It's Deer Hunting Season, Be Careful out There
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: November 9, 2012
The Arkansas modern gun deer hunt begins Saturday, and Forest Service managers are reminding hunters to be careful out there.
In a news release out today, they say following state and federal law is the first step.
"If you're planning to hunt on the National Forests lands, it is important to know the regulations and best safety practices for an enjoyable season," said Judith Henry, Ozark-St. Francis National Forest Supervisor.
Hunting is permitted anywhere on the Ouachita/Ozark-St. Francis National Forests except within developed recreation sites and other posted areas. All state hunting and fishing regulations, fees, and seasons apply on national forest land.
"It is important that hunters exercise caution when pursuing game in the forests and that they follow their state rules and regulations," said Norm Wagoner, Ouachita National Forest Supervisor. "Wearing the proper hunting attire and ensuring their equipment is in proper working condition are a few of the things hunters can do to help make this a safe season."
State and federal law enforcement officers, in coordination with U.S. Forest Service officials will ensure hunters on the Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests are not engaging in illegal activities such as baiting game species, shooting from or across a county, state or federally maintained road or consuming alcohol during any hunting activity.
Forest hunters and visitors are reminded that some Ouachita Forest campgrounds are closed for flood analysis and that they should visit the Forest Service website for the latest information.
"Although some of our developed recreation areas are closed during the flood analysis, there are many more areas available for hunters and other visitors to camp," Wagoner said.
For more information about hunting and recreational areas on the Ouachita or the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests or to find the District Ranger office nearest you, use these links:
Website visitors can find a list of open camp sites by clicking on the Ouachita's "2012 Recreation and Fee Schedule" link or clicking the "Recreation" link on the Ozark-St. Francis site.
In a news release out today, they say following state and federal law is the first step.
"If you're planning to hunt on the National Forests lands, it is important to know the regulations and best safety practices for an enjoyable season," said Judith Henry, Ozark-St. Francis National Forest Supervisor.
Hunting is permitted anywhere on the Ouachita/Ozark-St. Francis National Forests except within developed recreation sites and other posted areas. All state hunting and fishing regulations, fees, and seasons apply on national forest land.
"It is important that hunters exercise caution when pursuing game in the forests and that they follow their state rules and regulations," said Norm Wagoner, Ouachita National Forest Supervisor. "Wearing the proper hunting attire and ensuring their equipment is in proper working condition are a few of the things hunters can do to help make this a safe season."
State and federal law enforcement officers, in coordination with U.S. Forest Service officials will ensure hunters on the Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests are not engaging in illegal activities such as baiting game species, shooting from or across a county, state or federally maintained road or consuming alcohol during any hunting activity.
Forest hunters and visitors are reminded that some Ouachita Forest campgrounds are closed for flood analysis and that they should visit the Forest Service website for the latest information.
"Although some of our developed recreation areas are closed during the flood analysis, there are many more areas available for hunters and other visitors to camp," Wagoner said.
For more information about hunting and recreational areas on the Ouachita or the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests or to find the District Ranger office nearest you, use these links:
Website visitors can find a list of open camp sites by clicking on the Ouachita's "2012 Recreation and Fee Schedule" link or clicking the "Recreation" link on the Ozark-St. Francis site.
