Hunting is a way of life often passed down from one generation to the next. What if an aspiring hunter doesn't have a mentor to show him the sport?
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is accepting applications from anyone wanting to learn more about hunting and the outdoors to participate in a special hands-on learning experience called the "Beginners Hunt Club."
To apply for the Beginners Hunt Club, visit www.agfchuntclub.com
Anyone 6 years or older is welcome to apply, but special preference will be given to those who have no outdoors experience. Children must have a parent or guardian attend all events with them. All equipment necessary will be provided. However, participants 16 and older will need to purchase an Arkansas hunting license before the two scheduled hunting trips.
Clifton Jackson, small game program coordinator for Game and Fish, said trends indicate fewer people are exposed to hunting every year.
"I want to teach everyone how to hunt, adults as well as kids," Jackson said. "If you don't have a child to participate, don't hesitate to apply, either. This is about taking that first step and learning something new."
Participants in the club will be able to take hunting for a "test drive," as they participate in a dove hunt, squirrel hunt and a wild-game cookout to wrap up their freshman year as a hunter. Jackson said small game hunting lets new hunters enjoy plenty of opportunities to shoot.
"When you first start out, you want to get into the action quickly," Jackson said. "Deer hunting can take much more patience and doesn't allow for as much teaching or group conversation while in the stand."
The course begins with a safety training and introduction to firearms at the Game and Fish newly reopened shooting range in Mayflower.
The dove hunt will take place Oct. 14 on a private field leased by Game and Fish for permit dove hunts during September. Two weeks later, members are invited to a special squirrel hunt on some of Arkansas's best public land. They'll be introduced to still hunting for squirrels as well as hunting behind trained squirrel dogs.
Jackson's second-favorite part about introducing people to hunting is packed into the club's last event -- creating meals from wild game.
Sports on 08/29/2017