdle and joined the ranks of…
More rain should spread out waterfowl as season winds down
LITTLE ROCK – Heavy rainfall passing through Arkansas on Wednesday should put flood more waterfowl hunting areas as the duck season hits its final stretch with 14 days to go. Mild springlike temperatures since Sunday could have ducks thinking it’s time to migrate north. This weather pattern comes just as Arkansas Game and Fish Commission…
Upward mallard trend continues in midwinter survey
LITTLE ROCK – The best mallard numbers seen in Arkansas in recent years from last month’s aerial survey estimate continued with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s annual midwinter waterfowl survey released this week. The number of mallards in the Delta region of Arkansas hit a four-year high during aerial observations conducted in December, and that…
Begin new year with new subscription
LITTLE ROCK — Start 2023 with fresh information about the Arkansas outdoors by subscribing to Arkansas Wildlife, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission magazine produced right here in The Natural State. Arkansas Wildlife features articles and news about places where you hunt, fish, camp, bird-watch and boat – no doubt you’ll discover some new ideas…
‘Can you?’ vs. ‘Should you?’
The Arkansas Wildlife Podcast crew discusses the balance of hunting ethics, fair chase and modern techology in the outdoors. On this week’s episode of the Arkansas Wildlife Podcast Trey Reid is sitting down with Director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Austin Booth, Deputy Director Ben Batten, and Editor of the Arkansas Wildlife Magazine…
Big Squirrel Challenge returns to Arkansas
LITTLE ROCK — Deer seasons may be winding down in Arkansas, but don’t put away the hunting gear just yet. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is hosting the second annual Big Squirrel Challenge statewide Jan. 13-14. Eric Maynard, assistant chief of education for the AGFC, says the event is a great way to keep…
Follow important safety guidelines to enjoy outdoor activities
LITTLE ROCK — During the cooler months in Arkansas, there are many opportunities for outdoor fun, such as hunting, camping and riding all-terrain vehicles. While enjoying these activities in the Natural State, it’s important to follow safety guidelines to avoid accidents and injuries. Jesse Bocksnick, extension 4-H outdoor skills coordinator for the University of Arkansas…