Arkansas Out-of-Doors January/February 2012

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Arkansas Out-of-Doors • January/February 2012 - 1

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E A R K A N S A S W I L D L I F E F E D E R AT I O N • A F F I L I AT E D W I T H T H E N AT I O N A L W I L D L I F E F E D E R AT I O N

VOL 40

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Permit 128 Russellville, Ark. 72801

NO 1

AWF - 76 Years & Bravely Moving Forward

Photo by Ethan Nahté

2 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • January/February 2012

We all need to do our part to help conserve what we have for future generations to see and enjoy, by volunteering, recycling, or just not wasting needlessly.

I have always been a volunteer and supporter for what I thought was a good cause and for my family. I was always there for my children when they were growing up. When they wanted to play sports I volunteered as a coach or as an assistant coach. It seems that there were never enough coaches or volunteers to help out so that all the kids could play, so I always tried to be there for them and the other children.

As life went on, and my two children grew up and moved off, I continued to volunteer in other areas. My current wife has three children who were almost adults when we married. I have always enjoyed hunting and fishing or just being outdoors doing things. I joined a deer club down in south Arkansas so I could have a good location to take my family and friends deer hunting and share that experience. Spending time with my kids is, and always will be, one of the most important things to me. Watching them grow up and teaching them to respect life, but also enjoying the success when they were successful hunting.

Today I enjoy watching them. It is more important than being successful. To me it is

all about family and to be able to pass what I have learned down to them so they might have a better and more successful life, but to also respect all life and not waste.

I have been a volunteer in a lot of different programs over the years. This is my way of giving back to society and nature. I feel we all should give back more than we take, or at least try to.

So I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to my family for their support and for allowing me to do the things I do as a volunteer. I know it takes away from them as I give a lot of time to others and to the multitude of programs that I am working on or associated. I am very glad that my wife and my kids all support me and what

I do. It means a lot to me. I could not do everything I do without their support, and most of the time they are there helping me and being a volunteer themselves.

So to my family: wife Karen; sons Ethan, Dustin, and Chris; daughters Gemma and Kyla, I want to say thank you for your support and your help. Together we make this a better world to live in. I ask you members and readers to take time to enjoy the outdoors with your family today, who knows what tomorrow holds for us.

Thanks for your support

Wayne Shewmake - AWF President

Arkansas Wildlife Federation Mission Statement

To promote conservation, responsible management and sustainable use of Arkansas’ fish, wildlife, habitat, natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities through education and advocacy.

This is the 75th Anniversary for the Arkansas Wildlife Federation.

The pin you see above is a covenant collector's pin. Not many organizations can or will be able to say that they have been in business for 75 years.

This year to encourage you to become a member and help support AWF our mission of conservation and protecting fish, wildlife, and our natural resources in Arkansas.

We will give one of these pins to each paid member, along with a membership card. You can also purchase an extra pin for $10 plus shipping.

To get your pin, make sure you renew your membership today, or become a member now and continue to receive our newspaper. We would appreciate your membership support.

President - Wayne Shewmake 1st VP - Ellen McNulty 2nd VP - Jerry Crowe Treasurer - Gary Bush Secretary - Lucien Gillham

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Visa/MasterCard #_____________________________________________ Exp. _____________________________ Signature ___________________________________________________ Date_____________________________

Arkansas Wildlife Federation 9108 Rodney Parham Rd. Suite 101 Little Rock, AR 72205

Arkansas Out-of-Doors • January/February 2012- 3

Pine-bluestem Project to Help Quail & RedCockaded Woodpeckers

by Ethan Nahté

The Pine-bluestem Project Management Area 22 (MA-22) encompasses a large portion of the Ouachita National Forest area throughout both Arkansas and Oklahoma. Pine-bluestem is shorthand for a habitat dominated by shortleaf pines, bluestem grasses and other native plants. The project is an effort by the USDA Forest Service (USFS) and Ouachita National Forest to restore approximately 200,000 acres of public forestland to conditions that existed in historical times. The over-density of trees is one problem the USFS is working on in a responsible manner. There are also a number of plants, grasses and trees throughout our state which are not native. Some are considered highly invasive, taking over and weakening or killing the flora in territories or providing poor conditions for animals native to the area.

Why is this important? Because some of the flora being killed off, or the overabundance of certain plants and trees, also affects the animal population. Not having the habitat or food sources that were once available can cause native animals to relocate or die off.

It can cause problems with pollination and the production of the “right” plants, flowers, grasses and trees.

In the days of old, natural fires caused by lightning or those deliberately set on occasion by the Native Americans or early settlers helped to maintain the undergrowth.

They discovered that fire isn’t always bad and could actually prove beneficial to the plants and animals within the ecosystem.

Now the work is still done by lightning, or controlled burns by the Forest Service to help benefit the ecosystem. Unfortunately, there are still problems with arsonists or wildfires

The Arkansas Sportshow 2012

by John McPike, 2012 Sportshow Chairman The outdoors is always well represented at the annual Arkansas Sportshow, held at the ASU Convocation Center each year in Jonesboro. The 27th annual Arkansas Sportshow was held the second weekend of February. The AR Sportshow is an annual fundraiser for The Rotary Club of Jonesboro and has earned the reputation as the premiere sportshow in the state.

Cabin fever gets a little relief one weekend in February with the Sportshow and this year’s show featured a display of the Big Foot 4x4 monster truck, which proved to be a huge success for people of all ages. Also present was The West Texas Rattlesnake Show this year. The show featured a demonstration of live rattlesnakes and was both entertaining and educational. This attraction drew huge crowds as the presenter gave some ‘hands on’ rattlesnake lessons. Laser trap-shooting was a popular crowd participation attraction as well as a video version for the kids to test their skills.

A trail camera photo contest was another popular attraction as local hunters were asked to send their favorite trail camera photos to be displayed and judged. There were countless interesting photos submitted and they were on display for the entire show.

The overall winner was awarded a new

CuddeBack Attack trail camera valued at $230. There were other prizes for winners of the remaining categories.

3-D Archery is alive and well at the AR Sportshow. Team Bowmasters coordinates the archery shooting and tournaments and archers from all over the state come to compete in this popular ‘pop-up’ 3-D challenge. Like years in the past the archery challenge is a great competition for bow enthusiast to participate or to sit and watch the competition. The tournament was open to the public and was be identical to the types of competitions that are seen on television.

The Bill and Alice Nix Petting Zoo is a kid favorite attraction, featuring live animals for children to touch, hold, and pet. Turkeys, goats, pigs, chickens and the like are present and from the crowds surrounding the petting zoo, it’s a popular attraction. The 875th National Guard Rock Wall is busy from open to close each day with kids trying to reach the top of this popular attraction.

Years ago the Rotary Club developed ‘The World’s Largest Trout Tank,’ an 80 foot long tank filled with live trout. Children test their fishing skills in the trout tank while parents watch with smiles on their faces. For some, it’s the first time they’ve ever seen a rainbow trout.

The Mid-South Big Buck Extravaganza is a big buck contest and a main attraction for

accidentally set by campfires left unattended or not put out properly, or something as simple as throwing a cigarette butt out the car window.

Shortleaf pine forests must change and adapt to survive. They must include plants, trees and animals of various ages. This allows for a much-needed variety in the feeding, habitat and renewal in growth and regeneration of a successful forest.

A recent visit to Waldron, Ark., a small town deep within the Ouachita Highlands just north of Mena and southwest of the River Valley, to the Poteau Ranger District gave AWF an opportunity to see some of the success that the MA-22 is enjoying. District Wildlife Biologist Warren Montague took us on a tour of the area. He discussed the various treatments, controlled burns, the large variety of studies done by scientists and students on everything from soil nutrients to specialized research on various plants and animals, and other processes used to restore the forest.

Part of the importance for the restoration is to assist with the survival of certain animals and plants within this ecosystem. The northern bobwhite quail, a popular species once common in the area, has declined throughout much of its previously extensive range. Predation can be taken into account

for part of the decline, but the environment plays a big role. The quail prefers an open forest condition such as the pine blue-stem.

Researchers are reporting that food plots needed by the quail; as well as the declining turkey population and the white-tailed deer, are thriving as the habitat and success of the Red-cockaded woodpecker improves.

Story cont. on page 5

the AR Sportshow. Hunters are encouraged to bring their buck to have it officially scored

by Boone and Crockett and Pope and Young judges. This is a great spectacle for any outdoorsman to come walk through the deer woods and look at all of the deer on display.

This year there were over 160 entries and the new state record typical and non-typical deer were part of the event.

Vendors from all walks of the outdoor life attended the show. This year there were over 20 new vendors attending the show for the first time. Boats, campers, ATVs, and the Arkansas Wildlife Federation, just to name a few, were present. There was a raffle for a new Kawasaki 4- as well as 2 X-box 360 gaming.

The Arkansas Sportshow is the service project and fundraiser of the Rotary Club of Jonesboro. For the past 26 years this show has been produced, promoted, staffed, and managed by members of the Jonesboro Rotary Club and the Interact Clubs from Jonesboro, Nettleton, Westside, and Valley View.

All proceeds from the event go back into Jonesboro and Rotary International projects. A few of these projects that you may be familiar with are Fort Rotary and Rotary Centennial Park at Craighead Forrest Park. We also provide Interact scholarships on the local level and Polio Eradication on the international level.

4 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • January/February 2012

Trail Tales

by Johnny Sain

The Nature of Trees

by Johnny Sain, Jr.

Trees, we take them for granted. Arkansans are blessed with about 190 different species of trees in our state. Even our larger cities are covered with trees. White oaks, red oaks, hickory, and pine dominate the highlands.

Live oak, water oak, willow, and cypress define our bottomlands.

We use trees to mark the seasons. The white blooms of the serviceberry in March tell us spring is almost here. As summer wanes, the flash of scarlet leaves on the black gum tell us autumn is right around the corner.

The evergreens keep our spirits up during the dreary dormancy of winter. Mature trees of all kinds make the hot summer days a little more bearable by giving us some shade.

We use trees for heat, for building our homes, for growing food, and the list goes on. They increase the aesthetic value of anywhere they grow. They provide so many things we use on a regular basis, that civilization wouldn’t be possible without them. But, can we see the bigger picture of what trees provide for us? Can we see the forest and the trees?

How many species of animals depend on trees? All of them do. Every land living animal in Arkansas depends on trees.

Sometimes they depend on them directly as food, sometimes indirectly as food for prey, but they all depend on trees as habitat. Trees are the foundation for wildlife in Arkansas forests. The oak borer infestation of the Ozarks, back in the 1990’s, was nearly a biodiversity disaster. Luckily, favorable conditions allowed the trees to overcome the oak borers, but foresters agree we dodged a bullet. Losing the oak trees would drastically drop animal density in our forests. Deer, bear, turkey, squirrel, bobcat, blue jay; all would suffer. Trees are that important for wildlife.

If you want to provide more wildlife habitat, plant a tree.

Trees are large-scale air purifiers. They filter the air, primarily using carbon dioxide, and release oxygen into the atmosphere.

That oxygen production thing is a pretty big deal. Almost every non-plant life form on Earth needs oxygen. A large mature tree

can produce as much oxygen in one growing season as 10 people inhale in a year. As trees perform respiration, they intercept airborne particles and absorb such pollutants as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. This particle removal helps lower air temperature. If you want to improve air quality and help cool down the planet, plant a tree.

Trees also protect our water supplies. Root systems stabilize stream banks, preventing erosion and siltation. Trees can also filter out excess nutrients from farm runoff, preventing damaging algal blooms. Sediment and out of control algal blooms are death to many life forms in a stream. A tree-filled bank is essential to a streams health. If you want to protect our streams, plant a tree.

Trees are responsible for so many “behind the scenes” actions supporting the rest of us on this planet, that life as we know could not exist without them. They do this even as we complain about leaves clogging the gutter and sap on our shiny vehicles.

Like too much money and too much fun, I don’t think there is such a thing as too many trees. From the acorns that feed the whitetails I hunt, to the hickory that keeps me warm on a cold January night, to the pine that provides the framework for my house; I owe a lot to trees. You do too. One of the other great things about trees is that they are a renewable resource and anybody can contribute to this sustainability. Take some time this spring to think about how important trees are to us. Take some time this spring to realize that trees are crucial to the every lifecycle in Arkansas. And, if you want to do something great for the environment, plant a tree.

Wood Duck Nest Project

by Jim Wood, Yell County Wildlife Federation On February 18th Yell County Wildlife Federation members completed building 97 Wood Duck nest boxes as part of a cooperative project with the US Forest Service. 83 boxes went to Fourche Ranger District work center at Rover and the remainder to the Magazine Ranger District at Paris.

The annual partnership, which involves USFS purchase of material and club members building the boxes, has been ongoing for 25 years. It began as part of a food plot component following development of the Ouachita and

Ozark National Forest Management Plan. The food plot program was later fully taken over by the Forest Service.

Many wood ducks begin pairing off by the end of January. USFS personnel mount boxes on the national forest near wildlife ponds, streams and lakes to supplement nesting habitat. Arkansas bottomland forest clearing for agriculture came close to eliminating the wood duck, which has now rebounded in sufficient numbers to allow hunting. To discourage other land critters like squirrels from moving in, it’s best to mount them on a predator shielded post at least ten feet from the shoreline. Other flying critters also like these boxes. A hive of bees took over a box near Smiley Bayou a few years ago. YCWF member Tom Plunkett maintains nine nest boxes near his home on Lake Dardanelle and had owls move into one.

Crappie Plate from AGFC

by Ethan Nahté

If you haven’t already seen the new specialty license plate from Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, take a look. This year’s plate is a beautiful crappie swimming amongst the aquatic plant life.

Any motor vehicle owner may apply for a Game and Fish Crappie Fish license plate.

The plate is $35 by itself, or you can have it personalized with up to 4 letters for an additional $25.

The Game Protection Fund receives $25.00 for each plate issued. Gift certificates may be purchased from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for payment of the special fees required for these plates. For information on how to obtain a gift certificate please call

the Game and Fish Commission at 501-2236333.

To get the plate visit your Arkansas Revenue Office in your county, or you can try one of these methods: Phone: Toll Free 1-800-941-2580 Internet: using the STAR system (arstar.com)

By Mail: Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Motor Vehicle, PO Box 3153, Little Rock, AR 72203-3153

Arkansas Out-of-Doors • January/February 2012- 5

Trailblazing & Awards

by Al Wolff & Jerry Shields

A cold wind whipped across the sun-sparkled waters of Lake Ouachita and coursed its way up the north side of the mountain. Not including the wind factor, the morning of February 11 started out at a chilly 23º F and didn’t manage to progress much further than that as a combination of Trail Dogs, young adults from AmeriCorps, and the Arkansas Tech University Fisheries & Wildlife Society trekked up the mountainside to work on the trail. The ATU group also included two alumni, recently graduated, and AWF’s Ethan Nahté.

The morning began with catching a few rides by boat to transport the volunteers and the equipment across a portion of the lake. This was done to save valuable time.

Otherwise a couple of extra hours that could be utilized working on the trail would’ve been taken up by hiking a few extra miles to the work zone. That’s not to say that hiking wasn’t involved. Volunteers still had to wind their way about a mile or more up the side of the mountain. It didn’t take long before some volunteers were removing layers of jackets and shirts despite the cold weather.

Although the ground was frozen, even trying to break a rock loose from the path with a pick-axe so it wouldn’t trip someone up was a challenge, the group of 20 or so volunteers managed. They cut out roots and briars, removed fallen and dead pieces of wood, and learned a little history about some of the various islands that could be seen from where they were working, such as Bird Island and Hotel Island. Bird Island alone has something unique to offer for anyone interested in birding or photography, but that’s another story.

Lunch break gave everyone a chance to find out a little more about each other’s organizations. Volunteers sat in the glow of the sun at a balmy 30º F, eating Subway sandwiches and some tasty pies.

Then it was time to assemble a fire line. A very steep portion of the trail had been circumvented by the Trail Dogs with a switchback so that the climb wasn’t so steep.

Not only was it tough to walk up, but coming down with a grade that steep in such a short span of space would be dangerous to hikers and bikers alike with nothing to assist or stop them. Volunteers lined up as rocks large enough to fill both hands were passed down from off the hillside. The rocks were laid out and firmly stacked along the trail’s edge to form a small, sightly retaining wall. This should also help with erosion prevention during heavy rains on the trail.

The Trails Dogs appreciated the help of Americorps and ATU for the day, but the year’s work wasn’t done for the group of mainly retirement-age volunteers. They took advantage of the decent weather and the lack of ticks and snakes to continue working throughout the weekdays to accomplish their goals for this season. Their hard work over the past seven years garnered them some recognition.

On March 6, 2012, eight of the traildogs attended the Governor’s conference on Tourism in West Memphis, Arkansas. At the Awards Banquet the Traildogs were honored as the winner of the “2012 Outstanding Volunteer Service Award.” This award is given each year to an individual or organization that through volunteer spirit has made a substantial contribution to the Arkansas Tourism industry.

“What an honor for our small group of dedicated trail blazers,” said Jerry Shields.

“After seven years we have completed over thirty-three miles of new trail along the southern shore of Lake Ouachita. Thanks to each of you who over the years have provided support to the now award winning project.”

It was also a great night for Montgomery County as their own Back Porch Music program also won the “Governor’s Bootstrap Award” presented to an individual or organization that has achieved significant success “on a shoestring,” having limited resources or finances.

"Our tiny county won two of the Governor’s eight awards," said Shields, "an unprecedented achievement, but not a surprising one as our county has a great spirit of volunteerism and is becoming a Mecca for tourism."

Story cont. from page 3 The Red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) is the most well-known species of this particular ecosystem. The endangered, non-migratory black and white bird became very rare throughout the southeastern United States.They are so named because the males have a small red streak on each side of its black cap (a cockade) during breeding seasons and a select few other times of the year. Their decline was largely due to extensive cutting of old-growth pine forests a century ago, as well as the widespread suppression of fires that had originally shaped the ecosystem.

This also affected the Bachman’s sparrow population in the area. Like the quail, Bachman’s sparrow prefer open pine forests and nest on the ground. They are not on the endangered or threatened species list yet, but some consider it “near-threatened.”

A very beautiful butterfly and the official state insect for Arkansas lives in these forests and up into the River Valley.

The Diana fritillary is a large and showy butterfly. Males are black with a broad band of orange color around the edges and a burnt orange underneath. The females are a dark blue with a dark, dusty underside and are larger than the males. This butterfly was considered so rare that it is currently on a list of “sensitive species.” Within recent years researchers have had success in finding several Dianas in the pinebluestem project. The butterfly requires the open forests favorable to many plants and flowers such as violets, butterfly weed and coneflowers.

One specific flower to the pine-bluestem in the Pale-purple coneflower. It is quite common where the ecosystem has been renewed, but uncommon elsewhere.

It grows vigorously in open, park-like

forests and is important to many insects.

Plenty of butterflies were visible on this pleasant morning, a number of songbirds and raptors, along with a small herd of deer that crossed the dirt road while we stood out talking and observing the “Control” stand. This is an area that had no recent wildfire, prescribed (Rx) fire, timber harvest or Wildlife Stand Improvement (WSI). Adjacent to it was a WSI stand that had Rx burns in 2000, 2002, 2007 and 2009. The difference between the two stands, both visually and beneficially, is quite extraordinary.

We also saw plenty of RCW nests.

The USFS helped the birds in a number of ways: building artificial cavities in trees to help get the mating pairs started; placing cavity restrictors around the holes to prevent larger birds or mammals from boring a larger hole and taking over the nests or predation; banding and monitoring of the birds as well as research on cavity competitors. 40 or more young RCWs have been fledged in five of the six last breeding seasons. RCWs nest April through June and generally lay four eggs.

These are only a few things that the USFS is doing to renew and regenerate this fragile ecosystem. Once again, it is all on public land, so you can go out and visit, hike, shoot photography, bird-watch and much, much more.

More information on the pine-bluestem project or the Poteau district can be found at most ranger stations in the Ouachitas.

The Poteau Ranger office and visitor information center is located on Hwy. 28 at the intersection of Hwy. 248, just south of Waldron. Plenty of maps for things to do outdoors, as well as information such as MA-22, can be found there. They can be reached at 479-637-4174.

220 Hwy 270 W, Mount Ida, AR 71957

870-867-4998

6 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • January/February 2012

Lights...Camera...Earth!

The 2012 IGES Earth Day Photo and Essay Contest for Grades 5-8

Win a Visa gift card; Photos must be snapped April 18-29

Our planet is changing quickly - and what better way to capture those seasonal changes than with a photograph. Spring is a dynamic season: gray and brown landscapes give way to green trees and colorful flowers, birds migrate to summer homes, and weather patterns change.

During the week of Earth Day (April 22), middle school students (grades 5-8) across the country can be part of a unique photography contest, documenting changes in your local environment. The photograph must be taken anytime from Monday April 16 through Friday April 27, 2012. The picture could show a change taking place in your backyard, near your school, in your neighborhood, at a local park, or off in the distance toward the horizon.

Then, research and write an essay about the photograph (400 words or less) that answers the following questions: • What is the change taking place in your photograph?

• What may be causing the change?

• Was the change expected?

• How might the change impact surrounding areas, including people?

• How might this picture look different in the future?

Entries will be judged by Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) staff based on relevance to the contest theme (depiction of change in the environment), uniqueness and overall appearance of the photo, and quality of the essay.

The top three winners will receive $150, $100, and $75 Visa gift cards, respectively. Each of the top 10 winners will receive a photo book featuring the top 10 photos with his or her photo on the front cover.

The top 10 photos and accompanying essays also will be featured on the IGES website. Entries must be received by email or postmarked by May 11, 2012.

For submission instructions, entry form, suggestions for using this activity in the classroom, and to see winning photographs and essays from previous years, please visit: www.strategies.org/ EarthDayPhoto

17th Annual Norma Lampert Memorial Lupus Springers 5K Race And

WALK FOR LUPUS NOW (NO AWARDS) Saturday, May 19, 2012 • 8 A.M. Mid-America Park * Hot Springs, AR Entry Fee: $18.00 before May 17, 2012 ($23.00 after May 17, 2012) 501-525-9380 or 800-294-8878 lupusarkhs@direclynx.net

Lupus Patients encourage someone to walk in your name or Participate in the 5K to possibly win an award

Victory for Wildlife! – Appeals Court Upholds Veto of Yazoo Pumps

by George Sorvalis Manager Water Resources Coalitions, National Wildlife Federation Coordinator, Water Protection Network On March 6, 2012 the United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit upheld the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency to veto the Yazoo Backwater Pump project. This decision prevents 314 sq. miles of critical wetlands habitat in the heart of the Mississippi River Flyway from being drained (that is the size of NY City, all five burrows). This decision preserves EPA’s veto of the project under the Clean Water Act. EPA vetoed the project in August of 2008 at the urging of the conservation community. Many Water Protection Network members played a major role in pushing for the veto of this highly destructive project. Led by the Water Protection Network’s For a Healthy Delta - Dump the Pumps! campaign, members of the public generated tens of thousands of comments supporting a veto.

About a year after the veto, the Board of Mississippi Levee Commissioners, represented by the Pacific Legal Foundation (a conservative legal organization founded to oppose environmental and health activism and government regulation) sued EPA in an attempt to overturn EPA’s veto under a legal theory that could have greatly weakened EPA’s power to review and deny harmful Corps of Engineers projects.

The National Wildlife Federation, Mississippi Wildlife Federation, Environmental Defense Fund, Sierra Club, Gulf Restoration Network and American Rivers intervened in the lawsuit to defend EPA’s veto.

In March 2011, the district court ruled in our favor, upholding EPA’s authority to veto the Yazoo Pumps. However the Board of Mississippi Levee Commissioners, again represented by the Pacific Legal Foundation, promptly appealed that ruling.

Yesterday’s decision denied the appeal, (hopefully) putting the final nail in the coffin for the Yazoo Backwater Pumps project.

The 200,000 acres (314 sq. miles) of wetlands spared from this project and its massive pumps, are among the most important in the nation and the western hemisphere. These wetlands help support 20 percent of the nation’s duck populations and provide critical habitat for birds and waterfowl migrations from Central and South America and the Caribbean all the way to the North American Arctic via the Mississippi River Flyway.

The decision is also a boost to the local economy for the hunting and fishing this protected resource will support and enhance, and provides critical flood risk reduction benefits for surrounding Mississippi River communities by storing and slowly releasing flood waters.

Thanks to all of the dedicated citizens, activists, lawyers, scientists, public officials, organizers and local residents that have fought this project over its 70 year life.

Now I can’t help but provide notice to everyone – on the heels of this victory – that another project is brewing which like the Yazoo Pumps would have devastating environmental impacts for the Mississippi River. The Corps is expected to release a Final Environmental Impact Statement for the St. John’s/New Madrid Project this spring – 80,000 acres of wetlands and the survival of a small town are at stake. More to come….

Arkansas Out-of-Doors • January/February 2012- 7

Bird feeding staples: Black oil sunflower seed, Magic Mix LITTLE ROCK – Feeding birds in yards enthralls many thousands of Arkansans every winter. When they are ready to move up a notch from using bags of mixed seed from discount stores and groceries, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission suggests, there are two effective steps to take.

1. Black oil sunflower seed.

2. Magic Mix. Using these, the backyard bird feeder gets many more varieties of visitors. The ratio of wanted versus unwanted species like house sparrows and starlings increases sharply.

Black oil sunflower seed is available from farm supply outlets, garden centers and bird specialty stores. Magic Mix is something you concoct at home.

It’s simple. Like making a stew or chili, there are all sorts of variations to Magic Mix, and no one insists you have to go by a recipe or formula. Magic Mix is a name that came from somewhere years ago, and capitalizing it just seems logical, although it’s not a brand name by any means.

Magic Mix is lard, peanut butter and cornmeal. You can add other things. Exact proportions aren’t needed. Just mix it so it looks and feels right.

In a large mixing bowl, blend in lard and peanut butter, using more lard than peanut butter. A pastry blender works well or you may prefer other kitchen tools you have on hand. Then gradually mix in cornmeal to reach a consistency somewhere in the vicinity of Play-Do or muffin mix. It needs to be fairly stiff and solid but moldable and not crumbly. You’ll use a goodly amount of cornmeal.

It will be greasy. You’re using lard. If the greasiness bothers you, wear latex gloves, but you can wash hands later.

A very rough guide on proportions is two parts lard, one part peanut butter, one part cornmeal. Some Arkansans toss in a handful of flour also, saying this small addition helps the mix achieve the preferred consistency.

To get the Magic Mix to the birds, just put it out anywhere above the ground. Purchased or homemade suet feeders work well. So does pressing a handful of Magic Mix into the bark of a tree.

Hanging log feeders are heavily used in some yards. These are just sections of a fence post with several large holes drilled and a sturdy screw eye placed in one end. Then it is wired or hung on a bent-out coat hanger form a tree limb.

To make several of these log feeders, buy a cedar fence post from a lumberyard, fence company or a farm supply store. A six-foot post can be cut into six sections, each a foot long.

Secure an inch-and-a-half spade bit in an electric drill or drill press and bore staggered holes about an inch deep around the post. Four holes to a section are about right. Below and slightly to one side of each large hole bore a quarter-inch hole. Insert a three-inch piece of wooden dowel into each of these small holes for perches. Don’t glue the dowels in place because they will rot and break before the cedar deteriorates. Pull out the stub of dowel and replace it with a new one.

Use a good-sized screw eye and put it in the center of the top of your feeder. Screw it all the way down. Then use a wire or coat hanger and hang the feeder after it’s filled with Magic Mix. These cedar feeders will last for years.

If you love wildlife, nature and keeping Arkansas as natural as can be, then why not help by becoming a member of the oldest non-profit conservation organization in The Natural State. For as little as $25 a year you can become a member of Arkansas Wildlife Federation.

That's an average of $2.08 per month; only 7¢ a day.

Help us to conserve wildlife, forests, waterways and wetlands for our children and our children's children for years to come. Fill out the membership form in this issue or contact AWF: arkwf@sbcglobal.net or 501-224-9200 to become a member today.

Gordon Bagby AGFC Education Specialist Central Arkansas Nature Center

Arkansas has had a very mild winter thus far. Unless we have some late winter cold spells, it means we’ll likely have more insects this spring and summer. There are pros and cons to that matter. For wildlife species that eat insects, it means more available food so that’s a plus. The mild winter hasn’t been as hard on wildlife, either.

That’s another positive effect. On the flip side, higher insect populations also mean more of those that are wildlife parasites. And we can expect more of other pesky critters, too. Who knows how many ticks, wasps, scorpions and fire ants there will be?

Fisheries biologists tell me they expect earlier fish spawns this spring due to the winter weather. If it continues to stay warm and precipitation is not high enough to cause flash floods, the early spawns will draw anglers out to the streams and lakes sooner than usual.

One way you can monitor the status is by signing up for the free Weekly Fishing Report email from the Game and Fish Commission website at www. agfc.com.

The Game and Fish Commission has set spring turkey season for April 14-29 in most turkey zones in the state. For a few zones the season is April 14-22 and Zone 1 is closed. As it gets closer to the season, AGFC will have more information online and the season booklets printed. I have already scheduled the AGFC turkey biologist to give a season forecast program in Little

Rock. More information is listed under the Central Arkansas Nature Center section.

On another wildlife subject, feral hogs continue to plague most of Arkansas. They compete with wildlife for food and habitat. Their rooting and wallowing causes erosion and destroys plants. Feral hogs can carry diseases that people can get from them. To address these and other issues with feral hogs, the Game and Fish Commission will hold a free workshop at its Little Rock office. “Hog Wars” will be on Saturday, March 17, from 9 am until noon. Wildlife biologists and enforcement officers will present the program and give the most effective methods to control hogs.

Upcoming Events at the Central Arkansas Nature Center Before we know it spring break will be here. The nature center will offer special programs on March 17(fishing), 20 (habitat), 21 (outdoors) and 22 (wildlife). More information will be available on the center’s website at www.centralarkansasnaturecenter.com.

Turkey Season Forecast—March 27, 6-7 pm. Biologists from AGFC and the National Wild Turkey Federation will give their season expectations and turkey populations by regions of the state. The program is free but seating is limited. Reserve a space by calling the center at 501-907-0636.

8 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • January/February 2012

Learn How to Build a Rain Garden Registration Open for April 5th Rain Garden Academy

If you are interested in building a rain garden but aren’t sure how to go about it, then you will want to attend the Rain Garden Academy hosted by Beaver Water District and the Illinois River Watershed Partnership from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 5th, at the Fayetteville Town Center, 15 W. Mountain St., in downtown Fayetteville.

The academy will offer valuable resource materials including a Low Impact Development Manual, a bus tour of area rain gardens, and lunch. The cost is $25 per person and $15 for students. The class will be limited to 50 people and pre-registration is required. Participants may register on line at www.irwp.org. Individuals affiliated with public and quasi-public institutions that are interested in applying for the Rain Garden Project Mini-Grant are encouraged to attend.

“We’re excited about offering this training,” said Amy Wilson, Director of Public Affairs for Beaver Water District. “We filled every seat on Nov. 10th, the last time the event was held, and we expect to do the same this time around. What that tells us is that rain gardens are becoming very popular and that’s good news when it comes to water quality!”

Becky Roark, IRWP Rain Garden Resource Specialist, agrees. “Storm water is the number one pollutant in our nation’s waterways and rain gardens are a solution,” she

AGFC signs historic minimum flow document LITTLE ROCK – After working toward a solution for more than 13 years, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission last week approved the final piece of an agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure a steady flow of water below Bull Shoals Dam on the White River.

The AGFC, Arkansas’s congressional delegation, trout fishing enthusiasts, and area resort owners and outfitters worked together to solidify the agreement to improve the trout fishery below the dam. The White River minimum flow issue is an old one, dating back more than a half century when trout were first

said. “In fact, building a rain garden is one of the easiest and most cost efficient ways to manage wet weather and reduce storm water pollution. Rain gardens are better than standard lawns when it comes to absorbing runoff.

According to the US EPA, rain gardens can absorb up to 80 percent of runoff.”

Dr. Robert Morgan, Manager of Environmental Quality for Beaver Water District, said rain gardens work with nature to keep our watersheds clean. “Rain gardens keep rain where it falls so that nature has a chance to filter pollutants from storm runoff.”

On July 1, the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded two grants totaling $350,000 to build rain gardens to improve water quality.

“The IRWP received $211,000 and Beaver Water District was awarded $139,000,” said Dr. Delia Haak, Executive Director of IRWP. “Together, we’re administering the Rain Garden Project to build 60 rain gardens in Northwest Arkansas over the next three years in the Illinois River Watershed and the West Fork-White River & Beaver LakeWhite River Watershed.”

Dr. Haak added that some stream reaches in both of these watersheds are listed as impaired on what’s known as the 303(d) list of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). The Rain Garden Grant Project is designed to slow “non-point source” (NPS) urban and rural runoff and improve water quality in streams.

The workshop is designed for homeowners, commercial developers, gardeners, nursery owners, landscapers and personnel who work for city, state, and county government, parks departments and anyone who wants to know more about rain gardens or connect with others who want to build and maintain rain gardens in the area. Certificates of Completion will be administered to those who would like to submit the hours from the full day training course.

The Illinois River Watershed Partnership is a diverse group of men and women who work to improve the water quality of the Illinois River. Visit irwp.org. Beaver Water District supplies drinking water to more than 300,000 people and industries in Fayetteville, Springdale,

stocked in the White River below Bull Shoals Dam as a replacement for the native warm-water fish wiped out by the dam’s cold-water releases.

When water levels drop in late summer and early fall, dam gates are closed to keep Bull Shoals Lake levels high enough so generators can create power from flowing water. Air conditioning systems require the power during hot weather.

But trout in the river below the dam need lower water temperatures, deeper water and more area to thrive. With a low or minimum flow of water through the dam, these conditions will improve so trout can survive, according to AGFC fisheries biologists. Trout food producing areas also will be enhanced and expanded.

On hand for the historic event were former commissioners Forrest L. Wood, Mike Freeze and Sonny Varnell. Wood thanked current and former commissioners, and AGFC employees who have continued work on the project.

“It’s a project that makes our organization and our fisheries better. I think we’re going to see a lot of benefits from this in the future,” Wood said.

RCCS Joins Archery Program

by Johnny Sain, Jr.

The shooting sports are great ways to get kids interested in the outdoors and conservation. It’s rare to find an adult at the rifle, skeet or archery range that doesn’t hunt or enjoy nature.

Shooting with peers naturally leads to competition and what better way to teach fair play and good sportsmanship. The “Archery in the Schools” program is a way for students to participate in team shooting sports at their school.

Russellville Community Christian School recently became involved with the “Archery in the Schools” program. The archery team is almost fifty percent of the student body, a good sign that archery is a lot of fun. RCCS joined “Archery in the Schools” through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission which helps bring the program to schools throughout the state.

Like traditional school sports, student archers compete against other schools and can win college scholarships.

Fines from game violators provide one source of funding for the program package which includes bows, arrows, targets, a backstop, and training for the school archery coach.

RCCS archery coach Shawn Partain believes the program is going to be a great addition to the school. “The archery program is a way for kids, especially kids that don’t want to participate in traditional sports, to be involved in competition.

Archery is a lot like golf; it takes discipline, the scoring is done using the honor system, and you are part of a team.”

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Arkansas Out-of-Doors • January/February 2012 - 9

Reed Posthumously Honored

The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame inducted five new members on March 8, 2012 at its 24th annual Induction Luncheon.

Inductees were Lionel Barton of Fayetteville; Abraham Carpenter Sr., Grady; Howarth Erwin Taylor, Hickory Ridge; the late Jon S. Fitch, Hindsville, and the late Stanley E. Reed of Marianna. Reed was a farmer and lawyer as well as the top contender for the University of Arkansas system. Reed died in a onevehicle auto accident in July 2011.

The Agriculture Hall of Fame recognizes state agricultural leaders “who have given selflessly to the farm industry, their communities and to economic development in Arkansas,” according to a news release issued by Arkansas Farm Bureau, which sponsors the event.

Chick-Fil-A Family Night

by Al Wolff

If you hunt and fish it’s always good to have a reliable friend at your side. Whether it’s the guy you grew up with, your best dog or the staff at DNW Outdoors you know it will be a good day.

If your passion is Bows, Guns or Lures DNW Outdoors has the stock and experience to get you where you need to be.

Remember, we’ll be right beside you.

To name just a few of our reliable friends

CUT OUT AND PRESENT TO CHILI'S

There are times, especially in harsh winters, that migrating birds have a difficult time finding nourishment to help them along their journey. That’s why bird feeders can help our feathered friends. But what do you do if you don’t have a bird feeder or the squirrels have gotten into your feeder, placed too much weight on it and caused it to drop to the ground and break? How about Pinecone Feeders?

AWF members Lola Perritt and Ethan Nahté were invited to Chick-Fil-A on Cantrell Road in Little Rock to their Family Night event. They showed a variety of slides highlighting animals, nature and activities such as Bearcat Hollow on a screen to attract attention. The slide show helped to keep families not only occupied, but gained some interest in what AWF is all about and how they could help in their schools, scout projects, 4-H projects, etc.

In addition, Perritt, along with the help of Chick-Fil-A’s assistant marketing director, Marisa Lundquist, and one of her daughters, Jessica, provided approximately three dozen children and their parents or grandparents with supplies to make their very own Pinecone Feeders right there in the restaurant. The projects started out with peanut butter or vegetable shortening containing some animal fat, pinecones, birdseed and plastic knives to spread the materials onto the cones. The final item was raffia, found at most hobby shops.

Raffia is very thin strips from a palm that can

be woven like straw or hemp. They are strong enough to hold the pinecone and the weight of the birds, but fragile enough to break in case a bird gets caught up in the wreath, so it doesn't endanger their life.

Children of all ages made pinecone feeders and got to take the feeders home in a bag to hopefully help keep peanut butter, shortening and bird seed off the car seats.

Many left with a big smile on their face and some informative tips on winter bird feeding taken from the National Wildlife Federation site and fun facts that Perritt provided while teaching them how to make the feeders.

The families seemed to have a great time and AWF had fun showing them a simple, fun thing to do to help wildlife. AWF looks forward to being invited back for more presentations at Chick-Fil-A.

10 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • January/February 2012

Chick-FIL-A

Photos by Ethan Nahté

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Arkansas Out-of-Doors • January/February 2012 - 11

CLEANUP

Photos by Ethan Nahté

12 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • January/February 2012

AWF On Talkin’ Outdoors

Crow-Nanza 2012

By James Manatt & Ethan Nahté

by Ethan Nahté

Steve “Wildman” Wilson invited AWF to appear on his weekly program Talkin’ Outdoors. President Wayne Shewmake made his debut TV appearance at the KARK-TV studios early in the morning.

Shewmake and Wilson have known one another for 30 years, first meeting back in Atkins, Ark. in 1982 when Shewmake was first taking his hunter’s education class and then was recruited by Wilson to become an instructor. Shewmake is still an instructor, and winner of AWF’s Hunter Educator of the Year Award (2000).

After a bit of reminiscing they discussed a little about what AWF was about and its brief history; affiliate clubs such as the Yell County Wildlife Federation (YCWF), which would come up again later in the program; the Bearcat Hollow project; Lake Ouachita Vista Trail project; and Crow-Nanza.

A few minutes of the show included

Talkin’ Outdoors’ trip to the River Valley area for YCWF’s 11th annual Crow-Nanza event. Wilson and Shewmake discussed the fundraiser and “getting outdoors” event while the video played before wrapping the show up.

The program aired on the weekend of March 3rd & 4th, but if you missed it you can catch it soon on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission’s video page: http://www.agfc.com/resources/Pages/ ResourcesVideos.aspx

At Heartland Bank, our customers come first. Our friendly staff is here to assist you with all of your banking needs - from loans to new accounts, mortgages, cd’s, and everything in between. Stop by any one of our convenient locations today… we’re here to help.

Bryant: 4937 Hwy 5 N. / 501-847-7982 Sheridan: 108 South Main St. / 870-942-8844 Fordyce: 610 W. 4th St. / 870-352-3101 Little Rock: 5100 Kavanaugh Blvd. / 501-663-3350 www.heartlandbankonline.com

Just a quick follow up on February 18th activities and this year’s Crow-Nanza. We had 9 teams hunt Saturday. The forecast for rain scared off some teams. It didn’t scare of Steve “Wildman” Wilson and his crew from Talkin’ Outdoors. The outdoor show, which airs on KARK and other NBC affiliates around Arkansas and southern Missouri, came out with a crew and followed last year’s winners Nathan Gibbs & Brock Knight.

Brock & Knight were unable to successfully defend their title, losing out to the team of Andy Thomas, Bud Burnett and their youth hunter, Andrew Thomas. They didn’t lose by many crows though, it was a tight race.

Third place went to the team of Ryan Newton & Nathan Cathcart. In all, a total of 70 crows were harvested at this year’s event.

In addition to the crow hunt we had 12-15 members help building wood duck boxes.

They built 100 boxes with no major injuries.

These boxes will be sold and/or donated for use in wetlands, lake and pond areas. Contact Yell County Wildlife Federation for more details on how to obtain a wood duck box by visiting their new website: http://www. yellcountywildlifefederation.org and click on the “Contact” link.

Arkansas Out-of-Doors • January/February 2012- 13

JAN/FEB UPCOMING EVENTS AWF Quarterly Meeting

Saturday, June 2, 2012 10 am – 2pm The Center of Bryant, 6401 Boone Road, Bryant, AR Open to the Public Working lunch provided- first come first served.

For more information or to RSVP (so we know how much food to provide) contact: arkwf@ sbcglobal.net or 501-224-9200

“Wildlife of Arkansas” 2012 Student Art Contest

Deadline: March 23, 2012 Open to all Arkansas students, K – 12th grade Presented by Arkansas Wildlife Federation & Creative Ideas.

Prizes awarded. See article for more information and Contest Form. Contact: Sharon Hacker @ 501-837-0462 or Rebecca Najar @ 501-658-8838 for more information.

NOLS-WMI Wilderness First Responder Course

Saturday, March 17- Sunday, March 25 University of the Ozarks – Clarksville Public Welcome. Must register.

See details in article in this issue or visit their site: www. ozarks.edu/register/aspx/ or 1-800-264-8636 (M-F, 8am – 5pm)

Faith & Environmental Justice Retreat

Friday – Saturday, March 23-24 Ferncliff Camp, Central Arkansas Presented by Arkansas Interfaith Power & Light To register of for more details: arkansasipl@gmail.com

Earth Day 2012 @ ADEQ for Fourth (4th) Graders!

Dates: Select Monday or Tuesday, April 16, 17, 23 or 24 Begins @ 9 am 5301 Northshore Drive, North Little Rock TEACHERS - Bring your fourth graders to celebrate Earth Day at the North Little Rock headquarters of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)!

Our knowledgeable staff will share information about environmental quality, pollution concerns and energy innovations. We can accommodate up to 100 students for this event. Our building is handicap accessible.

Contact: Becky Allison – Allison@adeq.state.ar.us or 501682-0978 to reserve your group. Don’t wait; this event will fill quickly.

5th Annual E-Day Festival

Sunday, May 20 11 am- 3 pm, Rain or Shine Historic Downtown Farmers Market, Hot Springs Admission: Free e-Day Festival is an environmental event hosting almost one hundred environmentally conscious businesses, non profits, schools, places of worship, and various eco-savvy groups. The event is full of family fun, food, entertainment, and kids’ activities all focused on earth friendly practices.

This is a great green day out for the entire family. The best part about the event…admission is completely free! Whether you’re “green” and want to see the latest in environmentally

sound practices and new ideas (and meet other people like you) or whether you just want to learn some new “green” tips and practices, this is the event for you. You will discover all kinds of intriguing exhibitors with eco friendly products to purchase and green practices to start implementing in your daily routine.

To volunteer, participate or general information contact: Adam Roberts @ 501-655-2161 or adamrobertshsgcbc@ msn.com

Our Arbor Day for Garland county:

Arbor Day 2012: Arbor Day will be on April 20th this year at Entergy Park, and every fifth grade student in Garland County, including our home schooled students at the appropriate grade are invited. This huge project will once again be a joint venture with many City/County/State departments. The great forest-related workbook and lunch will be provided at no cost to all attendees again this year, and plans are well underway for another full array of interesting educational modules for the students. Last year’s event had over 590 students, teachers and parents in attendance.

To volunteer, participate or general information contact: Adam Roberts @ 501-655-2161 or adamrobertshsgcbc@ msn.com

Yell County Wildlife Federation 48th Annual Quail Banquet & Fundraiser Saturday, March 24, 2012 6:30 pm - 11:45 pm Hwy. 22, YCWF Building Dardanelle, AR For tickets contact: James Manatt @ 479-477-0461 Wayne Shewmake @ 479-229-2298 Jim Wood @ 479-229-4449

2012 Art Competition Awards Presentation

Friday, May 4, 2012, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Witt Stephens, Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center 602 President Clinton Avenue Little Rock, AR 72201

National Wildlife Federation National Conservation Achievement Awards

Saturday, May 17, 2012 Mayflower Hotel, Washington, D.C. For more info on the event, tickets or sponsorship contact: Cristy Heffernan, 703-438-6231, heffernanc@nwf.org or visit www.nwf.org/connies

76th Anniversary AWF Annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards Banquet

Saturday, August 25, 2012 Times: TBA The Center of Bryant 6401 Boone Road Bryant, AR

AWF Visits U of A and Warren Rotary Club

by Al Wolff AWF president Wayne Shewmake and executive director Ethan Nahté made their way across the state to discuss what AWF is all about and some of the projects they are working on, such as the Bearcat Hollow Cooperative Project and Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT). Their first stop was at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

Sarah Drake, president of the Crop, Soil, and Environmental Science club at the university, invited AWF to put on a presentation on January 31 at the Plant Science building. Other clubs such as the Fisheries Club and Wildlife Society Club were invited to attend as well. The meeting was attended by a couple of dozen students and also included three instructors with the university.

Some of the students wanted to come camp out the next weekend at LOViT and help with the trail building.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans and the volunteer day was canceled due to an abundance of rain. They do plan on helping out later this year at the big volunteer day for Bearcat Hollow.

A month later Shewmake and Nahté visited the Warren Rotary Club. The club's marketing administrator, Vol Ford, thought AWF and their views on nature and conservation, as well as volunteerism, would be a good subject for the Rotarians and Jr. Rotarians. Many members of the Warren business community, including the mayor, members of the school district, and bankers were in attendance at the luncheon meeting held at the First Methodist Church.

Ford said, "Many people may know of the Arkansas Wildlife Federation's name, but not many of them knew exactly what we do." The Warren area is just southwest of Pine Bluff, nestled in amongst a lot of pine trees and fields, and a very prime area for outdoorsmen and women who like to hunt. So what AWF does and doesn't do was of interest to them.

From the reactions and statements made after Shewmake's presentation, it's safe to say that the majority of the attendees agree with what AWF is about. AWF hopes to hear more from the Warren area and to include them as affiliate members in the near future.

If your school, group or organization has an interest in finding out more about AWF and how you can help us or AWf can help you, then contact the office at 501-224-9200 or arkwf@sbcglobal. net to discuss what you have in mind. AWF would love to come meet with you and educate you more about what we do and what we stand for.

AWF Mission Statement: To promote conservation, responsible management and sustainable use of Arkansas’ fish, wildlife, natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities through education and advocacy.

14 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • January/February 2012

Agfc Enforcement Division Activity Report For January 2012 Statewide Officer Violator Contacts

Statewide Officer Activity Hours

Fishing:

Dive Team:

151.25

Assisting Other Agencies:

215

Hunting:

947

Boating:

90

Criminal: Other:

87

16

29

District A-1 Officers worked 33 hours of Waterfowl Enforcement, 35 hours of Night Hunting Enforcement, 114 hours of Fishing Enforcement and 68 hours of Boating Enforcement within this month. Major cases included: 5 Hunting Out of Season (Deer) cases and 2 Road Hunting cases. Several deer decoy special operations were conducted this month. Officers Sanders and Hungate encountered a subject burning the coating off of copper wires, upon further investigation with local environmental agents it was determined the copper was from a commercial burglary and an arrest was made. They also assisted with the removal of nearly 10 tons of roofing shingles off of Wedington WMA. An explosive device was located on McIlroy WMA while 5 officers were patrolling the area on ATV’s. The following weekend a saturation was conducted to search for similar devices in heavily frequented areas – hiking trails, food plots, etc. Sgt. Johnson assisted the Bomb Squad with disposal and also assisted Madison Co. SO with a suicide. Cpl. Gustavus worked with Wisconsin DNR concerning a subject taking Over the Limit of Fish (mainly Walleye) on Table Rock Lake. Officers Seay and Smith attended a RADAR/LIDAR recertification class; Smith also completed the Instructor Development course and Seay completed classes on Racial Profiling and Animal Cruelty. PR events included: assisting with a fishing tournament, school programs, Big Buck Classic and teaching a Nuisance Animal trapping and deterrence class to the Benton Co. Master Gardeners. Several visits and phone calls were made to the Wilderness Safari in Gentry assisting them with gaining compliance with our regulations.

District A-2 Officers worked 77.5 hours of Night Hunting Enforcement, 83.75 hours of Boating Enforcement, 139 hours of Waterfowl Enforcement and 250.25 hours of Enforcement on area WMA’s within this month. Two special fishing operations were conducted. One was an undercover operation targeting people taking over the limit of Sauger below the Ozark Lock and Dam. Several citations were issued and 56 Sauger were seized for Over the Limit. The second operation was a Trout detail at Wells Lake at the AR River Valley Nature Center.

Officer Fletcher investigated and charged a subject for Snagging Game Fish and Taking Over the Limit of White Bass below Lock

Honor Guard:

Public Relations:

Assisting Other Divisions:

222.75 309.25 78.50

and Dam 13. He also apprehended a subject Waterfowl hunting w/ Lead shot; the subject tried to evade him by hiding in the woods but he and his hunting party were eventually captured. Officer Beavers investigated a trapping complaint which resulted in 20 leg hold traps and a deer feeder being seized and citations issued. Officer Collier investigated 2 individuals killing deer and checking them in their child’s name. One of the subject’s hunting privileges were revoked and the other subject admitted to killing 5 deer, 2 of which were checked in the child’s name. Officer Campora arrested a subject for Possession of Firearms by Certain Persons, Fleeing and a Felony arrest warrant out of California.

Sgt. Tucker served an informational warrant on 2 subjects as a result of a Fish Selling investigation. PR events included: a career fair at Coleman Jr. High, Ft. Smith Boat Show and a Rotary Club presentation.

District A-3 Officers worked 160.5 hours of Night Hunting Enforcement, 153.50 hours of Boating Enforcement, 123.75 hours of Waterfowl Enforcement and 211 hours of Enforcement on area WMAs within this month. Officers Carmack, Tucker and Rae conducted a stop resulting in a Night Hunting and Felon in Possession of a Firearm case; a secondary stop resulted in 4 Drinking on the Roadway and 2 Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor when the vehicle pulled up to see what the Blue Lights were on for during the Night Hunting stop. Officers Carpenter, Whiley and Paul attended a “Big Buck Contest” in Hot Springs as judges, they interviewed the contestants to make sure the bucks were killed legally and the initial winner was disqualified for Failure to Tag or Check his buck by the legal time frame (excess of 30 days). A special operation targeting illegal Crappie fishing activities was conducted on Nimrod WMA. Cpls.

Whiley and Carpenter apprehended 2 suspects charged with Night Hunting and Hunting w/o Permission. Lt. Carmack organized a 6 person DRT team to respond to the Fordyce Tornado.

Sgt. Tucker performed Honor Guard duties at the funeral for a retired Wildlife Officer.

Several officers attended 2 Multi-Agency Law Enforcement meetings; 1 in Montgomery Co. and 1 in Saline Co. Officer Black assisted Polk Co. with a 2-day search for a lost hiker.

Officer Paul assisted Hot Spring Co. SO with a domestic dispute that turned physical.

He along with Officer Taylor also assisted

HSCSO by helping apprehend a subject that assaulted him girlfriend, held her hostage, stole a vehicle and fled into the woods on foot. Cpl. Carpenter assisted the Saline Co. SO with an investigation of illegal dumping.

Cpl. Johnson assisted Probation and Parole officers with the search for a parole violator.

PR events included: attending the Hunting Regulations Public Meeting, a school program on Nuisance Alligators and a newspaper article featuring Officer Paul as the new Wildlife Officer in Hot Spring Co. District A-4 Officers worked 175.5 of Boating Enforcement and 78 hours of Night Hunting Enforcement within this month. Cpls. White, Neel and Hovarter recovered 9 baby Alligators; the gators were taken from a pond and were being sold by a group of individuals. Eight citations for Selling Wildlife and Possessing Alligators were issued. Officer Hall made another case of Selling Wildlife (Deer) in Sevier Co and also a Fleeing and Interfering arrest in conjunction with this case. Officer Broomfield assisted the USFWS on Pond Creek WMA where Baiting and Over the Limit of Deer were made.

Officer Smith made an Out of Season (Deer) and Trespassing case. Officer Whitaker successfully worked a Littering case on Lafayette Co. WMA. Sgt. Philamlee issued 9 citations for Waterfowl related violations.

Sgt. Hellums assisted ADC and Hot Spring Co. SO with a man-hunt and capturing of a subject who had escaped, stolen a truck and held a woman hostage in her home. Cpl. Sigman assisted Pike Co. SO, Glenwood PD and ASP with the search for a robbery suspect and also served 3 warrants in Nevada Co. Officers Raborn and Smith assisted Texarkana DTF with an investigation of a Meth lab and distribution house. Officers Raborn, Smith and Whitaker assisted Lafayette Co. SO with a manhunt for a murder fugitive. Officer Raborn also assisted Miller Co. SO with a fatal shooting at a night club on New Year’s Eve and he found a stolen purse under a creek bridge while working litter. He located the owner and returned the purse. Sgt. Philamlee assisted with a search for a lost person in Polk Co. and assisted a stranded boater. Officer Partain assisted Pike Co. with an arrest warrant and he performed Honor Guard services at the funeral of a retired Wildlife Officer. Officer Hainen assisted Howard Co. with the arrest of a fleeing suspect and came to the aid of an injured Howard Co. officer. PR events included: the Big Buck Classic, a school program and attendance at the public meetings regarding Hunting Regulations.

District B-1 Officers worked 22 hours of Night Hunting Enforcement, 343 hours of Fishing Enforcement and 285 hours of Boating Enforcement within this month. Cpl. Majors issued citations for Hunting Too Close to a Residence and Road Hunting when hunters shot a tame hog near a residence. Officers have been assisting WMD and USFWS with nuisance vulture complaints at Yellville Summit School and in the town of Gilbert. Officers Cruse and Smith

set up a camera in an area where rock thefts have been occurring. Cpl. Cruse assisted AR State Forestry with an investigation.

Cpls. Crownover and Majors solved a stolen canoe case and were able to get the victim reimbursed. Cpl. Small is assisting the Corps with an investigation involving obstructions placed on bike trails designed to injure anyone riding on them. Cpl. Warner assisted Izard Co. with a traffic accident. Cpl. Hagans assisted Van Buren Co. with a trespassing complaint and domestic disturbance. During a snow, Cpl. Small found an ambulance that had slid off the road and become stuck while in route to an emergency call. He picked up the ambulance crew and necessary emergency equipment and transported them on to the scene. Officer Pennington also responded to an EMS call in Van Buren Co. Officers Cruce and Leek investigated a report of a clandestine Meth lab. Honor Guard members performed funeral services for retired Wildlife Officer Keith Gathright. PR events included: school programs, Hunter Education classes and a 4-H Archery and BB gun shoot.

District B-2 Officers worked 63 hours of Night Hunting Enforcement, 99 hours of Boating Enforcement, 373 hours of Waterfowl Enforcement and 385.50 hours of Enforcement on area WMA’s within this month. Officers conducted 2 Waterfowl operations which resulted in 818 contacts and 67 citations/ warnings being issued. Major cases this month included Officers Spurlock and Thorn worked duck hunters on Bell Slough where 5 boats were checked resulting in 14 citations being issued. Officer Thorn conducted surveillance on illegal traps and issued citations for Trap ID Requirements, Trap Checking Requirements, Trespassing and No Deer Locks on Snares.

Cpl. King made 1 Night Hunting case, 4 Late Shooting cases and 3 Over the Limit (Duck) cases. Cpl. Rogers made 2 Night Hunting arrests. Officer Pratt worked a complaint that resulted in 1 Road Hunting case and 1 Hunting Out of Season warning. Officer Kirkpatrick assisted USFS with an Illegal Dumping case on Piney Creek WMA resulting in citations being issued. Officers Nast and King assisted White Co. SO in apprehending subjects breaking into hunter’s vehicles at boat ramps. Cpl. Stout assisted Perry Co. SO with a suicidal subject and with a structure fire on Thornburg Mtn. Officers Gilliam and Brewer performed Honor Guard duties for a retired Wildlife Officer’s funeral. PR included: attendance at the public Hunting Regulations meetings, a job corps program, a Boating law/Safety class at ATU and administering a Hunter Education test.

District B-3 Officers worked 131 hours of Night Hunting Enforcement, 261.75 hours of Boating Enforcement and 320.25 hours of Waterfowl Enforcement within this month. Major cases included: 2 Night Hunting arrests, Hunting on a Revoked License and Hunting Out of Season. Numerous other citations for Failure to Tag/Check Deer were issued during interviews officers conducted regarding other

Arkansas Out-of-Doors • January/February 2012- 15 complaints. Sgt. Barger assisted Clark Co. SO in locating a subject who was threatening “suicide by cop”. Officers assisted Fordyce PD with a Search Warrant resulting in numerous charges for drugs (possession and sale), firearms, drug money and stolen merchandise. They also responded during the Tornado that struck Fordyce and provided security and traffic control.

Officers assisted Union Co. SO with a manhunt for a subject who had killed a man and kidnapped his ex-wife. The subject when cornered killed his exwife and was subsequently shot by deputies. Officers assisted Fisheries with the investigation of damage to AGFC property at Tri-County Lake; citations were issued. They also investigated damage to the project sign and dock at Upper Jacks Landing on Upper White Oak Lake.

District C-1 Officers worked 42 hours of Night Hunting Enforcement, 442 hours of Waterfowl Enforcement and 376 hours of Boating Enforcement within this month. Two special operations were conducted on Shirey Bay/Rainey Brake WMA accounting for 99 contacts and 14 citations. Officers received various training this month, performed 2 Honor Guard details and attended various PR events including working at Colton’s in Batesville where officers made approximately 500 contacts to help raise over $3,000 for Special Olympics.

District C-2 Officers worked 818 hours of Waterfowl Enforcement and 215 hours of Boating Enforcement within this month. One special Waterfowl operation was conducted at Mallard Point Hunting Club. Officer McMullin worked a Commercial Duck Guiding lodge where citations were issued for Wasting Wildlife. Officers McMullin and Aston assisted USFWS by flying and looking for illegal crop manipulation and baited fields over the eastern part of the Delta. Sgt. Norvell investigated 2 Hunter Harassment complaints on The Sunken Lands and Big Lake. Cpl. Evans worked with South Dakota on a case of a subject purchasing a license while under revocation. The subject was fined, given 30 days in jail (suspended) and lost his hunting privileges for 1 year in South Dakota. Officer McMullin helped certify a possible new state record Saugeye caught on Lake Frierson which weighed 9lbs. Officers Norvell and Holt performed Honor Guard services for retired Wildlife Officer Gathright. Major cases this month include: Road Hunting, Hunting from a Motorized Vehicle, Gun Plug Requirements, Aiding & Abetting and Federal Waterfowl Stamp Requirements. PR events include: several Hunter Ed. classes, public Hunting Regulations meeting, NWTF Awards Banquet, 2 Beaver programs and 2 job shadows.

District C-3 Officers worked a total of 1,997 hours this past Waterfowl season with 3.397 contacts. Officers Rhodes and McGhee made 4 Night Hunting cases. Officer Taylor conducted 2 special operations on Cache River NWR resulting in citations being issued. Commissioner Cook worked with officers on Bayou Meto WMA and received a first-hand look at the pressure the area receives.

District C-4 Officers worked 111.50 hours of Night Hunting Enforcement, 869.75 hours of Waterfowl Enforcement and 205.75 hours of Boating Enforcement within this month. Six special operations were conducted throughout the district with tremendous success; they resulted in 64 citations being issued.

Officers Harper and Williams performed Honor Guard duties at retired Wildlife Officer Keith Gathright’s funeral. They were also deployed with the DRT to Fordyce in the aftermath of the tornados. Officers Harper and Greer assisted Drew Co. SO with a Vietnam Vet who was threatening suicide and had fled into the woods with a high powered rifle. He was taken into custody without incident. Officer Byrd assisted Dumas PD with a search for a mentally challenged subject. Officers Gerard and Young made a traffic stop while working Night Hunters that resulted in arrests of 3 subjects for DWI – drugs, Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of an Instrument of Crime, Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor, Drinking on the Highway and Minor in Possession of Alcohol. PR events included: Big Buck Classic, a Waterfowl school program, NWTF event and attending AGFC Hunting Regulations Public Meetings. Major cases this month included: 14 Waterfowl Tagging Requirements, 2 Wasting Game (Duck), 1 Over the Limit of Ducks, 4 Shell Restrictions on WMA, 2 Non-Resident Hunting w/o License, 1 Damage to AGFC Property, 2 Shooting from a State Highway, 2 Failure to Tag (Deer), 3 Failure to Check (Deer) and 1 Hunting Out of Season (Deer).

Cont. on page 17

Arkansas Wildlife Federation 9108 Rodney Parham Rd. Suite 101, Little Rock, AR 72205 Telephone: (501) 224-9200

“Your voice for hunting, fishing and conservation since 1936” Arkansas Out-Of-Doors Advertising Agreement Arkansas Out-Of-Doors is the official publication of the Arkansas Wildlife Federation established in 1936, a non-profit, hunting, fishing, and conservation organization dedicated to promoting the wise stewardship of our natural resources. It is a newsprint tabloid publication that is published 6 times per year for the following issues: Jan.-Feb., March-April, MayJune, July-Aug., Sept.-Oct., Nov.-Dec. The publication contains information about hunting, fishing and other outdoor-oriented activities. It also contains articles about conservation. It is mailed near the end of the first month of each issue date to approximately 4500 AWF members and it has an estimated readership of 13,500 to 17,500 people each issue. Those who read this publication enjoy the great outdoor, and they are interested in conservation.

Circle the issue in which the ad is to run: January – February issue, reserve space by Jan. 1. Cameraready art due Jan. 5. Mailing date near the end of January.

March – April issue, reserve space by March 1,

Size

Centerfold Full pg 1/2 pg Horizontal 1/2 pg Vertical 1/3 pg Horizontal 1/3 pg Vertical 1/4 pg 1/8 pg

Dimensions

1-2 ads

3-5 ads (5% off)

6 ads (10%off)

-$400 $225 $225 $165 $165 $145 $35

-$380 $215 $215 $156.75 $156.75 $137.75 $33.25

-$360 $205 $205 $148.50 $148.50 $130.50 $31.50

Color Include One spot color, additional Four color, additional

$$50 $100

$47.50 $95

$45 $90

Charges for covers: Inside front, additional Inside back, additional Back cover, additional

$75 $50 $100

$71.25 $47.50 $95

$67.50 $45 $90

(all sizes listed as Width x Height)

21.5"x11" 10.5"x11" 10.5"x5.5" 5.1875"x11" 10.5"x3.625" 3.5"x11" 5.1875"x5.5" 5.1875"x2.75"

Camera-ready due by March 5. Mailing date near the end of March. May-June issue, reserve space by May 1. Camera-ready art due by May 5. Mailing date near the end of May. July-August issue, reserve space by July 1. Camera-ready art due by July 5. Mailing date near the end of July. September-October issue, reserve space by Sept. 1, Camera-ready are due by Sept. 5. Mailing date near the end of September.

November-December issue, reserve space by Nov. 1. Camera-ready art due by November 5. Mailing date near the end of November.

Advertising layout and space: Advertising may send a slick or a black and white copy of a previous ad, a negative for black and white ads, a color key and four-color separations for color ads, or ads may be sent on a disk on CD (PDF, JPEG or EPS) to the Arkansas Wildlife Federation. We utilize 90-line screen, right reading, emulsion down. The AWF can assist in making the ad for the client. Depending on amount of time to layout ad, there may be additional fees for this.

Name of business ������������������������������������������������������������������� Mailing address ��������������������������������������������������������������������� Ad confirmed by (print and signature) ���������������������������������������������������� Telephone_________________________________Fax ��������������������������������������

16 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • January/February 2012

AWF ANNUAL GOVERNOR'S ACHIEVEMENTS AWARDS PROGRAM for 2012 The following awards are open for nomination:

HAROLD ALEXANDER CONSERVATION of the YEAR AWARD The highest conservation achievement award presented by the Arkansas Wildlife Federation is given in memory of Harold Alexander - one of the foremost authorities and experts in Arkansas on conservation activities. ___________________________________________________ CAROL GRIFFEE CONSERVATION COMMUNICATOR of the YEAR AWARD Any environmental conservation organization understands the importance of publicity and media support to educate the general public about important issues regarding the environment. The Arkansas Wildlife Federation selects annually an individual or organization that has provided outstanding media news articles or programs that keep the general public informed of environmental issues and needs that impact The Natural State. ___________________________________________________ Dr. JOHN L. GRAY FORESTRY CONSERVATION of the YEAR AWARD In June 2007, Arkansas lost a giant in the forestry field with the death of Dr. John L. Gray. Dr. Gray served on the Arkansas Wildlife Federation Board of Directors for many years and chaired the Forestry Committee. At the July 2007 AWF Board meeting, the Forestry of the Year Award was renamed in memory of Dr. Gray. ___________________________________________________ Water Conservationist of the Year Award

REX HANCOCK WILDLIFE CONSERVATION of the YEAR AWARD Rex Hancock was one of Arkansas’s premier wildlife conservationists who worked tirelessly on behalf of wildlife and wildlife habitats in the White River and Grand Prairie region of Eastern Arkansas. The Arkansas Wildlife Federation has named this special award in memory of Dr. Rex Hancock for his outstanding contributions to wildlife conservation in Arkansas. ___________________________________________________ AWF PRESIDENT'S AWARD The President’s Award is presented to an AWF volunteer or Board Member in recognition of their contribution, achievements or service to the Federation. It is intended to recognize those persons who have gone above and beyond the call of duty and contributed value to the Federation and its conservation mission. ___________________________________________________ Corporate Conservationist of the Year Award ___________________________________________________ Student Conservationist of the YEAR AWARD ___________________________________________________ Conservationist Organization of the Year Award ___________________________________________________ AGFC Wildlife / Conservation of the Year Award ___________________________________________________ Conservation EDUCATOR of the Year Award

The following awards will also be presented at this years program, but nominations must be submitted through the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

Hunter Education Instructor of the Year Award

Boating Education Instructor of the Year Award

The following information is required to nominate an individual for the awards listed above. Please fill out the form in it’s entirity, and submit to the address below, along with a detailed description of why your nominee should receive their award, and any other necessary articles supporting your nominee.

NAME OF NOMINEE: ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� AWARD: ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� NOMINEE'S ADDRESS: �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

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PHONE:__________________________________________________________ EMAIL: �����������������������������������������������������������������

NOMINATED BY: ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

ADDRESS: ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

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PHONE:__________________________________________________________ EMAIL: ����������������������������������������������������������������� All nominations must be mailed to AWF by June 15, 2012 to be considered. AWF, 9108 Rodney Parham Rd. Suite 101, Little Rock, Ar. 72205, 501-224-9200

Please nominate someone you know, or pass this on to anyone you feel may nominate someone.

Arkansas Out-of-Doors • January/February 2012- 17 Cont. from page 15 District D-1 Officers worked 35 hours of Night Hunting Enforcement, 1,006 hours of Waterfowl Enforcement and 168 hours of Boating Enforcement. They also worked 131 hours on 6 Special Waterfowl Operations resulting in 698 contacts with 24 citations and 60 warnings being issued. Major cases this month included: Snipping Geese, Over Possession Limit, Hunting Waterfowl Over Bait, Over Daily Limit, Hunting Wildlife in Closed Season, Transportation of Illegally Taken Wildlife (Deer). Officers also found and documented one baited duck hole and returned with Federal Agents and made one arrest. Officers served a search warrant and recovered several stolen items including a rifle.

The subject is also being charged with several drug charges. Officers investigated one boat theft; recovered the boat and returned it to its owner. While on patrol, officers checked 2 trucks that were stuck in a field which resulted in the arrest of 3 subjects for Felony Theft of Property (agriculture irrigation equipment) and Criminal Trespass. Officers assisted the Monroe Co. SO with a DWI arrest and assisted the Roe FD with a house fire. Officers took GPS readings of fish structures in a local public pond and provided the coordinates to the public. Officers performed Honor Guard duties during the funeral service of a retired Wildlife Officer. PR events included: speaking with multiple Hunting Clubs about Duck ID/Tagging, attending the Holly Grove and Clarendon Ducks Unlimited Banquets, conducting a “Promise to Take a Youth Hunting” program resulting in 67 people signing up and 4 Landowners volunteering their pits/blinds for the Youth Hunt, and while in route to take an injured Bald Eagle to the Memphis Zoo the officer stopped by 2 local schools and gave several programs with the Eagle.

Dive Team Members were requested for 2 operations this month: 1 assisting the ASP with an evidence recovery from the theft of an ASP vehicle in Lake Pine Bluff and the other assisting Fisheries with the removal of a metal plate which was blocking the drainage of White Oak Lake. A total of 134 hours were worked.

Training Center Seven meetings, 1 promotional testing and 1 outside staff training event were held this month. We enrolled 6 officers in CJI classes and 16 meals were served.

Radio Shop The shop had 19 work requests this month which included: 10 shop repairs/installs, 7 remote relay repairs, 1 dispatch center service and programmed B-3 District to narrowband.

Repairs continue to be conducted on the damaged Snyder Relay Tower.

Radio Room (Dispatch) 9,983 unit checks were received this month which included: 358 violation reports, 33 assisting other agencies, 45 injured/protected animals, 2 search and rescues and 9 hog hunting/depredation permit use. Nine WATTS line violation report numbers were issued and 6,187 phone calls were received/made.

“Wildlife of Arkansas” 2012 Student Art Contest presented by

AR Wildlife Federation and Creative Ideas This exciting visual art contest offers K-12 students in the State of Arkansas the chance to display their creativity. As stated in the title we are continuing with the theme “Wildlife of Arkansas.”

The beauty of the wildlife in our state will provide inspiration as the children of Arkansas explore their artistic abilities. The term Wildlife in not limited to animals, but can also include wildflowers, landscapes, lakes, etc.

Guidelines for Art (painting, drawing or collage) • This category is offered to K – 12th grade students.

• One entry per student accepted.

• Artwork must be student’s original work completed in the 2011-2012 school year.

• Entry must be on canvas, wood, paper or poster board.

• Medium can be oil, acrylic, charcoal, pastel, watercolor, graphite, ink, mixed media.

• Dimensions no larger than 30”x 40”.

• Artwork done on paper or poster must be affixed to a foam board backing.

• Students must fill out the attached form and tape it to the back of their entry.

• There are no exceptions to the rules.

Judging Submitted artwork is judged on creativity, skill and interpretation of the theme. A panel of professional artists will choose the winners.

There will be a 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and Honorable Mention for each

grade. The winning pieces will be exhibited at the Witt Stephens, Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center, 602 President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72201-1732. Exhibit dates TBA. Awards are as follows: 1st Place Winner - $100.00, award and certificate 2nd Place Winner - $ 50.00 and certificate 3rd Place Winner - $ 25.00 and certificate Honorable Mention - $ 15.00 and certificate Event Disclaimer • Judges decisions are final.

• Creative Ideas and AR Wildlife Federation reserve the right to reproduce the artwork • for promotional purposes (Example: AR Wildlife Calendar).

Students receive full • credit for any artwork reproduced.

• Not responsible for lost or damaged art.

Deadline and Criteria for Submission of Art Teachers are to collect the art, provide a list that includes their school name, students’ names and the titles of their entries. The submission deadline is March 23, 2012. Shipped art must be post marked by March 23, 2012. Ship art to Creative Ideas, P.O. Box 242455, Little Rock, AR 72223. Contact Sharon Hacker at 501837-0462 or Rebecca Najar at 501-658-8838 with questions. The art teachers will be responsible for notifying the winners.

AR Wildlife Federation and Creative Ideas Student Artwork Contest Form

“Wildlife of Arkansas”

* Please Print

Name_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ School___________________________________________________________________________ Grade____________________ Teacher ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Teacher’s Email ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Title of Artwork__________________________________________________________ Medium__________________________________ Note* Please tape this form to the back of the artwork. Do not forget to sign your artwork. Entries are due by March 23, 2012.

18 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • January/February 2012

January/February 2012 ISSN0884-9145 POSTMASTER: Send form 3579 to: 9108 Rodney Parham Rd. Suite 101, Little Rock, AR 72205

Arkansas Wildlife Federation Officers and Board of Directors October, 2011 to September, 2012

Arkansas Out-of-Doors

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ARKANSAS WILDLIFE FEDERATION Arkansas Out-of-Doors is published 6 times per year by Arkansas Wildlife Federation, 9108 Rodney Parham Rd. Suite 101, Little Rock, AR 72205. Third Class postage paid at Russellville, AR and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address change to Arkansas Out-ofDoors, 9108 Rodney Parham Rd. Suite 101, Little Rock, AR 72205, or call 501-224-9200.

This is the official publication of the Arkansas Wildlife Federation. Printed matter includes hunting and fishing news, sporting information, articles on pertinent legislation, with special emphasis on environment and pollution problems. All Arkansas Wildlife Federation members are entitled to receive one copy of each issue of AOOD for one year.

Permission is granted to reprint any news article or item printed in Arkansas Out-Of-Doors with credit, please.

Executive Director �������������������������������������������� Ethan Nahté Editor in Chief ����������������������������������������� Wayne Shewmake Layout/Design ������������������������������������������Chris Zimmerman ZimCreative Views and opinions, unless specifically stated, do not necessarily represent the positions of the Arkansas Wildlife Federation.

Deadline Information: Unless other arrangements are made with the editor, copy for club news, features, columns and advertising must be in the Arkansas Wildlife Federation office by the close of business (noon) on the 20th of the month preceding publication. Thank you for your cooperation.

Executive Committee President: Wayne Shewmake, Dardanelle 1st Vice President: Ellen McNulty, Pine Bluff 2nd Vice President: Jerry Crowe, Dardanelle Treasurer: Gary W. Bush, Marion Secretary: Lucien Gillham, Sherwood Acting Executive Director: Ethan Nahté Board of Directors At Large Dr. John T. Ahrens, Mountain Home Charles W. Logan, M.D., Little Rock Lola Perritt, Little Rock Odies Wilson III, Little Rock Jimmie Wood, Dardanelle Gayne Schmidt, Augusta Bobby Hacker, Little Rock Mike Armstrong, Little Rock Chrystola Tullos, Rison Regional Directors District 1: --vacant- District 2: Patti Dell-Duchene, Augusta District 2 Alternate: Angela Rhodes, Augusta District 3: Jeff Belk, Fayetteville District 4: Trey Clark, Nashville District 5: Mary Lou Lane, Dardanelle NWF Region: David Carruth, Clarendon NWF Special Projects: Ellen McNulty, Pine Bluff NWF Regional Representative: Geralyn Hoey, Austin, TX President Emeritus and First Lady Emeritus: Bob and Rae Apple, Dardanelle National Wildlife Federation Delegates: Wayne Shewmake, Dardanelle Ellen McNulty, Pine Bluff ADVISOR TO PRESIDENT Ralph Oldegard, Mt. Home Larry Hedrick, Hot Springs Charles McLemore Jr., Bryant

Affiliate Clubs: ATU Fisheries & Wildlife Society Tyler Sanders, President - Russellville, AR Arkansas Chapter of American Fisheries Arkansas Trappers Association Gary Helms, President - Texarkana, AR Creative Ideas President: Sharon Hacker Little Rock, AR Greene County Wildlife Club Rick Woolridge, President - Paragould Little River Bottoms Chapter, Arkansas Wildlife Federation Vickers Fuqua, President Mike Young, Secretary & Treasurer University of the Ozarks - Clarksville Jamie L. Hedges, Director of Outdoor & Evironmental Experiences Westark Wildlife G. David Matlock, Fort Smith White River Conservancy Gayne Preller Schmidt, Augusta Yell County Wildlife Federation James Manatt, President – Dardanelle Arkansas Wildlife Federation Staff Executive Director - Ethan Nahté Editor in Chief - Wayne Shewmake Contributing Writers – Wayne Shewmake, Johnny Sain, Jr., Gordon Bagby, Ethan Nahté, Al Wolff, Jim Wood, James Manatt Contributing Photographers – Wayne Shewmake, Ethan Nahté, Johny Sain, Jr. Arkansas Wildlife Federation Address: 9108 Rodney Parham Road, Suite 101 Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 Office: 501-224-9200 Cell: 501-414-2845

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Arkansas Out-of-Doors • January/February 2012 - 19

New stamps feature raptors familiar to Arkansans

LITTLE ROCK – Five birds of prey are featured on a set of U.S. Postal Service stamps that are now on sale.

The northern goshawk, peregrine falcon, golden eagle, osprey and northern harrier are on the 85-cent definitive Birds of Prey stamps. All these birds are seen in Arkansas, although some are infrequent visitors.

The stamps can be used with virtually all domestic First-Class Mail weighing up to 3-ounces. The stamps are available at post offices nationwide, online at usps.com and by phone at 800-782-6724.

The powerful birds are depicted in colorful portraits and shown from the neck up. The artwork appears against a plain, white background.

Illustrator Robert Giusti of Bridgewater, CT, worked with art director Howard E. Paine of Delaplane, VA, on this issuance. Giusti painted

the original designs in acrylic on canvas board.

Birds of prey, also known as raptors, thrive in diverse habitats and live on every continent except Antarctica. The roughly 500 species of raptors include birds that hunt by day, such as falcons, eagles and harriers and birds that hunt by night — owls. They share several common characteristics, such as being carnivorous and using their powerful talons to capture prey. Their exceptionally keen eyesight allows them to see small objects in detail, even from a great distance.

As predators high on the food chain, raptors play an important role in maintaining the balance of nature.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They

AGFC offers new system to turn in violators

LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is offering a new way to anonymously report outdoor-related violations to the agency’s Enforcement Division agents. It’s called tip411 and is as simple as sending a text message.

CitizenObserver, the tip411 provider, uses technology that removes all identifying information before the AGFC receives the text so that the AGFC cannot identify the sender. To send the anonymous tip via text message to the AGFC, text AGFC with the tip to tip411 (847411). You will then receive a thank you text acknowledging that the text has been received.

According to AGFC Assistant Chief of Enforcement

may purchase new stamps at a local Post Office, at The Postal Store website at usps. com/shop or by calling 800-STAMP-24.

They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others) and place them in larger envelopes addressed to: Birds of Prey Stamp Special Cancellations P.O. Box 92282 Washington, DC 20090-2282 After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes by mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be

Todd Smith, the system is a completely anonymous way for people to report violations via text messaging.

“Our dispatch center will be monitoring all incoming texts 24 hours, 7 days a week,” Smith said. “We will respond to the reporting person, gather required information, then pass it on to the appropriate officer,” he explained.

With the increase in technology along with the way our society communicates these days, this venture should open the door for those who would not have called in a violation, Smith said. “There are many other agencies across the country that have initiated this way of communicating with law enforcement,” he added.

An iPhone app is also under development and will be available soon. Citizens all may anonymously report tips by calling 800-482-9262.

501.847.7275

postmarked by March 20, 2012.

How to Order First-Day Covers The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation.

Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP-24 or writing to: Information Fulfillment Dept. 6270 U.S. Postal Service P.O. Box 219014 Kansas City, MO 64121-9014

Bald eagle shot in Logan County, reward offered

MAGAZINE - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in conjunction with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, is asking the public for information about a bald eagle that was shot in Logan County. The Service is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to a conviction.

The eagle was found by a local citizen in the Magazine area and reported to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission on Feb. 10.

Although bald eagles are no longer listed under the Endangered Species Act, they are still federally protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Maximum fines under these acts are $100,000 and $15,000 respectively, with possible imprisonment up to one year. Anyone with information should call Special Agent Jason Keith with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement in Little Rock at 501-324-5643.

6401 Boone Road • Bryant, AR 72022 parkinfo@cityofbryant.com • www.cityofbryant.org/ParksAndRecreation

20 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • January/February 2012

MEMORIAL GIFTS & HONORARIUM Remember Loved Ones "Forever"

You can remember a loved one with a memorial gift or honorarium to the Arkansas Wildlife Federation.

Memorial gifts: If you would like to remember someone who loved wildlife, and the great outdoors of Arkansas, you can make a gift in that person’s name. What a beautiful tribute to their memory. Your memorial gift will continue the work of the Arkansas Wildlife Federation and keep a loved one’s spirit alive through wildlife conservation.

Honorarium Gift: Are you puzzled what to give friends or family members who “have everything?” Will an ordinary gift just not be enough? Then, consider making a donation to the Arkansas Wildlife Federation in their honor and acknowledge their special day, birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or whatever they are celebrating. Your gift is a special recognition to this individual or family in support of wildlife conservation programs. Gifts of $ 100 or more will receive wildlife print. All donations will receive a tax deductible receipt.

Make a Difference “Forever Memorials or Honorariums” Right Now by Completing this Information Below:

Name of honoree_____________________________________________________________ Name of donor______________________________________________________________

Address____________________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________

City_________________________________State_____________ Zip Code______________ City________________________________ State_____________Zip Code______________

Visa_________ Master Card____________ Credit Card #_____________________________________________________________ Expiration Date______________________________

Memorial______ Honorarium_____________ Amount of Gift $______________________ *The Arkansas Wildlife Federation can accept checks, and Master Charge or VISA Credit Cards *

Designation of Gift_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ We now accept MC/Visa/AMEX/Discover

Thank you for supporting wildlife conservation! Send to: AWF, 9108 Rodney Parham Rd., Suite 101, Little Rock, AR 72205; or call 501-224-9200