Arkansas Game and Fish Hosts Fifth Annual Big Squirrel Challenge

The Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee is inviting hunters of all ages to participate within the Umarex Large Squirrel Problem, a statewide small-game competitors returning Jan. 9–10 for its fifth consecutive 12 months.

The annual occasion encourages hunters to hit the woods with a companion and compete for prizes by harvesting and weighing the most important squirrels through the two-day window. Looking begins at midday Friday, Jan. 9, and concludes with weigh-ins by midday Saturday, Jan. 10, at 13 areas throughout Arkansas.

Members might harvest their authorized every day restrict of 12 squirrels, however solely the three largest squirrels could also be entered for scoring. Hunters can compete in fox squirrel, grey squirrel, or mixed-bag classes, with every squirrel counting towards just one entry. Groups might enter a number of classes if they’ve qualifying squirrels.

Eric Maynard, assistant chief of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Education Division, stated the occasion is designed to advertise small-game looking and get households outside collectively.

“Squirrel looking is a number of enjoyable,” Maynard stated. “It’s an important alternative to get youngsters out, introduce folks to looking, and remind of us how accessible small-game looking actually is.”

Groups encompass two hunters, with divisions for grownup groups and youth groups. Youth groups embody two hunters underneath age 16 or a youth paired with an grownup mentor. Whereas solo hunters are allowed, AGFC officers say the occasion is meant to emphasise shared outside experiences.

There isn’t any entry payment or pre-registration required. Hunters merely present up at one of many weigh-in areas with their squirrels field-dressed and skin-on. Hunters should be in line by midday Saturday to qualify.

First and second-place finishers in every class at every location will obtain medals. Statewide winners in every class may also obtain Umarex air rifles. Each participant who weighs in a squirrel is routinely entered for door prizes at their weigh-in location.

Maynard stated the problem has grown into a well-liked January custom for Arkansas households.

“It’s a contest, but it surely’s actually about having a very good time outside,” he stated. “Small-game looking is likely one of the best methods to introduce somebody to looking, and this occasion places it again within the highlight.”

Extra info, together with weigh-in areas and official guidelines, is accessible at agfc.com

Keith Lusher

Keith Lusher is an award-winning outside journalist who resides in Covington, Louisiana. He owns and operates NorthshoreFishingReport.com and writes a weekly outside column for the Slidell Unbiased Newspaper. He additionally writes for the St.Tammany Parish Tourism Fee’s VisitTheNorthshore.com. He’s the previous host of The Northshore Fishing Report Radio Present and is on the board of the Louisiana Out of doors Writers Affiliation. Keith contributes to quite a few publications each on-line and in print and prides himself on selling South Louisiana’s distinctive fishery. To contact Keith e mail: keithlusherjr@gmail.com