The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s recent meeting highlights a significant shift in duck hunting participation, with non-resident hunters now outnumbering residents for the first time in a decade. In the 2024-25 season, 57,229 non-resident state duck stamps were sold compared to just 48,529 for residents, a startling contrast to 2014-15 when residents predominated. Such changes raise concerns about the sustainability of hunting practices, as the overall number of licensed duck hunters has only grown slightly over the past ten years.
In addition to the shifting hunter demographics, the commission is grappling with chronic wasting disease (CWD), a serious threat to the state’s deer population. CWD has implications for deer hunting regulations, as the disease alters management strategies for preventing its spread. As the commission seeks to maintain Arkansas’ reputation as a top destination for outdoor activities, the health of both ducks and deer will be critical to preserving these resources for future generations.
Read full story at www.arkansasonline.com
