Hunters across the state are getting out in their stands and enjoying this year's deer season. Others, learning the rules and regulations of the sport so that they too can get out and hunt before the season's over.
Dozens of people attended Deer Hunting 101 Saturday (Oct. 26) at the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center. There, instructors with Arkansas Game and Fish reviewed the rules and regulations of deer hunting with a crowd of people interested in hunting from the River Valley.
"It's about educating folks about what to do with their harvest, possibly where they could go hunt deer, safety precautions they need to take and basic rules and regulations," explained Ralph Meeker, with AGFC.
Hunter Larry Mars attended the class with his wife Patricia, who has never been deer hunting, in hopes that soon the pair can go out hunting together.
"I think it's going to be enjoyable," Mars said. "I think it'll be great to take her out and enjoy it with her."
Mars said he's already getting excited for modern gun season to start in a few weeks and get back out in the woods.
"I just enjoy being out in the woods," Mars said. "Just being in the peace and the quiet. And just the joy of harvesting the deer. It's very exciting."
Hunters said they hope this year's harvest is even better than last years which set a record across the state according to statistics from AGFC.
"We've had some really good hunting weather," Meeker said. "Habitat conditions are great. There's a lot of food out there for deer and so there's a lot good people out there harvesting a lot of good quality animals."
Although Deer Hunting 101 wrapped up Saturday, the Janet Huckabee Center is offering another round of hunter education courses for anyone interested. The courses are free and led by instructors with AGFC. Anyone born after 1968 must complete a hunter education course and carry a valid hunter education card to hunt in the state. For more information about the classes and how to sign up, CLICK HERE.