Arkansas hunting injuries hit 13-year low
Sept. 6, 2023
LITTLE ROCK — According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s recently released “2023 Hunting Incident Report,” Arkansas hunters last year reported the fewest number of hunting accidents requiring medical attention since 2010. Sixteen incidents were recorded, including two resulting in fatalities.
Harness a safe hunt this deer season
Sept. 22, 2021
LITTLE ROCK — Innovations in gear used by bowhunters to pursue white-tailed deer continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Bows that were obnoxiously loud and required a heavy draw weight have been replaced by lighter, whisper-quiet bows thats shoot arrows lightning fast at a minimal draw weight. Arrows have become more durable, consistent and forgiving and the choices in broadheads range from traditional deep-penetrating fixed-blade heads to devastating mechanicals that cut a huge swath through flesh. Clothing comes in a wide range of camo patterns to hide the human profile from the keen eyes of a whitetail and is also designed to lessen the scent dispersion of a hunter. All these are important, but one sector of hunting gear that is vital to a safe hunt has also seen great advances. Fall arrest systems have transitioned from simple belts to harnesses that will keep a hunter safe should an unexpected fall occur.
Thwart a snakebite before it happens
Aug. 11, 2021
LITTLE ROCK — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate between 7,000 and 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the United States each year. Thanks to modern medicine, only about five of those victims die from their snakebite. By comparison, an average of 41 people in the U.S. die annually from lightning strikes.
Backcountry Hunters and Anglers hosting deer hunting field day
Aug. 4, 2021
MAYFLOWER — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will partner with the Arkansas chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers to help people get into gear for this year’s upcoming deer hunting season. The two organizations will host a special field day from 9 a.m.-noon August 21 at the Multipurpose Building of Camp Robinson Special Use Area in Mayflower.
Prepare for the cold at tailwater trout locations this summer
July 7, 2021
HEBER SPRINGS — Although not normally thought of as float streams, Arkansas’s trout-fishing areas are quickly gaining solid reputations with the growing numbers of kayak anglers in the Natural State. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission would like to remind all boaters that preparing for a safe day on cold, flowing water in summer requires extra precautions beyond what most flat-water paddlers typically experience.
Operation Dry Water promotes increased safety during holiday weekend
June 23, 2021
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is asking that everyone enjoying a day on the water during the Independence Day weekend to enjoy themselves responsibly and be aware of the dangers brought about by excessive drinking while aboard a boat. To help make the weekend safe, wildlife officers throughout Arkansas are gearing up for Operation Dry Water July 2-4.
Bears back on the move, AGFC offers advice to be bearwise
May 11, 2021
FAYETTEVILLE — Like many high schoolers and college grads, young Arkansas black bears will be striking out on their own early this summer to find their place in the world. Unfortunately, just like young humans, the bears may find themselves in some sticky situations as they learn the ropes of life without a net for the first time. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission usually sees an uptick in nuisance bear complaints each spring and almost all of the culprits are young males that are looking for new territory.