Arkansas Game and Fish Hosts Fifth ...

The Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee is inviting hunters of all ages to participate within the Umarex Massive Squirrel Problem, a statewide small-game competitors returning Jan. 9–10 for its fifth consecutive yr.

The annual occasion encourages hunters to hit the woods with a accomplice and compete for prizes by harvesting and weighing the largest squirrels throughout the two-day window. Looking begins at midday Friday, Jan. 9, and concludes with weigh-ins by midday Saturday, Jan. 10, at 13 areas throughout Arkansas.

Members could harvest their authorized each day restrict of 12 squirrels, however solely the three largest squirrels could also be entered for scoring. Hunters can compete in fox squirrel, grey squirrel, or mixed-bag classes, with every squirrel counting towards just one entry. Groups could enter a number of classes if they’ve qualifying squirrels.

Eric Maynard, assistant chief of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Education Division, mentioned the occasion is designed to advertise small-game searching and get households open air collectively.

“Squirrel searching is a variety of enjoyable,” Maynard mentioned. “It’s an awesome alternative to get youngsters out, introduce individuals to searching, and remind people how accessible small-game searching actually is.”

Groups include two hunters, with divisions for grownup groups and youth groups. Youth groups embody two hunters beneath age 16 or a youth paired with an grownup mentor. Whereas solo hunters are allowed, AGFC officers say the occasion is meant to emphasise shared outside experiences.

There isn’t a entry payment or pre-registration required. Hunters merely present up at one of many weigh-in areas with their squirrels field-dressed and skin-on. Hunters have to be in line by midday Saturday to qualify.

First and second-place finishers in every class at every location will obtain medals. Statewide winners in every class may also obtain Umarex air rifles. Each participant who weighs in a squirrel is mechanically entered for door prizes at their weigh-in location.

Maynard mentioned the problem has grown into a preferred January custom for Arkansas households.

“It’s a contest, but it surely’s actually about having a superb time open air,” he mentioned. “Small-game searching is among the best methods to introduce somebody to searching, and this occasion places it again within the highlight.”

Extra info, together with weigh-in areas and official guidelines, is obtainable at agfc.com

Keith Lusher

Keith Lusher is an award-winning outside journalist who resides in Covington, Louisiana. He owns and operates NorthshoreFishingReport.com and writes a weekly outside column for the Slidell Unbiased Newspaper. He additionally writes for the St.Tammany Parish Tourism Fee’s VisitTheNorthshore.com. He’s the previous host of The Northshore Fishing Report Radio Present and is on the board of the Louisiana Out of doors Writers Affiliation. Keith contributes to quite a few publications each on-line and in print and prides himself on selling South Louisiana’s distinctive fishery. To contact Keith e mail: keithlusherjr@gmail.com