Beyond the city-limits signs of Little Rock, Russellville, Hot Springs, Cabot and other population centers in Arkansas lies the reason for the state’s current nickname: The Natural State.
While roughly 3 million people call Arkansas their home, according to the United States Census Bureau, only about one-third of those residents dwell in one of the state’s 10 largest cities. Instead, the vast majority live in smaller cities like Beebe, Morrilton or Sheridan, or in towns, townships or communities where the domesticated animals or wildlife sometimes outnumber the people.
Even in the larger, more urban areas, however, no one in Arkansas is ever very far from Mother Nature. That truism is driven home by the fact that Arkansas, even based on conservative parameters, is more than 90 percent rural.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission was created in 1915 as the chief state agency charged with stewardship of the fish and wildlife of the state, including the enforcement of wildlife regulations statewide.
Now, 100 years into its existence, the AGFC has seen its share of the spotlight for moments of success, like the recovery of the white-tailed deer population, and the sharp tongue of critics for shortcomings, such as the oft-perceived interference of politics or personal agendas playing a role in agency decisions.
Currently, the AGFC is led by Mike Knoedl, a director who in the modern era of the agency is unique because he has risen through the AGFC ranks from wildlife officer to the top commission post during his 30-year career. Following is what Knoedl had to say about his time with the AGFC, the agency’s first century of work, the future of the AGFC and more.
How many years do you have in the outdoor field, with AGFC and as director?
I have 30 years with the agency and just over three years as the director.
Can you briefly describe your climb up the ladder at AGFC?
I began my AGFC career in 1985 as a Perry County wildlife officer. In 2008, I became chief of the Enforcement Division, a position I held until 2011. After that, I served as the agency’s deputy director before being named director in October 2012.
What did you envision for your life when you took your first job at AGFC?
I just wanted to be a wildlife officer. I grew up hunting and fishing in Arkansas. I knew at an early age that I wanted to protect these wonderful resources.
How did that vision change over time?
I don’t think it has. I’m still helping protect the state’s resources. It’s just from a different position.
What did you envision for you and the AGFC when you took the director’s position?
The agency was in a difficult place. We were on the front page of the paper quite a bit. I wanted to put us back on the outdoors page where we belonged. With a lot of help from a great staff here at the agency, I think we’ve accomplished that.
How has being a former wildlife enforcement officer affected your slant on AGFC matters as director?
Wildlife officers constantly patrol to protect our wildlife resources and maintain safe outdoors experiences. Our biologists keep a sharp eye on wildlife and fish populations and manipulate habitat to keep them healthy, and educators introduce the next generation of conservationists to the outdoors through school programs and nature centers. But those aren’t the only ones working behind the scenes to make the most of our outdoors experience. The AGFC employs every profession, from construction workers and real estate officers to accountants and lawyers, to keep the machine running smoothly. My enforcement career helped me understand that it takes an enormous effort by all of us here at the agency.
How would you sum up the first 100 years of the AGFC?
It’s been a journey. During that period, wildlife in Arkansas rebounded from dangerously low populations to rival the days when the state’s bounty seemed endless. It wasn’t a smooth journey, and sometimes it was not well-focused. It was not led by a single person, a particular organization or even a coalition. Arkansas’ conservation success was the product of many people with many goals, culminating in thriving wildlife and fish throughout The Natural State. The AGFC has championed many conservation efforts since its creation on March 11, 1915. Some species were wiped from the landscape when the AGFC started with little organization and fewer resources. Thirty years after its creation, the commission was restructured for greater efficiency. Now, 100 years later, the AGFC owns 24,000 acres of lakes, 400,000 acres of wildlife management areas, five fish hatcheries, four nature centers, four conservation education centers and 11 offices. Other wildlife management areas that are cooperatively managed bring the total acreage to 3.2 million. The AGFC also manages fish in lakes it owns, large federal impoundments, rivers, streams and bayous across the state. These special places are spread across various habitats that give hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers from Arkansas and around the world beautiful places to enjoy the outdoors. We also now have well-trained wildlife officers who keep watch on these vast tracts of land to make sure resources are used properly and outdoor enthusiasts are safe.
How has the AGFC evolved with changing times and the changing needs of both wildlife and AGFC consumers?
Technologically, we’re on the cutting edge. We gather information much more quickly. A good example is our real-time deer and turkey harvest information. It’s made for a more customer-friendly experience.
When people have a negative opinion of the AGFC, that opinion is commonly founded in interactions with local game wardens believed to be too harsh or the perception that the commissioners are governed only by politics and personal agendas. How do you dispel those theories?
Our officers work very hard to dissipate these attitudes. These officers understand that in many cases, they are the face of an entire agency. Their interaction with the public is important, and we want it to be as pleasant as possible. It’s impossible to please everyone with every action you make, but we will listen to everyone’s voice as we make crucial decisions that benefit all Arkansans.
How has AGFC employee morale changed since a 2012 survey showed the morale to be low?
I think we were at a critical point in this agency’s history. I’m confident that with a lot of help from the employees themselves, we’re on the right course. An employee survey in 2013 showed that we were moving in a positive direction and our employees were much more satisfied than the previous year.
What are your biggest regrets in your time at AGFC?
I have none. I know hindsight is 20/20, but I believe we’ve made great strides during my tenure as director.
What do you see as your biggest achievements with the AGFC?
I think it’s how we’ve reacted to tragedies. A major oil spill came within minutes of contaminating Lake Conway, our premier crappie-fishing
destination. Tornadoes ripped through Mayflower and Vilonia, destroying facilities and the homes of our neighbors. We also suffered personal loss with the death of Wildlife Officer Joel Campora during a flash-flood rescue attempt. A person might say those were times they wish they could forget. But when I look back, my heart is filled with pride, not sorrow. During each tragedy, I saw Arkansas Game and Fish Commission personnel come together with other agencies, concerned citizens and local communities. Together they rolled up their sleeves, shouldered some tremendous burdens and persevered. Working together, we proved that we can move mountains and overcome practically anything that comes our way.
What are your experiences where the AGFC has fallen short but learned valuable lessons?
I can’t think of any. I think we’ve made the right decisions at the right times for the right reasons. Was everything perfect? Of course not. But we made decisions that benefit all conservationists, hunters and anglers. That’s always been my motto — do the right thing.
What are the best success stories of the AGFC?
There are numerous ones. It’s hard to boil it down to just a few. AGFC biologists have helped many species of wildlife rebound: The comeback of white-tailed deer is one of the best-known success stories. About 200 deer were harvested legally in Arkansas in 1938, and more than 192,000 were harvested during the 2011-12 season. For the past three years, we’ve harvested over 200,000 deer. We’re on pace to again surpass the 200,000 mark. That’s impressive. The black-bear restoration is widely accepted as the most successful reintroduction of a large carnivore in the world. Elk, which roam along the Buffalo National River, also have been restored. Our fisheries are as strong as ever. You can go just about anywhere in the state and have a quality fishing experience. I believe we’re second to none in our efforts to educate the next generation of conservationists.
How has the passage of Amendment 75 in 1996 added to the AGFC’s abilities?
It’s been a tremendous help for the state’s natural resources, conservation and education. We owe a debt of gratitude to the people of Arkansas for their foresight in 1996. We’ve been able to add enforcement officers to each county. We’ve built four nature centers. Our Family and Community Fishing Program has been formed to address the issues with quality fishing destinations in urban areas. We’ve annually stocked thousands of pounds of fish. We’ve purchased thousands of acres for public use. Offices and facilities have been updated to better meet the public’s needs. Legislative participation has been revised to keep the lines of communication open, and our public outreach efforts have been given a face-lift.
How has the addition of the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation benefited the AGFC?
They’re one of this agency’s biggest supporters. They’ve helped immensely with our shooting sports program.
What are your immediate goals for the AGFC?
The most important goal is to be a good steward of Arkansans’ money. Arkansans are passionate about the outdoors. They don’t just talk about their outdoor heritage; they want us to roll up our sleeves and do what needs to be done to preserve it. We plan to do just that.
What are your long-term goals for the AGFC?
I want to provide a quality outdoor experience for all Arkansans. We want to continue to provide great fishing and more public land for people to enjoy all the state has to offer. I want Arkansans to have a great outdoor experience.
To those outside the AGFC, what would you say to explain the roles, decisions and regulations of the commission?
One man cannot run every bit of this process. That’s why the AGFC is staffed with experts in each discipline. I listen to our staff and put faith in their judgment to guide us, as a team, toward a better future. The direction I give doesn’t only come from the staff, but also the public we serve.
What do you want to be your lasting legacy at AGFC?
I’m not big on trying to leave a legacy, but I hope I’ve made a small difference in making Arkansas a better place to hunt, fish, watch wildlife and learn about conservation. When I finally retire, I’d like to think that I’ve left the agency better than when I started. I hope I’ve had some impact. Maybe I’ve changed a few minds about this agency and what we’re about.
What is the state of the AGFC after its first 100 years?
I think the future’s bright. We’re heading in the right direction.
Is there anything you would like to add?
I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy whatever outdoors passion you wish to pursue. Most importantly, remember that we’re all together in our love of the outdoors. There’s a place in Arkansas’ outdoors for everyone, and it will take all of us to conserve our state’s fish and wildlife for generations to come.
Staff writer James K. Joslin can be reached at (501) 399-3693 or jjoslin@arkansasonline.com.