Registration Open for Urban Archery Deer Hunts
The latest move by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) is making the hunting community abuzz as it announces open registration for the 2024-25 Urban Archery Deer Hunts. The AGFC, working in partnership with several local organizations, aims to curb the damage caused by the growing deer population in several urban areas across the state.
This hunt not only provides hunters with unique opportunities but also helps mitigate issues faced by these urban areas. Hunting within urban environments demands a higher level of caution and awareness, ensuring safe and ethical practices. Ensuring that these hunts align with the needs of both the hunters and the non-hunting population remains a top priority.
The participating cities in these hunts include Cherokee Village, Fairfield Bay, Heber Springs, Helena-West Helena, Horseshoe Bend, and Russellville. Bowhunters interested in taking part can find detailed information and registration links through the Arkansas Bowhunters Association or by contacting Carrie Crawford directly. For the Bull Shoals and Lakeview hunts, participants should reach out to Joseph Gentry with the Bull Shoals Urban Bowhunters Association.
Moreover, hunters keen on the Hot Springs Village hunt should get in touch with David Harper through the Hot Springs Village Property Owners Association. The AGFC emphasizes the need for all participants to have successfully completed the International Bowhunter Education Program. The registration period, which opened on June 11, 2024, offers an exciting window for those eager to contribute to the sustainable management of Arkansas’ urban deer populations.
Further emphasizing the AGFC’s commitment to hunting and wildlife management, this initiative caters not only to experienced hunters but also encourages new archers to step into the fold. These urban hunts will become an essential tool in maintaining a healthy deer population while addressing the ecological concerns inherent in urban environments.
