AGFF Annual Report

THE ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH FOUNDATION

Meet the AGFF Staff

DEKE WHITBECK President

Deke and his family have deep roots in Arkansas. Born and raised in Little Rock, Deke graduated from the University of Arkansas with a finance degree. He is an avid sportsman and has a passion for conservation and its impact on Arkansas. Deke stepped into the role of President of the Foundation in November 2016 and implemented various new programs and events across the state supporting the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Deke and his wife, Sarah, have two beautiful daughters, Cate and Charley, and love spending time with the girls exploring Arkansas’s outdoors.

RUTH-KATHRYN KELLY Director of Operations

Ruth-Kathryn Kelly, a native of West Memphis, joined the Fondation in 2016. As Director of Operations, she helps oversee the organization’s daily business activities, specializing in data management and bookkeeping. She holds a degree in public relations from the University of Alabama. Her passion is helping facilitate and assist in the mission of both the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as well as the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation. She resides in Conway with her husband, Bobby M Kelly III and her two daughters.

TYLER LAWRENCE Director of Events

Tyler was born and raised in Arkansas, growing up on the banks of the Little Red River near Pangburn. He holds a business administration degree from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. Prior to joining AGFF, Tyler served as Regional Director for the National Wild Turkey Federation and has been involved with nonprofit conservation organizations througout his career. Tyler is a lifelong hunter and angler, passing on those passions to his two sons, Pierce and Beau. Tyler and his wife, Jennifer, live in Greenbrier.

JACOB HARPER Events and Program Coordinator

An Arkansas native, Jacob grew up hunting and fishing with his family. Born and raised in Benton, Jacob attended Catholic High School in Little Rock and earned a degree in communications from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. Jacob oversees the Foundation’s Get It For Game Wardens Program and the Arkansas Outdoor Society. He lives in Little Rock with his wife, Kendall Leigh.

JIBBIE TYLER, Senior Director of Development and Corporate Partnerships

If Jibbie has a choice to be inside or outside, she will always choose outside. She enjoys the beauty of The Natural State and finds an excuse to be in it as much as possible. Born and raised in Little Rock, she joined the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation in May 2022 where she leads development efforts and oversees the organization’s corporate partnerships. Jibbie has two children, Breck and Presley, and she loves sharing her appreciation of Arkansas’s gorgeous landscape with them.

2023 Board of Directors

ANDY MILLER, Little Rock

BILL NEWTON, Conway

BOB COOPER JR., Fort Smith

BOB GUNDERMAN, Little Rock

DR. BRANDON MORGAN, El Dorado

BRENT BIRCH, Little Rock

BRYANT SMITH, Little Rock

CARTER CLARK, Fayetteville

CHRIS GOSNELL, Magnolia

CODY CRAWFORD, Fayetteville

CORY DAVIS, Little Rock

DAVID JOHNSTON, Searcy

EDDIE RODGERS, Little Rock

EMILY MCCORD, Bentonville

FRANKLIN BASS, Hot Springs

GAR LILE, Benton

HUNTER BALE, Little Rock

JAY MOSS, Stuttgart

DR. JEFF WISENER, Rogers

JOE COOK, Jonesboro

JON ROSS HENDERSON, Conway

KAYLE BROWNING, Greenbrier

KENNY GUNDERMAN, Little Rock

KYLE HAMILTON, Happy Rescue Corner

LARRY BOWDEN, Little Rock

LIBBY DAVIS, Little Rock

MARSHALL SAVIERS, Fayetteville

DR. MICHAEL FAKOURI, Monticello

RANDY MILLIGAN, Conway

RANDY WILBOURN, Little Rock

ROBERT FELTUS, Little Rock

RORY HERNDON, Hot Springs

DR. ROY BURRELL, Pine Bluff

RYAN HERINGER, Jonesboro

SCOTT TABOR, Little Rock

SHAY SEBREE, Little Rock

STEVEN SON, Osceola

TJ LAWHON, Little Rock

THOMAS WHITNEY, Little Rock

TODD ROSS, Conway

DR. TOMMY WAGNER, Manila

TRACY FINN, Fayetteville

WADE HILL, Dumas

WIL MAXWELL, Monticello

WITT STEPHENS, JR., President Emeritus

YVETTE PARKER, Little Rock

JOHN RUTLEDGE Chairman

Regional President First Security Bank Little Rock

DR. HAYDEN FRANKS Vice Chairman Physician Franks Dermatology Little Rock

GREG FELTUS Secretary Senior Executive Vice President Stephens, Inc. Little Rock

THOMAS SHURGAR Treasurer Partner Oak Crest Wealth Management Little Rock

Arkansas is a state of many landscapes each with its own texture, color and mood. From the golden reaches of the Grand Prairie to the kelly green of the Ouachitas; from the sapphire waters of the Diamond Lakes to Mother Nature’s full palette splashed across the Ozarks, there’s never a dull moment in Arkansas’s majestic outdoors

Celebrating Our Past Building Our Future

For the past century-plus, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has stood the post to protect and preserve the outdoors for millions to enjoy. And for 41 of those years, the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation has been right alongside, raising money and awareness to improve habitat, educate our youth and fulfill the legacy of the Arkansas outdoors for all ages.

LEAVING A LEGACY

Throughout the years, the Foundation has worked in lockstep with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to ensure the future of quality hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation opportunities across Arkansas. In celebration of this longstanding partnership, the Foundation announced Leaving a Legacy in 2022.

Flexible by design, Leaving a Legacy allows for a wide array of giving opportunities that best align our donors’ intent and passion to make a significant long-term impact on the efforts of the Commission. The program is designed to align with the Commission’s strategic plan in the form of three pillars: Habitat, Access, and Recreation.

SUCCESS STORIES: 2023

Habitat Access Recreation

The Ross Foundation champions conservation in Arkansas, managing timberlands and granting over $1.7 million to southwest Arkansas’s conservation efforts since 1998. Their 2023 grant aims to leverage over $500,000 for wildlife habitat work.

The Foundation inherited a 240-acre farm near Pine Bluff from the estate of passionate outdoorsman Andy

Simmons who passed away in 2021. From this, the Andy Simmons Outdoor Skills Farm was created to sharpen the hunting and fishing skills of young Arkansans.

The AGFC and MidwayUSA Foundation have partnered to benefit the Foundation’s Youth Shooting Sports program. More than $4 million has been raised to support outdoor activities and shooting skills for the state’s youth since 2006.

THREE PILLARS OF

IMPACT FUND

Giving to the Impact Fund helps support critical conservation programs and projects across Arkansas.

Foundation staff works with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to identify conservation initiaves and habitat projects that are eligible to utilize matching dollars—many times at a 3:1 ratio or higher! The Impact Fund aligns a donor’s passion with these projects while leveraging match opportunities.

ELIGIBLE PROJECTS

Projects to restore, conserve, manage and enhance fish and wildlife habitat for game and nongame species

Improving access to public land, rivers, streams and lakes

Develop and enhance recreational shooting ranges

Research projects to include fish and wildlife surveys, species restoration and monitoring

Acquiring land for public use

Learn more at agff.org

SPOTLIGHT ON

HABITAT

The Ross Foundation

Based in Arkadelphia, the Ross Foundation has been a longstanding champion of conservation in Arkansas. Founded in 1966 by Jane and Esther Ross, the Ross Foundation’s Board of Trustees manages timberlands held for conservation purposes, as well as administers a philanthropic grants program.

Since 1998, The Ross Foundation has granted over $1.7 million to conservation efforts and projects across 18 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in southwest Arkansas.

Utilizing the Foundation’s new Impact Fund, the Ross Foundation’s 2023 grant will be leveraged against federal matching opportunities, equating to over $500,000 of wildlife habitat and conservation work in areas across southwest Arkansas.

We invite others to follow the Ross Foundation’s lead and consider making a contribution to the Impact Fund that will provide a tremendous benefit to conservation efforts across The Natural State.

ACCESS

Andy Simmons Outdoor Skills Farm

On May 12, 2021, John Andrew “Andy” Nelson Simmons passed away at the age of 42. Andy was a passionate outdoorsman who loved waterfowl hunting and wetlands habitat preservation, and also had a strong interest in agriculture. Upon his death, his trust directed the conveyance by donation deed of approximately 240 acres of land, including a 2,400-square-foot hunting lodge, mixed forest, agriculture farming acreage and prime waterfowl hunting opportunities.

In his trust, Andy specified that the property was never to be sold and forever to be used as a place for young people to learn how to hunt, fish and enjoy wildlife as he did. The property will be known as the Andy Simmons Outdoor Skills Farm—a unique outdoor education and skills training facility benefiting future generations of Arkansans.

Both the Foundation and Commission are extremely grateful to Andy for his generous gift, and look forward to carrying on his legacy of teaching others about the importance of wildlife conservation and his passion for Arkansas’s outdoors.

SKILLS FARM

UPCOMING EVENTS

Becoming An Outdoors Woman Ladies Takeover

Youth Shooting Sports Activities

Nature Center Hunting Camps

Nature Center Fishing Camps

Mentored Duck Hunt

SPECS

240 acres

2400 sq. ft. lodge that sleeps 16

Fishing lake

Five duck blinds

Dove field

RECREATION

The MidwayUSA Foundation

Since 2006, Arkansas has been a leader in youth shooting sports, thanks to the AGFC Youth Shooting Sports Program. This initiative, mirrored nationally by the MidwayUSA Foundation, cultivates the joy of outdoor activities and shooting skills among youth. In 2015, the AGFF set up an endowment at MidwayUSA Foundation, allowing an annual 5% withdrawal for program support. In 2023, MidwayUSA Foundataion invited the AGFF Board to a “VIP Matching Campaign,” promising to double every dollar raised. The AGFF Board promptly initiated a $1 million fundraising drive to secure the $2 million match, thus contributing $3 million to the endowment. The Arkansas Game And Fish Commission generously contributed $500,000 and by Memorial Day 2023, the goal was achieved.

The AGFF and AGFC appreciate the Potterfield family and MidwayUSA Foundation’s Board for their exceptional support to enhance Arkansas’s youth shooting sports landscape.

MIDWAYUSA FOUNDATION MATCHING CAMPAIGN ’ROAD TO $1 MILLION’

THE FOUNDATION IS EXTREMELY GRATEFUL TO THE FOLLOWING PARTNERS FOR THE MIDWAYUSA FOUNDATION CAMPAIGN:

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Dr. Doyne and Nancy Williams

Maxwell Hardwood Flooring

In Memory of James Dyke

Veranda and Xpress Boats

In Memory of Marion McCollum

The Gunderman Family

George H. Dunklin Family Foundation

First Security Bank

In Memory of Carey Baskin

Hayden and Thomas Shurgar

Denise and Scott Tabor

Lynne and Hayden Frank

Margie and Bobby Martin

(Left) MidwayUSA Foundation founders, Brenda and Larry Potterfield

2023 ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH FOUNDATION BY THE NUMBERS

130K POLES IN THE WATER FAMILY & COMMUNITY FISHING PROGRAM

13,000

Engaged

ARKANSAS OUTDOOR SOCIETY

Founded in 2018, the Arkansas Outdoor Society (AOS) is a partner organization dedicated to supporting the Foundation. AOS is designed to connect young adults who are passionate about hunting and fishing with their peers, introducing them to Arkansas’s great outdoors through mentored events.

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, angler, camper, hiker,mountain biker, or an outdoor novice, AOS has something to offer.

Currently, AOS has two chapters: Central Arkansas Northwest Arkansas. Collective efforts have attracted nearly 200 members, supporting both the AGFF’s mission and AOS events.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE:

Invitations to exclusive hunting, fishing and outdoor excursions, as well as social and educational events, and service opportunities

Subscription to Arkansas Wildlife magazine

AOS merchandise

ACADEMICS AFIELD

In 2022, the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation’s Arkansas Outdoor Society Central Arkansas Chapter partnered with the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (UAPB) and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to launch the Academics Afield program. This innovative initiative introduces college students to hunting and shooting sports, offering education on species and hunting techniques, firearm training, and mentored hunts. After each hunt, the students enjoy culinary social gatherings. The partnership with UAPB Golden Lions has been instrumental in engaging a new generation of young Arkansans in the outdoors. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants and sponsors for their support.

AOS EVENTS IN 2022-2023

Mentored Youth Deer Hunt

Duck Season Eve Party

Wild Game Dinner

Get It For Game Wardens Fundraiser

Buffalo River Float and Fish

Duck Season Social

Fly-Fishing on Little Red River

Trap Shooting Challenge

Pint Nights

SPOTLIGHT ON

EVENTS IN THE NATURAL STATE

Events held by the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation are attended by over 4,000 donors each year, raising more than $1.1 million to help support the AGFC.

Each year, over 1,600 people attend the Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet, recognizing men and women from across the state who have been instrumental in expanding the use and enjoyment of Arkansas’s outdoor resources and broadening conservation education.

Northwest Arkansas’s Into the Wild Banquet is attended by over 500 people, with auctions, raffles, and fun for all

Want to support your local game wardens? The

Foundation kicked off two NEW Wardens

Home, raising over $85,000.

Sponsored by Farmers Bank & Trust, the Arkansas Outdoor Social that includes a trap tournament, community fishing derby, banquet and fishing tournament, in Magnolia.

The Foundation hosts the the Big Buck Classic Jacksonville and Pine Bluff, Pine Bluff and Jonesboro, and the Commissioners’ Cup Youth Fishing Tournament in Hot Springs.

AGFF EVENTS

WELCOMED

4,000 attendees

AND RAISED

$1.14 Million to help support the AGFC

JONESBORO

$1.14 MILLION DOLLARS RAISED OVER 4000 ATTENDEES

Find an Event Near You

Check out agff.org/events, or scan the QR code to find an event near you! Whether you're interested in attending a banquet with auctions and raffles, a golf or trap tournament, or want to support your local game wardens, we have something for you!

GET IT FOR GAME WARDENS

The Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation’s Get It For Game Wardens program continues to grow since its inception in 2021. Designed to enhance the capabilities of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Enforcement Division, this initiative has raised $180,455, allowing for the procurement of specialty equipment. Notable purchases include thermal binoculars, medical backpacks, spotting scopes, e-bikes and even a new K9 asset, a yellow lab named Annie, for the Enforcement K9 Unit.

Two successful events in 2023 further contributed to this cause. Mountain Harbor Resort hosted a fundraiser in Mt Ida, garnering over $15,000 for game wardens in the A3 District, and a subsequent event in Mountain Home, hosted by AGFC Commissioner Rob Finley, raised over $70,000 for the B1 District. In total, $93,500 has been amassed since August 2022, supporting the AGFC Enforcement Division. This program invites individuals to contribute towards enhancing the capabilities of local game wardens to safeguard Arkansas’s natural resources. To learn more or to make a donation, visit getitforgamewardens.com.

BECOME A BACKER

As a BACKER your donation of $100 will help support our mission to provide game wardens in Arkansas the best equipment possible. By becoming a BACKER, you will receive a custom decal that shows your support of the program.

99 BACKERS YEAR TO DATE

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Established in 2022, the Corporate Partnership Program is designed to showcase select companies that are dedicating resources to advance key efforts of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to benefit conservation throughout the state. Doing so gives companies a chance to support the Commission’s initiatives, allowing them to borrow upon the positive emotional equity Arkansans have in the agency and help brands connect to conservation, education and outdoor recreation.

The program is off to a great start with four new partners signing deals: Greenway Equipment, Fiocchi Ammunition, PRADCO and Arkansas Department of Health. Each partner has a tailored conservation sponsorship package that best aligns with budget and marketing goals. From black bass programs to youth shooting sports, the program allows a wide variety of AGFC conservation programs and projects for a partner to consider. Connecting partners to AGFC’s brand affinity and popularity, the long-term goal is to sustain outdoor activities for future generations of outdoor enthusiasts.

PROGRAM ACHIEVEMENT

Four Executed Partnerships in 2022 $1.4 Million in Contracted Financial Commitments

WAYS TO GIVE

IMPACT FUND

Donations to the Impact Fund bolster vital conservation initiatives across Arkansas. The Foundation collaborates with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to earmark agency projects for matching grants that multiply conservation and outreach efforts. The Wildlife and Sports Fish Restoration Program, by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is one notable example. Funded by excise taxes on hunting and fishing gear, it typically finances up to 75% of agency expenses for qualifying activities. Donations can match grant dollars at a 3:1 ratio or more.

Eligible projects include conservation of game and nongame species habitats, access improve-

ment to public land and waters, recreational shooting range enhancement and research projects such as species surveys and restoration.

ENDOWMENTS

Legacy endowments contribute significantly to AGFC’s mission. Contributors can specify the AGFC programs or objectives to benefit from their fund. Current endowments honor former director Steve N. Wilson and ex-president Steve Smith, among others.

Established in 2017, the Steve Smith & Steve N. Wilson Endowments empower the Foundation to undertake projects supporting the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Both individuals

PLANNED GIVING

played crucial roles in conservation, including the enactment of Amendment 75 Conservation Fund, which dedicates a fraction of the state’s general sales tax for Arkansas’s conservation efforts.

The Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Endowment, created in 2015, promotes safe shooting among young Arkansans. Funded by Brenda and Larry Potterfield’s generous gift through the MidwayUSA Foundation, it supports the AGFC’s Youth Shooting Sports Program.

The Arkansas Water Quality Endowment, set up in 2017, finances projects enhancing Arkansas’s water quality, such as the Arkansas Unpaved Roads Program which reduces sediment runoff and maintenance costs.

PLANNED GIFTS CAN ENCOMPASS:

Gifts in living wills or trusts

Legacy endowments

Gifts of securities

Beneficiary designations

Gifts of personal or real estate property

Retirement plan assets

Annual fund membership program

Capital gifts

Memorials and honorariums

Gifts in-kind

Corporate matching gifts

A gift given today shapes tomorrow. Planned giving allows you to make significant, enduring contributions impacting future generations of outdoor enthusiasts. Our Leaving a Legacy program offers various planned gift options to align with your interests and resources.

LEAVING YOUR LEGACY IN THE NATURAL STATE

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s contribution to our state isn’t abstract. Outdoor recreation brings 96,000 jobs to Arkansas, along with $9 billion in economic benefit annually through consumer spending in the state.

Let us not get too comfortable, though — all of the progress made could be lost in a generation. It is imperative that we continue to move forward as the keepers of conservation, toward wiser use of water, earth and wildlife. We must ensure that the lifeblood of our wild places and wild things is preserved through continued education of our heritage and the culture of outdoor life in Arkansas.

This path could not be possible without the generosity and support of our Foundation partners and those Arkansans who pass on their love of the outdoors and this great state to the generations that follow, those who make their mark by Leaving a Legacy.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT