March 2, 2022
Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications
BENTONVILLE — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will be one of many conservation agencies participating in the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Inaugural Black Bear Bonanza from 9 a.m-5 p.m. this Saturday at the Benton County Quail Barn in Northwest Arkansas.
The Bonanza is being held by the Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma chapters of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for public lands, waters and wildlife. The family-friendly event features a day full of activities, live music, raffles and seminars celebrating the success of the black bear’s reintroduction into the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas in the 1950s. The growing population of black bears now supports a regulated hunt in all three states and continues to expand into new territories.
Special guest, Meateater content creator Clay Newcomb, will be on hand at the event. Newcomb is a 7th-generation Arkansan who grew up in the Ouachita Mountains. He's a hunter, mule skinner, curious naturalist, and observer of rural culture. He's also a writer, filmmaker, podcaster, and editor of Bear Hunting Magazine, where he has brought attention to the successful reintroduction of the Arkansas black bear. Newcomb hosts the Bear Grease Podcast and appears in many other shows on the Meateater platform.
Bear biologists from each state will participate in a panel discussion and Q&A session. Attendees will discover the lost art of rendering bear fat during Newcomb’s live demonstration and can participate in an owl hooting contest for a chance to win a clothing package from First Lite.
There will be a live taping of the Bear Grease [Render] Podcast with host Newcomb and raffles for thousands of dollars of prizes including outdoor gear, clothing and other valuable items from vendors like Grayl, Costa, and Sitka. Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation will be on hand with engaging activities for families and lunch will be available for purchase from several food trucks. Live music from Tim Meitzen and The Bushmaster concludes the day’s activities.
Tickets for the event are $10 for individuals or $25 for a whole family and are available in advance at www.backcountryhunters.org/black_bear_bonanza or at the door. All funds raised will support the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers chapters and their efforts to protect local public lands and wildlife. For more information, email the Arkansas Chapter at arkansas@backcountryhunters.org.
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is the voice for wild public lands, waters and wildlife. To learn more about BHA connect via social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or YouTube or at our website.