Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – The resurgence of the white-tailed deer in Arkansas is one of the best stories in wildlife conservation history.
Population estimates from the early 1900s indicate there were probably fewer than 400 deer left in Arkansas, with the population being decimated by market hunting and habitat loss. Conservation practices began, and the deer responded, with the population now being estimated near one million animals.
An estimated 300,000 plus hunters will hit the woods this season in search of some venison. With strong populations of whitetails in most parts of the state, the outlook for hunter success is very good.
Successful hunts can benefit from meat on the table, and deer hunting is a big driver for many local economies, putting dollars in the cash drawers of local businesses. For many years, deer season and deer camps have been an important part of the culture of the Natural State. With a little planning, deer days can be a great time to be in the woods.
Proper licensing is a necessity, so be sure to check the new license system at agfc.com or on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission app. There have been some changes in the licensing and deer check systems, so take a few minutes and review those before heading to camp.
Regulations can change from year to year, so it is a good idea to verify season dates, zone limits and legal firearms. Always keep in mind basic safety rules like wearing hunter orange when required, using a harness while in a tree stand and following firearms safety rules.
One topic that will most likely enter conversations while sitting around deer camp is chronic wasting disease (CWD). There is a plethora of scientific data, biological studies and theories in relation to the disease.
Since the discovery of CWD in Arkansas, I have been in many discussions in regard to the disease, reviewed lots of literature from within and outside the state, and worked side by side with some great biologists as they tried to learn more and make a plan to fight the disease.
This exposure in our state and experiences in other states have led me to make some changes in my hunting efforts. Some of these might help others.
In many places in Arkansas, deer populations need to be reduced. This is a tough one for me.
I grew up in Greene County in an era when we had very few deer. Due to those memories, I still find it difficult to take a doe, but the population needs to be controlled. Reducing population densities can help slow the spread, and I need to do my part by filling a doe tag or two.
Baiting is a common practice among deer hunters, but several studies link it to the spread of CWD. This happens when the deer become concentrated on a food source, like a corn pile. Scattering the bait a bit instead of pouring it out in a big pile is a good step to help with this issue. An automatic feeder can also be a good idea. Food plots are also good because they tend to spread out feeding activity.
We still enjoy venison, but I do take some extra steps in game care after the kill. I always wear protective gloves while cleaning the animal. I also try to avoid cutting through any bones or into the chest cavity.
I prefer the “gutless method” in cleaning the animal. This method eliminates cutting into the chest cavity but, with a bit of skill, does get all the usable meat, including the inside loins and heart. There are lots of videos demonstrating this method on YouTube.
When preparing the meat, I like to cook the venison thoroughly but maintain quality by not overcooking the meat. When discarding a carcass, discard near the location the animal was taken, preventing any spread of the carcass to a new area.
Take time to review all the rules in regard to deer hunting, tagging the animal, and moving the carcass at agfc.com. The responsible sportsman is the best tool in wildlife conservation, and the future of deer hunting is in the hands of those sportsmen and women.
