Ducks First
A letter, endorsed by Witt Stephens, Jr. and David Snowden, Jr. urges AGFC to restructure Arkansas's duck season framework around waterfowl biology rather than hunter convenience. Citing AGFC aerial survey data showing peak mallard numbers arrive before the winter solstice, the current season is poorly timed where private land providers of early habitat are unable to hunt peak numbers while the season is heavily weighted toward the back end when birds are significantly pressured and educated.The letter proposes two changes: shortening the December split to provide and protect early-season habitat (snow geese are stripping food resources during this window, discouraging landowners from flooding fields), and replacing the traditional Christmas break with a short January split to provide meaningful rest. With ducks currently hunted roughly 51 of 54 days from mid-December through late January, Arkansas places an immense amount of pressure on waterfowl during a time they should be preparing for a successful return to the breeding grounds.The central message: put the duck first and the hunter second as waterfowl science clearly states adequate habitat, refuge and rest are key components to sustainability and the current Arkansas season format contradicts those pillars.Please fill in the blanks below to submit an email in support of these requests to the AGFC Commissioners and waterfowl-related staff.Your support of the ducks is greatly appreciated.
