AGFC schedules turkey meetings
August 28th, 2005 by Administrator
AGFC schedules turkey meetings - LITTLE ROCK (AP) — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is holding six public meetings for turkey hunters to learn the 2006 spring turkey hunting regulations and seasons.
The meetings will occur around the state from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 30, and are being held to give hunters and other interested parties the opportunity to make comments and proposals on the spring turkey hunting seasons.
A detailed review and explanation regarding the current and anticipated future status of turkeys in Arkansas will be presented at each of the six public meetings as well.
Following recent declines in turkey harvest numbers in Arkansas in combination with consecutive years of poor reproduction, the AGFC would like to gather feedback from turkey hunters around the state regarding their receptiveness to possible restrictions for the 2006 season, AGFC assistant chief of wildlife Brad Carner said.
“Specifically, we would like to gather hunter comments on two key issues including the possibility of shortening the 2006 spring season even further than the 28-day season in 2005 and the possibility of moving to a later opening date for 2006 than the April 9 opener for 2005,” Carner said.
A shorter spring turkey season would be an attempt to increase gobbler carry-over and to stabilize recent and anticipated declines in turkey numbers and harvest, Carner said.
Additionally, a later opening date would allow more hens to be bred prior to the spring season, he said.
After public comments are received, staff biologists will present their proposals to the commission at the September 2005 meeting. Following the meeting, there will be an additional 30-day comment period on the specific proposals.
Meeting sites are: Little Rock, AGFC Central Office, 2 Natural Resources Drive, (800) 364-4263; Russellville, AGFC Regional Office, 1266 Lock and Dam Road, (877) 967-7577; Jonesboro, AGFC Regional Office, Arkansas Services Center, 2920 McClellan Dr., (877) 972-5438; Fayetteville, Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Arena, 1335 W. Knapp, (877) 967-7577; Camden, AGFC Regional Office, (877) 836-4612; and Glenwood, Caddo Ranger District Office of the Ouachita National Forest, 912 Smokey Bear Lane, (877) 525-8606.