By RANDY ZELLERS
LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas deer hunting season officially begins this year with the new early bow and arrow hunt scheduled for Sept. 7-9, and many bowhunters can’t wait to get in the woods. If you want a taste of the upcoming season, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation and many of their conservation partners are offering two ways to get excited about climbing a tree with a stick and string.
The first bowhunting smash for Central Arkansas will be a special Introduction to Archery and Bowhunting class from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Aug. 17 at the AGFC’s Fiocchi Shooting Sports Complex in Mayflower. Range staff have partnered with the Arkansas Bowhunters Association to offer a one-stop shop for learning all aspects of archery. Staff will provide some Mathews Genesis bows, identical to those used for the AGFC’s Archery in the Schools program, and the ABA will help newcomers to the sport learn more advanced archery techniques and equipment. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bows to learn proper setup and equipment, and ABA volunteers will provide advanced instruction on how to take your archery skills into the woods for success this deer season.
“The range features both familiar distance targets to shoot at and lifelike 3D targets for everyone to enjoy,” said Bill Haynes, facility manager for the complex. “Many archers like the elevated platform from which you can shoot at multiple targets as if you were in a tree stand, providing a more realistic shooting experience than standing with your feet flat on the ground.”
Register for this special archery course at https://register-ed.com/events/view/215978.
The second event to get your bowhunting heart racing is the return of the Full Draw Film Tour from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on August 21 at the Movie Tavern in Little Rock. Thanks to the Outdoor Society of AGFF, The Nature Conservancy and the Arkansas Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, attendees will be able to see exciting bowhunting on the big screen, professionally produced by independent filmmakers from across the country. Doors to the festival open at 5:30 p.m., and attendees will have several opportunities to win admission prizes as well as raffle items before the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are just $22 per adult, and youth ages 4 to 17 pay half price at this family-friendly event. Representatives from the local Backcountry Hunters and Anglers will also be on hand to talk about their mission to improve and protect public access for outdoor enthusiasts.
Visit www.backcountryhunters.org/full_draw_film_night_little_rock_ar for more information and to purchase your tickets before the event sells out.
Visit www.agfc.com/deer for the latest information on 2024-25 deer archery season dates and regulations.
