HELLO, OUT THERE!

It’s been a crazy year so far in 2023, what with winter weather hanging on extra tight through January and February. Duck hunters were no doubt pleased by the freeze, but for many of us the year doesn’t really start until the sun turns warm and the leaves turn green. Happily, those days are here.

In this issue of Arkansas Wild, we’ve assembled some interesting ideas to help you hit the outdoors running. Check out our piece on birdwatching for a relaxing activity that’s good for the whole family. Or for something that stirs the competitor in you, read about disc golf, one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities there is in Arkansas. Also in this issue, we sat down with two native Arkansans who did the state proud on the reality TV front.

While we have your attention, don’t forget to renew your Arkansas Game and Fish license. As regular readers of this magazine know, Arkansans are pretty spoiled when it comes to outdoor amenities. But don’t take our word for it; just ask a wideeyed out-of-stater, someone who doesn’t have majestic mountains in their backyard or a glistening river seemingly around every corner.

As custodian of many of these wild spaces, the AGFC works to preserve and protect these sacred spaces, but keeping lakes, woods and trails in good condition doesn’t come cheap. Buying a license is an inexpensive way each of us can support the mission, regardless of how you choose to use our precious and vast outdoors. So, purchase or renew your license today!

Thanks for picking up this issue of Arkansas Wild and thanks for picking up trash after yourselves out there. The outdoors, and all that live there, appreciate it.

Wander far,

Dwain Hebda Editor, Arkansas Wild

Float Your Boat

SPRING IS HERE AND WITH IT, FLOATING AND KAYAKING THROUGHOUT THE NATURAL STATE. GET THIS GEAR TO HELP YOU ENJOY IT SAFELY.

1. GET COMFY

Long days in the canoe can be murder on the back. The Crazy Creek Canoe Chair is the answer to rock-hard molded contour canoe seats with inch-thick foam and a foldable back. You provide the ahhh. (crazycreek.com)

2. DON’T DRAIN YOUR BRAIN

Protect your noggin from the bottom with the NRS Chaos Full Cut helmet. Packed with life-saving features for when the water gets rough, the Chaos is long on protection, not price. It’s a no-brainer. (nrs.com)

3. A PADDLE FOR EVERY PUDDLE

If canoeing is more your speed, grab an Expedition Plus by Bending Branches. Made of durable hardwoods wrapped in fiberglass, the Expedition Plus is made to perform beautifully in all water, year after year. (bendingbranches.com)

4. KEEP YOUR HEAD UP

No one should be on the water without a personal flotation device, but not all PFDs are created equal. Astral’s EV-Eight is an industry standard and the first breathable jacket on the market. Not drowning never looked so good. (astraldesigns.com)

5. YOU SMELL BACON?

It’s been a long winter; remember how fast you burn? Keep the sizzle out of your float with environmentally friendly sunscreen by Joshua Tree. The 100% natural goop nourishes skin as it protects. (jtreelife.com)

6. FLOAT IN STYLE

Looking to upgrade that old black tube? Go deluxe with the Classic Accessories Cumberland Float Tube. Tricked out with high padded seat, storage and drink holders; you can even fish from this bad boy in comfort. (classicaccessories.com)

7. PACK THAT MULE

The Granite Gear Stowaway is a safe and secure way to make better use of space in your canoe. Strap one of these to the canoe seat and keep your stuff secure and out of the bilge. (granitegear.com)

8. SHOW YOUR PRIDE

Owning a Buffalo Canoe not only shows you appreciate quality, it also shows pride in Arkansas! Built in Jasper, these watercraft are built to last a lifetime using classic design and old-school craftsmanship. (buffalocanoemanufacturing.com)

9. HIGH WATER MARK

Explore Arkansas’s many waterways with the Old Town Loon 120 kayak, featuring the best-fitting cockpit on the market, a removable workdeck, dry storage and even a USB port for device charging. Check it out at Sulphur Creek Outfitters in Heber Springs. (screekoutfitters.com)

Saturday, May 6th

11 am

Cheryl Tidwell, FIC 501-590-4528

Register at www.BikeReg.com/tour-de-toad

Learn More at www.facebook.com/TourDeToad/