With chilly weather inhabiting the area, thousands of hunters across the Natural State are gearing up for one of the biggest weekends of hunting. It's the first time of the season to pick up a gun, as more than 300,000 hunters are set to take part in the upcoming modern gun season.
"In the summer time, you might see five or six deer a day,” said Lane Hawett. "Now, you probably see 25 or 30."
Hawett has nearly 20 years of experience with hunting. He said he plans his entire year around this weekend.
"I’ll be out probably three or four times a week during hunting season," he said.
For those who may have waited until the last minute to prepare for this weekend, wildlife biologist Kevin Linch said being prepared is important.
"If you are waiting until this weekend, you are behind the eight ball,” said Linch. “Typically you want to get to where you can have good visibility whether you’re in the woods or if you’re in the River Valley."
For those planning not to pull a trigger this weekend who will be out hiking, Linch said wearing the proper gear is essential.
"There will be a lot of people out on the Ozark Highlands Trail and the Ouachita Trail,” he said. “This should be a really nice weekend weather wise. It would be a good idea for them to wear orange, but it's a better idea for the hunter to be sure of their target."
Modern gun deer season in in Arkansas runs until Dec. 1. However, archery season runs into February.
Gun season in Oklahoma starts Nov. 23.