01-17-2008, 10:10 PM
MONTICELLO - The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the University of Arkansas at Monticello began a study this week on the movements of white-tailed deer. The study will take place on 7,676-acre Choctaw Island Wildlife Management Area in Desha County. Commissioners from the AGFC designated Choctaw Island as the agency's first Deer Research Area in October 2002.
The study, titled "Spatial Ecology of White-tailed Deer on Choctaw Island Wildlife Management Area," will include trapping deer on the WMA and will limit access to portions of the area while trapping is underway, according to AGFC deer program coordinator Cory Gray. "We ask people visiting Choctaw Island WMA to understand that during deer trapping, access may be limited on portions of the area, and if you come across a trap site, please do not disturb it," Gray explained. Trapping has begun and will be complete once 30 deer are caught.
Gray explained that deer allocate their time and use available habitats to satisfy basic requirements for food, rumination, movement, social interactions and rest. "The resulting time budget and habitat use pattern may vary with age, gender, time of day, season and weather conditions," he said.
The AGFC will capture 30 deer annually and fit each with a satellite Global Positioning Systemcollar and monitor their movements, Gray said. Data will be collected and analyzed to determine such things as seasonal and daily deer habitat use, the influence of hunter movements on deer activity, at what degree of hunting pressure does a deer leave, how far does he go, and does he come back to the area after the hunting pressure is gone.
Biologists will also be looking at causes of deer mortality, deer movements related to flooding, physical condition of deer and disease screening. "We will also monitor body condition such as measuring fat and muscle depth. We'll also evaluate the relationship between antler quality and age, collect DNA samples for future management or research projects," Gray noted.
Project leaders hope to produce lesson plans based on white-tailed deer movements that will assist educators in integrating Geographic Information Systemtechnology into their wildlife and geography programs. "This project is unique in that we have partnered management and research with education. Data collected during this project will be used throughout the state in classrooms to teach children deer biology, deer habitat use, deer movements and home range information," Gray said. "Satellite GPS collars will allow us to display deer movement information on the AGFC website similar to the satellite mallard project. The difference will be that the deer data will not be real-time and will be time-delayed to reduce poaching of study deer," he said.
AGFC pledges support for Anglers' Legacy program
LITTLE ROCK - The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation today announced a new partnership with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to increase fishing participation by promoting the Anglers' Legacy program. The Commission is committed to carrying the Anglers' Legacy message in their annual 2008 Fishing Guidebook, a publication that reaches nearly half a million anglers throughout the state.
The AGFC will also promote the program by posting Anglers' Legacy links on their Web site, carrying the message to different events statewide and running public service announcements.
"All the studies out there indicate that the biggest way to get someone new involved in fishing is through mentoring," said the AGFC's Aquatic Resources Education Coordinator Jimmy Barnett. "Promoting Anglers' Legacy is a great way to recruit new anglers to the sport and the Commission staff is excited about this partnership. The 2008 Arkansas Fishing Guidebook will encourage anglers to 'Take the Pledge' and for doing so, they will receive a lapel pin with our agency and Anglers' Legacy logos."
"We're delighted that AGFC is supporting Anglers' Legacy," said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. "Their efforts will help reach avid anglers throughout the state of Arkansas who can make a difference in someone's life and help grow participation in the sport. Their 2008 Fishing Guidebook is a great place to start and we look forward to helping them recruit new anglers and increase fishing license sales."
"Anglers' Legacy Ambas
ors on average generate 3.2 fishing licenses, and that can mean big rewards for our state," added Barnett. "We have approximately 400,000 licensed anglers in Arkansas. We hope to energize many of them to take the pledge and teach a newcomer what they know about the sport they love."
Launched in May 2006, Anglers' Legacy has collected more than 20,000 pledges. Through media coverage, industry partners and pro-staff and celebrity angler involvement, the program asks avid anglers to share their passion for fishing and to visit AnglersLegacy.org where they're asked to "Take the Pledge" - promising to take one new person fishing each year. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission joins a growing list of partners who are supporting the Anglers' Legacy movement. To see a full list of all Anglers' Legacy partners, visit AnglersLegacy.org and click on "Program Partners."
Plenty of hunting opportunities remain in late winter
LITTLE ROCK - If you did get enough hunting in during the fall, don't despair. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission reminds sportsmen that a favorite type of hunting may have ended, but opportunities remain in a number of other fields.
One of the better aspects of late winter hunting in Arkansas is that you won't run into the crowds you did many times during the fall. The ranks of hunters are well dotted with one-day or one-weekend participants. They may go deer hunting on opening day, and this is enough to last them and their story telling for the rest of the year.
It's is always wise to check weather forecasts this time of the year, to dress in layers than can be removed as needed and perhaps to carry a change of clothes and an extra layer of something in your vehicle.
Take a bottle or two of water along. Getting thirsty isn't just a warm weather thing.
Here's a current hunting season menu to choose from:
Squirrel: through Feb. 29.
Rabbit: through Feb. 29.<br />
Duck: through Jan. 27.<br />
White-fronted goose (some hunters call "˜em specklebellies) - through Feb. 3.<br />
Snow, blue and Ross' goose: through Feb. 3. The Snow Goose Conservation Order begins Feb. 4 and runs through April 27.<br />
Canada goose: through Feb. 3.<br />
Falconry: Jan. 28 through Feb. 17. This means you hunt with a bird of prey, not hunt FOR a bird of prey.<br />
Snipe: through Feb. 15.<br />
Deer archery: through Feb. 29.<br />
Turkey archery: through Feb. 29.<br />
Quail: through Feb. 10.<br />
Crow: through Feb. 17, Thursdays through Mondays (Tuesdays and Wednesdays are closed).<br />
Furbearers: trapping through Feb. 17 excluding coyote, beaver, muskrat and nutria. Coyote trapping through March 31. Beaver, muskrat, nutria trapping through March 31.<br />
Furbearers: hunting of gray fox, mink, opossum, red fox, striped skunk through Feb. 29.<br />
Raccoon day or night hunting through March 31. Bobcat and coyote hunting through Feb. 29.<br />
River otter hunting through Feb. 29. Muskrat, nutria and beaver hunting through March 31.
All these hunting seasons that are open now are statewide except for the public areas with special rules that may close off some activities.
Extension service meeting to focus on ways to attract deer
SEARCY - Although deer season is almost over, it's not too early to begin getting ready for next year. The best way to prepare for next year is by attending The Buck Stops Here, a wildlife meeting Jan. 19 at Searcy.
Wildlife experts from Arkansas and Mississippi will provide valuable information of interest to all large game hunters. The meeting is an effort of the White, Prairie and Woodruff offices of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.
"Managing your habitat for deer is a never-ending job," said Dr. Becky McPeake, extension wildlife specialist. "Many hunters plant food plots to attract and harvest deer. But if you want to sustain deer, they need "˜native' food plants to keep them going throughout the year."
McPeake said food plots can help deer make it through the late winter and early spring before their typical forage "greens up." Plots can also help in late summer as deer prepare for the upcoming fall rut and winter food scarcity.
"All of this takes plenty of planning, as well as an understanding of deer biology, nutrition, and harvest management strategies to improve your local deer herd," she said.
Hunters will get plenty of help and advice at the one-day workshop.
Among the speakers are Steve "Wildman" Wilson with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, luncheon speaker; Dr. Bronson Strickland with Mississippi State University; and Dr. Don White of Monticello, assistant professor/wildlife at the Forest Resources Center at the U of A at Monticello; and Dr. Jon Barry, assistant professor/extension forester at Hope.
White has conducted a number of research studies about elk along the Buffalo River and now is working in partnership with the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission on tracking deer movements with GPS radio collars in south Arkansas. According to White, this new study will improve what we know about deer movements in relation to flooded habitats as well as hunters. White will be discussing deer biology and nutrition, and how to age deer by looking at their teeth.
Strickland will discuss his work on the pros and cons of using antler restrictions to manage for older-aged bucks. He is one of three researchers who prepared a report describing the effects of Mississippi antler regulations on the age structure, antler characteristics and buck production.
Putting a twist on what is normally considered a food plot, Barry is going native. Barry, a forester and botanist, will describe plants suitable for developing native food plots. Barry believes that native plants often provide as much nutrition as non-natives, with much less expense.
White County Agent Keith Martin will describe food plot basics and offer an optional tour of a food plot demonstration area comparing three experimental plots.
The meeting begins at 8 a.m. with registration at Eagleview and concludes after a 3 p.m. optional field tour of food plots. The $25 per person fee ($35 per couple) includes lunch and workshop materials. For more information about how to get to the lodge, contact your county extension agent or Keith Martin at kmartin@uaex.edu or (501) 268-5394.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the UA Division of Agriculture.
Over 43,000 pounds of fish stocked in state's waters
LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas Game and Fish Commission crews stocked over 73,000 fish in Arkansas lakes and rivers during December, according to Mike Armstrong, chief of fisheries. The total stocking of fish weighed in excess of 43,000 pounds.
December stockings:
DeGray Lake, Hot Spring County, 1,020 Yearling Grass Carp<br />
Bull Shoals Lake, Marion County, 5,033 Yearling Blue Catfish<br />
Narrows Dam Tailwater, Pike County, 6,030 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Amon's Lake, Baxter County, 300 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Atlanta Lake, Benton County, 1,350 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Cabot Community Pond, Lonoke County, 1,500 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Lake Catherine, Garland County, 1,360 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Cherrywood Lake, Pulaski County, 1,050 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Entergy Park Lake, Garland County, 600 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Family Park Lake, Garland County, 250 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Lake Hamilton, Garland County, 2,030 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Little Missouri River, Montgomery County, 1,500 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Murphy Park Lake, Washington County, 450 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Ouachita River, Hot Spring County, 2,660 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Pleasant View Park Pond, Pope County, 900 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Pleasant View Park Pond, Pope County, 100 Catchable Channel Catfish<br />
Rich Mountain Community College Pond, Polk County, 400 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Rock Creek, Pulaski County, 750 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Salem City Lake, Fulton County, 800 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Spring River, Fulton County, 3,730 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Valencia Lake, Pulaski County, 2,000 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
West Memphis City Park Lake, Crittenden County, 750 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
White River, Izard, Baxter, Marion and Stone Counties, 32,945 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Arkansas Baptist Boys Ranch Pond, Boone County, 300 Catchable Channel Catfish<br />
DeWitt City Lake (Mitchell Lake), Arkansas County, 200 Catchable Channel Catfish<br />
June Lake, Lafayette County, 400 Catchable Channel Catfish<br />
Lyon College Pond, Independence County, 300 Catchable Channel Catfish<br />
Tahkodah Camp, Independence County, 300 Catchable Channel Catfish<br />
Whitstine Lake, Independence County, 300 Catchable Channel Catfish<br />
Wrape Plantation Lake, Arkansas County, 400 Catchable Channel Catfish<br />
Rogers Boy Scout Camp, Logan County, 500 Catchable Channel Catfish<br />
Fourche Creek, Randolph County, 300 Catchable Channel Catfish<br />
Mike and Janet Huckabee Lake, Hempstead County, 1,200 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Mike and Janet Huckabee Kids Pond, Hempstead County, 400 Catchable Rainbow Trout
The study, titled "Spatial Ecology of White-tailed Deer on Choctaw Island Wildlife Management Area," will include trapping deer on the WMA and will limit access to portions of the area while trapping is underway, according to AGFC deer program coordinator Cory Gray. "We ask people visiting Choctaw Island WMA to understand that during deer trapping, access may be limited on portions of the area, and if you come across a trap site, please do not disturb it," Gray explained. Trapping has begun and will be complete once 30 deer are caught.
Gray explained that deer allocate their time and use available habitats to satisfy basic requirements for food, rumination, movement, social interactions and rest. "The resulting time budget and habitat use pattern may vary with age, gender, time of day, season and weather conditions," he said.
The AGFC will capture 30 deer annually and fit each with a satellite Global Positioning Systemcollar and monitor their movements, Gray said. Data will be collected and analyzed to determine such things as seasonal and daily deer habitat use, the influence of hunter movements on deer activity, at what degree of hunting pressure does a deer leave, how far does he go, and does he come back to the area after the hunting pressure is gone.
Biologists will also be looking at causes of deer mortality, deer movements related to flooding, physical condition of deer and disease screening. "We will also monitor body condition such as measuring fat and muscle depth. We'll also evaluate the relationship between antler quality and age, collect DNA samples for future management or research projects," Gray noted.
Project leaders hope to produce lesson plans based on white-tailed deer movements that will assist educators in integrating Geographic Information Systemtechnology into their wildlife and geography programs. "This project is unique in that we have partnered management and research with education. Data collected during this project will be used throughout the state in classrooms to teach children deer biology, deer habitat use, deer movements and home range information," Gray said. "Satellite GPS collars will allow us to display deer movement information on the AGFC website similar to the satellite mallard project. The difference will be that the deer data will not be real-time and will be time-delayed to reduce poaching of study deer," he said.
AGFC pledges support for Anglers' Legacy program
LITTLE ROCK - The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation today announced a new partnership with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to increase fishing participation by promoting the Anglers' Legacy program. The Commission is committed to carrying the Anglers' Legacy message in their annual 2008 Fishing Guidebook, a publication that reaches nearly half a million anglers throughout the state.
The AGFC will also promote the program by posting Anglers' Legacy links on their Web site, carrying the message to different events statewide and running public service announcements.
"All the studies out there indicate that the biggest way to get someone new involved in fishing is through mentoring," said the AGFC's Aquatic Resources Education Coordinator Jimmy Barnett. "Promoting Anglers' Legacy is a great way to recruit new anglers to the sport and the Commission staff is excited about this partnership. The 2008 Arkansas Fishing Guidebook will encourage anglers to 'Take the Pledge' and for doing so, they will receive a lapel pin with our agency and Anglers' Legacy logos."
"We're delighted that AGFC is supporting Anglers' Legacy," said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. "Their efforts will help reach avid anglers throughout the state of Arkansas who can make a difference in someone's life and help grow participation in the sport. Their 2008 Fishing Guidebook is a great place to start and we look forward to helping them recruit new anglers and increase fishing license sales."
"Anglers' Legacy Ambas
ors on average generate 3.2 fishing licenses, and that can mean big rewards for our state," added Barnett. "We have approximately 400,000 licensed anglers in Arkansas. We hope to energize many of them to take the pledge and teach a newcomer what they know about the sport they love."Launched in May 2006, Anglers' Legacy has collected more than 20,000 pledges. Through media coverage, industry partners and pro-staff and celebrity angler involvement, the program asks avid anglers to share their passion for fishing and to visit AnglersLegacy.org where they're asked to "Take the Pledge" - promising to take one new person fishing each year. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission joins a growing list of partners who are supporting the Anglers' Legacy movement. To see a full list of all Anglers' Legacy partners, visit AnglersLegacy.org and click on "Program Partners."
Plenty of hunting opportunities remain in late winter
LITTLE ROCK - If you did get enough hunting in during the fall, don't despair. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission reminds sportsmen that a favorite type of hunting may have ended, but opportunities remain in a number of other fields.
One of the better aspects of late winter hunting in Arkansas is that you won't run into the crowds you did many times during the fall. The ranks of hunters are well dotted with one-day or one-weekend participants. They may go deer hunting on opening day, and this is enough to last them and their story telling for the rest of the year.
It's is always wise to check weather forecasts this time of the year, to dress in layers than can be removed as needed and perhaps to carry a change of clothes and an extra layer of something in your vehicle.
Take a bottle or two of water along. Getting thirsty isn't just a warm weather thing.
Here's a current hunting season menu to choose from:
Squirrel: through Feb. 29.
Rabbit: through Feb. 29.<br />
Duck: through Jan. 27.<br />
White-fronted goose (some hunters call "˜em specklebellies) - through Feb. 3.<br />
Snow, blue and Ross' goose: through Feb. 3. The Snow Goose Conservation Order begins Feb. 4 and runs through April 27.<br />
Canada goose: through Feb. 3.<br />
Falconry: Jan. 28 through Feb. 17. This means you hunt with a bird of prey, not hunt FOR a bird of prey.<br />
Snipe: through Feb. 15.<br />
Deer archery: through Feb. 29.<br />
Turkey archery: through Feb. 29.<br />
Quail: through Feb. 10.<br />
Crow: through Feb. 17, Thursdays through Mondays (Tuesdays and Wednesdays are closed).<br />
Furbearers: trapping through Feb. 17 excluding coyote, beaver, muskrat and nutria. Coyote trapping through March 31. Beaver, muskrat, nutria trapping through March 31.<br />
Furbearers: hunting of gray fox, mink, opossum, red fox, striped skunk through Feb. 29.<br />
Raccoon day or night hunting through March 31. Bobcat and coyote hunting through Feb. 29.<br />
River otter hunting through Feb. 29. Muskrat, nutria and beaver hunting through March 31.
All these hunting seasons that are open now are statewide except for the public areas with special rules that may close off some activities.
Extension service meeting to focus on ways to attract deer
SEARCY - Although deer season is almost over, it's not too early to begin getting ready for next year. The best way to prepare for next year is by attending The Buck Stops Here, a wildlife meeting Jan. 19 at Searcy.
Wildlife experts from Arkansas and Mississippi will provide valuable information of interest to all large game hunters. The meeting is an effort of the White, Prairie and Woodruff offices of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.
"Managing your habitat for deer is a never-ending job," said Dr. Becky McPeake, extension wildlife specialist. "Many hunters plant food plots to attract and harvest deer. But if you want to sustain deer, they need "˜native' food plants to keep them going throughout the year."
McPeake said food plots can help deer make it through the late winter and early spring before their typical forage "greens up." Plots can also help in late summer as deer prepare for the upcoming fall rut and winter food scarcity.
"All of this takes plenty of planning, as well as an understanding of deer biology, nutrition, and harvest management strategies to improve your local deer herd," she said.
Hunters will get plenty of help and advice at the one-day workshop.
Among the speakers are Steve "Wildman" Wilson with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, luncheon speaker; Dr. Bronson Strickland with Mississippi State University; and Dr. Don White of Monticello, assistant professor/wildlife at the Forest Resources Center at the U of A at Monticello; and Dr. Jon Barry, assistant professor/extension forester at Hope.
White has conducted a number of research studies about elk along the Buffalo River and now is working in partnership with the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission on tracking deer movements with GPS radio collars in south Arkansas. According to White, this new study will improve what we know about deer movements in relation to flooded habitats as well as hunters. White will be discussing deer biology and nutrition, and how to age deer by looking at their teeth.
Strickland will discuss his work on the pros and cons of using antler restrictions to manage for older-aged bucks. He is one of three researchers who prepared a report describing the effects of Mississippi antler regulations on the age structure, antler characteristics and buck production.
Putting a twist on what is normally considered a food plot, Barry is going native. Barry, a forester and botanist, will describe plants suitable for developing native food plots. Barry believes that native plants often provide as much nutrition as non-natives, with much less expense.
White County Agent Keith Martin will describe food plot basics and offer an optional tour of a food plot demonstration area comparing three experimental plots.
The meeting begins at 8 a.m. with registration at Eagleview and concludes after a 3 p.m. optional field tour of food plots. The $25 per person fee ($35 per couple) includes lunch and workshop materials. For more information about how to get to the lodge, contact your county extension agent or Keith Martin at kmartin@uaex.edu or (501) 268-5394.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the UA Division of Agriculture.
Over 43,000 pounds of fish stocked in state's waters
LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas Game and Fish Commission crews stocked over 73,000 fish in Arkansas lakes and rivers during December, according to Mike Armstrong, chief of fisheries. The total stocking of fish weighed in excess of 43,000 pounds.
December stockings:
DeGray Lake, Hot Spring County, 1,020 Yearling Grass Carp<br />
Bull Shoals Lake, Marion County, 5,033 Yearling Blue Catfish<br />
Narrows Dam Tailwater, Pike County, 6,030 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Amon's Lake, Baxter County, 300 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Atlanta Lake, Benton County, 1,350 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Cabot Community Pond, Lonoke County, 1,500 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Lake Catherine, Garland County, 1,360 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Cherrywood Lake, Pulaski County, 1,050 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Entergy Park Lake, Garland County, 600 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Family Park Lake, Garland County, 250 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Lake Hamilton, Garland County, 2,030 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Little Missouri River, Montgomery County, 1,500 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Murphy Park Lake, Washington County, 450 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Ouachita River, Hot Spring County, 2,660 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Pleasant View Park Pond, Pope County, 900 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Pleasant View Park Pond, Pope County, 100 Catchable Channel Catfish<br />
Rich Mountain Community College Pond, Polk County, 400 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Rock Creek, Pulaski County, 750 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Salem City Lake, Fulton County, 800 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Spring River, Fulton County, 3,730 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Valencia Lake, Pulaski County, 2,000 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
West Memphis City Park Lake, Crittenden County, 750 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
White River, Izard, Baxter, Marion and Stone Counties, 32,945 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Arkansas Baptist Boys Ranch Pond, Boone County, 300 Catchable Channel Catfish<br />
DeWitt City Lake (Mitchell Lake), Arkansas County, 200 Catchable Channel Catfish<br />
June Lake, Lafayette County, 400 Catchable Channel Catfish<br />
Lyon College Pond, Independence County, 300 Catchable Channel Catfish<br />
Tahkodah Camp, Independence County, 300 Catchable Channel Catfish<br />
Whitstine Lake, Independence County, 300 Catchable Channel Catfish<br />
Wrape Plantation Lake, Arkansas County, 400 Catchable Channel Catfish<br />
Rogers Boy Scout Camp, Logan County, 500 Catchable Channel Catfish<br />
Fourche Creek, Randolph County, 300 Catchable Channel Catfish<br />
Mike and Janet Huckabee Lake, Hempstead County, 1,200 Catchable Rainbow Trout<br />
Mike and Janet Huckabee Kids Pond, Hempstead County, 400 Catchable Rainbow Trout