MIGRATORY BIRD SEASONS
Ark. commission approves migratory bird seasons
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has approved dates for early season migratory birds.
Commissioners OK'd the dates on Tuesday.
The Mourning Dove and Eurasian Collared Dove season is set for Sept. 3 through Oct. 30 and Dec. 26 through Jan. 6. The teal season will run from Sept. 10 through Sept. 25 and Sept. 10 through Nov. 18 are the dates for the Virginia and Sora Rail.
Other dates include Nov. 5 through Dec. 19 for the woodcock; Nov. 1 through Feb. 15 for the common snipe and Sept. 1 through Nov. 9 for the Purple Gallinule and common Moorhen.
The early Canada Goose statewide season is scheduled for Sept. 1 through Sept. 15 and the Northwest Canada Goose Zone season is set for Sept. 24 through Oct. 3.

July 1 is the start of a new year at AGFC. All hunting licenses expired on June 30. Also, our new calendar is out. Get yours for $5, or an $8 subscription to our Arkansas Wildlife magazine.
Steve "Wildman" Wilson's Outdoor Report for the week of July 4, 2011 is now available. Click here to go to the Podcast page, then scroll down and click on the latest Outdoor Report to download the file.
The audio file can be downloaded by "right-clicking" on the following link and clicking "Save Target As" to save to your computer. The direct link: http://www.agfc.com/resources/PodcastAudio/outdoor_report.wav.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Christina Fowler, (501) 944-2176, Christina.fowler@arkansas.gov<mailto:Christina.fowler@arkansas.gov>
When on the scene of a wildfire, the Arkansas Forestry Commission recommends reporters and photographers wear appropriate fire safe clothing. They are: high top, lace up, leather boots (8-inch preferred); Fire retardant full length trousers – Nomex or other specialty clothing preferred – 100% cotton or linen is acceptable; Fire retardant long sleeve shirt or blouse with a closeable neckline – Nomex or other specialty clothing preferred – 100 % cotton or linen is acceptable
AFC Wildfire Update
LITTLE ROCK, ARK. – Arkansas Forestry Commission crews suppressed 10 wildfires that burned 42 acres between 3:30 p.m. Wednesday and 3:30 p.m. today. County Judges have issued burn bans in the following counties: Ashley, Chicot, Cleveland, Columbia, Drew, Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Nevada, Ouachita, Pike, Polk and Union.
Since June 1, AFC crews have suppressed 160 fires that have burned 1,163 acres. This is above the 10-year average for the entire month of June ̶ 54 fires for 393 acres.
Over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, AFC encourages Arkansans to heed local burn bans and exercise caution when using fireworks. Here are a few tips:

• Know the local laws regarding fireworks for your area.

• Always make sure there is adult supervision.

• Do not shoot fireworks toward wooded areas.

• If a firework does land in a wooded area, go check it to be sure it is completely extinguished.

• Keep water nearby, such as a garden hose connected to a water supply or a bucket of water.

• Make sure to shoot fireworks from a hard surface.

• Do not shoot fireworks on a windy day.

• Monitor the area where fireworks were used to make sure nothing is burning.
If you plan to travel to a recreation area within a county under a burn ban, check with park officials to find out if campfires or grilling are allowed in designated areas.
For tips on protecting your home from wildfire, visit www.arkansasfirewise.com<https://mail.state.ar.us/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=https://mail.state.ar.us/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.arkansasfirewise.com/>. To view current burn bans and wildfire danger ratings, visit www.arkansasforestry.org<http://www.arkansasforestry.org>. To report a wildfire, call the Arkansas Forestry Commission Dispatch Center at 1-800-468-8834, or 911.

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Christina Fowler, (501) 944-2176, Christina.fowler@arkansas.gov<mailto:Christina.fowler@arkansas.gov>
When on the scene of a wildfire, the Arkansas Forestry Commission recommends reporters and photographers wear appropriate fire safe clothing. They are: high top, lace up, leather boots (8-inch preferred); Fire retardant full length trousers – Nomex or other specialty clothing preferred – 100% cotton or linen is acceptable; Fire retardant long sleeve shirt or blouse with a closeable neckline – Nomex or other specialty clothing preferred – 100 % cotton or linen is acceptable
AFC Wildfire Update
LITTLE ROCK, ARK. – Arkansas Forestry Commission crews suppressed 10 wildfires that burned 42 acres between 3:30 p.m. Wednesday and 3:30 p.m. today. County Judges have issued burn bans in the following counties: Ashley, Chicot, Cleveland, Columbia, Drew, Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Nevada, Ouachita, Pike, Polk and Union.
Since June 1, AFC crews have suppressed 160 fires that have burned 1,163 acres. This is above the 10-year average for the entire month of June ̶ 54 fires for 393 acres.
Over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, AFC encourages Arkansans to heed local burn bans and exercise caution when using fireworks. Here are a few tips:

• Know the local laws regarding fireworks for your area.

• Always make sure there is adult supervision.

• Do not shoot fireworks toward wooded areas.

• If a firework does land in a wooded area, go check it to be sure it is completely extinguished.

• Keep water nearby, such as a garden hose connected to a water supply or a bucket of water.

• Make sure to shoot fireworks from a hard surface.

• Do not shoot fireworks on a windy day.

• Monitor the area where fireworks were used to make sure nothing is burning.
If you plan to travel to a recreation area within a county under a burn ban, check with park officials to find out if campfires or grilling are allowed in designated areas.
For tips on protecting your home from wildfire, visit www.arkansasfirewise.com<https://mail.state.ar.us/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=https://mail.state.ar.us/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.arkansasfirewise.com/>. To view current burn bans and wildfire danger ratings, visit www.arkansasforestry.org<http://www.arkansasforestry.org>. To report a wildfire, call the Arkansas Forestry Commission Dispatch Center at 1-800-468-8834, or 911.

FLW OUTDOORS MAGAZINE NAMES COLLEGE FISHING ALL-AMERICA TEAM
MINNEAPOLIS (June 23, 2011) – FLW Outdoors announced Thursday the 2011 National Guard FLW College Fishing All-America Team. The team, selected based on an objective point system determined by College Fishing Tournament Director Kevin Hunt, represents the best of the best among the nation’s college anglers. The list includes 30 anglers, headed by the 2010 national champions from the University of Florida, Jake Gipson and Matthew Wercinski. The All-America team is featured in the July issue of FLW Outdoors Magazine, which is available on newsstands June 28.
FLW College Fishing consists of 495 collegiate clubs and more than 3,300 anglers. The All-America teams are selected through a point system that is based on the consistency of team performances in local tournaments and regional qualifiers in 2010 and the 2011 national championship. All-America status is earned by those who stay focused throughout the tournament season and emulate the qualities that the National Guard FLW College Fishing program strives to foster in tomorrow’s pros.
“The 2011 class of National Guard FLW College Fishing All-Americas reflects the best of the best among the participants who compete in the circuit,” said FLW Outdoors Magazine Editor-in-Chief Colin Moore. “These All-Americas, like those who came before them and those who will come after, are the standard bearers of National Guard FLW College Fishing and exemplify the thousands of young men and women involved in the program. No doubt the National Guard is pleased to be associated with this group of anglers, and FLW Outdoors is certainly proud to be able to showcase them.”

BLACK CRAPPIE RECORD
Arkansas boy sets record with black crappie catch
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A 5-pound black crappie (CRAH'-pee) caught by a Mena boy earlier this month has set a new state record in Arkansas.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission said Thursday that 11-year-old Donivan Echols pulled a true slab from the commission's Lake Wilhelmina Caged Fish Facility in Polk County on June 6.
Donivan's father, Richard Echols, says he, Donivan and Donivan's uncle were using minnows, but only Donivan was catching any fish.
Richard Echols says they weighed the catch at a store in Rocky. Lake Wilhelmina manager Ronnie Richardson identified the fish so it could be submitted as a state record.
The previous record for a black crappie catch was a 4-pound, 9-ounce fish caught on March 29, 1976.
 

Are you looking for something cool and free to do with the kids this summer? Take them to one of our four nature centers.

Steve "Wildman" Wilson's Outdoor Report for the week of June 13, 2011 is now available. Click here to go to the Podcast page, then scroll down and click on the latest Outdoor Report to download the file.

The audio file can be downloaded by "right-clicking" on the following link and clicking "Save Target As" to save to your computer. The direct link: http://www.agfc.com/resources/PodcastAudio/outdoor_report.wav

 TPWD News Digest for June 6-9, 2011
All TPWD news releases available online: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/
June 9, 2011
• Duck Stamp ceremony to be held in Katy
The 78th Federal Duck Stamp goes on sale June 24 with an official ceremony held at 9 a.m. at Bass Pro’s Outdoor World located in the Katy Mills Shopping Center in Katy. Artists of this year’s stamps will be on hand to sign copies of their work. Texas Parks and Wildlife Director Carter Smith will also attend the event.
• Simple Precautions Can Prevent a Tragedy on the Water
AUSTIN – Summer’s a great time to hit the water in Texas, but it’s both easier to get in trouble and harder for others to recognize that someone’s in danger than most people think.
June 7, 2011
• State-Fish Art Contest Show and Fair at Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center June 25
ATHENS—The 13th annual Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art Expo comes to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center June 25, and a full slate of art- and fishing-related activities is planned.
• Toyota ShareLunker Fingerling Stockings Completed ATHENS—The Toyota ShareLunker spawning season produced a record number of fingerlings for stocking into lakes that contributed fish to the program, and those fish now swim in the lakes where they will grow up to thrill future anglers.
• Low lakes increasing risk of deadly boat crashes
The worsening Texas drought is not only taking a toll on yards, crops and wildlife – it can be deadly for boaters.
• Surface Water Diversions Suspended in Brazos River Basin
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the state agency responsible for enforcing water rights, earlier this spring notified water right holders statewide that diversions of surface water may be affected by the worsening drought.
June 6, 2011
• Texas Conservation Action Plan comment period June 10-July 8
AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is seeking online public input as the department revises its six-year-old wildlife action plan, a document now called the Texas Conservation Action Plan.
• Odwalla Program Lets Fans Donate Trees To Texas State Parks
AUSTIN – Texans don’t need to get down and dirty this summer to help plant trees in their state park system. With the ease of a mouse click, visitors can designate a tree to be planted in a Texas State Park through the Odwalla Plant a Tree program, a partnership to support the environment and help with reforestation projects.
June 3, 2011
• Garner State Park to Commemorate 70 Years — Popular Vacation Destination Also to Honor CCC Workers

Calendar:
June 2011
June 18
Texoma on the Fly
Eisenhower State Park
June 18
German Heritage Day
Lyndon B. Johnson SP and HS - Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm
June 20
Junior Ranger Summer Camp
McKinney Falls State Park
June 25
Stargazing Party
Big Spring SP
June 27
Habitats and History Summer Day Camp
San Jacinto Battleground SHS and Battleship TEXAS
 

It's finally here! Free Fishing Weekend is noon, June 10 to midnight, June 12. Kids' fishing derbies are Saturday, June 11 at the five AGFC fish hatcheries.
Steve "Wildman" Wilson's Outdoor Report for the week of June 6, 2011 is now available. Click here to go to the Podcast page, then scroll down and click on the latest Outdoor Report to download the file.
The audio file can be downloaded by "right-clicking" on the following link and clicking "Save Target As" to save to your computer. The direct link: http://www.agfc.com/resources/PodcastAudio/outdoor_report.wav
 

NATIONAL GUARD FLW COLLEGE FISHING ANNOUNCES 2011 REGIONAL SITES

MINNEAPOLIS (June 8, 2011) – With anticipation building for numerous college fishing competitors, National Guard FLW College Fishing announced the 2011 regional championship dates, fisheries and host schools. The regional fishing tournaments will be hosted by Penn State, Auburn, Southern Illinois, Texas A&M and Arizona State. The tournaments will begin in September and conclude in November. The top five teams from each regional championship will advance to the National Guard FLW College Fishing National Championship.

“We are very excited about the schedule for the 2011 National Guard FLW College Fishing Regional Championships,” said Kathy Fennel, president of FLW Outdoors Operations Division. “The fisheries we are visiting should offer the college clubs a great venue and the host schools are excited about the events, so it should make for a great weekend for all involved.”

The 2011 National Guard FLW College Fishing Regional Championship schedule is listed below.

Dates Division School Fishery Location
Sept. 1-3 Northern Penn State Sayers Lake State College, Penn.
Sept. 8-10 Southeast Auburn Lake Harding Auburn, Ala.
Oct. 6-8 Central Southern Illinois Lake Kinkaid Carbondale, Ill.
Oct. 13-15 Texas Texas A&M Somerville Lake College Station, Texas
Nov. 17-19 Western Arizona State Lake Pleasant Tempe, Ariz.

The top five teams from each of the four qualifying tournaments from each division advance to the regional championship. The first-place team will win $50,000: $12,500 cash for their school and $12,500 cash and a Ranger 177TR bass boat with a 90 horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard wrapped in school colors for their fishing club. The top five teams from each regional tournament advance to the national championship, where the first-place team will win $100,000: $25,000 for their school and $50,000 cash and a Ranger 177TR bass boat with a 90-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard wrapped in school colors for their fishing club.

College Fishing is free to enter, and FLW Outdoors provides boats and drivers for each competing team along with travel allowances. All participants must be registered, full-time undergraduate students at a four-year college or university and members of a fishing club recognized by their college or university.

For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow College Fishing on Facebook at Facebook.com/FLWCollegeFishing and on Twitter at Twitter.com/CollegeFishing. Visit CollegeFishing.com to sign up or to start a club at your school.

News Briefs

June proclaimed “Great Outdoors Month”
Gov. Rick Perry has proclaimed June “Great Outdoors Month,” officially dedicating the month to promoting awareness of the state’s natural treasures. In his official proclamation, the governor encourages everyone “to recognize the rugged majesty” of the “state’s natural beauty and preserve it for the future generations.”

Remember to “Clean-Drain-Dry” your boat
As coolers are packed and sandwiches are made for what is expected to be a sunny and warm Memorial Day weekend, North Texas boaters are asked to put a key preventative measure into their holiday plans. Texas Parks and Wildlife officials request boaters traversing the state’s waterways this weekend to first clean, drain and dry their vessels to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.
Boaters are asked to first clean their boat or trailer of all vegetation, mud and algae, then to drain all water from motors, livewells, bilge, and other sources of water retention. Finally boaters are asked to let boats and boating equipment dry for about a week between uses in different water bodies. TPWD recommends letting your boat or other vessels dry for 7-10 days in the summer, or 15-20 days in the cooler months. The invasive zebra mussel is known to spread between water bodies by hitching a ride on recreational watercraft such as motorboats and jet skis, as well as in bait buckets and other fishing equipment.

Calendar:
June 2011
June 1
Biking the "Other Side of Nowhere"
Big Bend Ranch SP

June 4
The Lost Trail
Mother Neff SP

June 6
Junior Ranger Summer Camp
McKinney Falls State Park

June 6
Habitats and History Summer Day Camp
San Jacinto Battleground SHS and Battleship TEXAS

June 11
National Get Outdoors Day
Blanco SP

June 13
Habitats and History Summer Day Camp
San Jacinto Battleground SHS and Battleship TEXAS

June 18
Texoma on the Fly
Eisenhower State Park

June 18
German Heritage Day
Lyndon B. Johnson SP and HS - Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm

SHREVEPORT, La. (May 21, 2011) – Jacob Wheeler of Indianapolis, Ind., caught a five-bass limit weighing 7 pounds, 9 ounces Saturday to become the 2011 BFL All-American champion and win $100,000. Wheeler caught a total of 15 bass that weighed 36-3 for the three day event. Jake Morris of McKee, Ky., came in second place with a tournament total of 12 bass weighing 27 pounds, 1 ounce to win $20,000. The Walmart BFL All-American presented by Chevy was held on Cross Lake in Shreveport, La., May 19-21 and featured the top 49 boaters and top 49 co-anglers from across the country.

“This is the biggest thing that has ever happened to me in my entire life. It is life changing,” said the 20-year-old Wheeler, who is fishing in his first BFL All-American. “I have been fishing since I was two and dreaming about becoming a pro fisherman since I was four. I have been draining my bank account every tournament to fish. This was a great day and has been a great week.

“Everything just seemed to go my way this week,” added Wheeler. “I spent a lot of time practicing down here and learning the lake. On the first day I went to an area where a pond was being drained into the lake which caused a current. It was loaded with fish. That was really why I had the success I did to start the tournament. I went back on day two but the pump had been turned off and I had to adjust a little bit. This lake is full of fish and you just have to find those key areas.

“On day one I did a lot of running and gunning. Days two and three I really slowed down,” Wheeler went on to say. “My strategy was to maintain my lead and try to bring home the win. I mostly sat on one spot and worked through it. I caught most of my fish on tubes. I caught my biggest one today with a Pop-R. I feel so blessed.”

COX DOMINATES WALMART FLW TOUR ON RED RIVER PRESENTED BY OFF!
Florida angler’s victory fitting end to incredible story
SHREVEPORT, La. (May 22, 2011) – John Cox of DeBary, Fla., caught a five-bass limit weighing 7 pounds, 13 ounces Sunday to lead wire-to-wire and win $100,000 at the Walmart FLW Tour on the Red River presented by OFF! with a four-day catch of 20 bass weighing 48-8.
The catch gave him the win by a 5-pound, 4-ounce margin over National Guard pro Mark Rose of Marion, Ark., who caught a total of 19 bass weighing 43-4 and earned $32,553.
“I’m kind of numb,” said Cox, who claimed his first Tour-level title with the win. “I don’t believe it yet.”
Cox said the win couldn’t have come at a better time. He had considered withdrawing from the tournament before it began because of a lack of funds. He wanted to fish the Red River event because he had fished there before and thought there might be a chance he could win. He considered selling the Power-Poles rigged to his boat to raise funds, but a friend told him not to. The friend let him borrow the money that allowed Cox to compete.
“I’ve got some people to pay back,” Cox said. “My buddy said, ‘Don’t sell those Power-Poles. Those are too sweet.’
“Maybe I’ll give him a little extra,” Cox added.
In addition to owing people money, Cox also came through on a promise to his girlfriend after he claimed the victory. Cox had told his girlfriend they would get married after he won a Tour event. Cox relayed the story to the audience and then proposed on-stage to his girlfriend.
Cox’s win could be called incredible just for the effort that he put into the competition on the first two days. Cox had discovered a pond that was accessible because of the elevated water level. The only access to the pond, however, was through a large pipe – an opening just large enough for a small bass boat.
Cox fished the first three days of competition from a 17-foot boat powered by a 75-horsepower Mercury outboard with hopes the lighter rig would allow him to access shallow-water areas the other competitors could not. Cox said he made a two-hour run each way to his fishing spot on the first two days and then faced a 45-minute ordeal of squeezing the boat through the pipe to access the pond.
“The whole way down there I was thinking, ‘There’s no way I’m getting in there,’” Cox said. “I got there and got ready to go in and my camera guy said, ‘You’re going to go through that?’ I said, ‘I hope so.’ And it was a miracle we worked (the boat) back and forth and somehow got in there. When we got in there we were exhausted and sweaty, but it was worth it.”
The receding water level did not allow Cox to fish the pond on the final two days of competition, so he fished an area he was familiar with from a previous competition. The area paid off on day three, but proved to be stingy the final day. Cox said he had only two fish at noon and was beginning to get nervous.
“The way the morning started I thought, ‘Man, I’m not going to win this thing,’” Cox said. “I stopped breathing, I think. I think I held my breath from noon until I caught the rest of my fish.
“I thought I was going to throw up I was so nervous,” Cox added.
With only two keepers in the boat, Cox said he relocated in hopes of catching more fish. When the moved proved unfruitful, he returned to his starting spot at 1:30 p.m.
“I was hopeful an opportunity would come again, and it did,” Cox said.
Cox said he quickly caught three more keepers for a total of five – the only five keepers he caught during the course of the day.
“This place was tough because of the high water and I just went into survivor mode,” Cox said.

WHEELER MAINTAINS LEAD AT WALMART BFL ALL-AMERICAN PRESENTED BY CHEVY ON CROSS LAKE

Wind played havoc for leaders

SHREVEPORT, La. (May 20, 2011) – Jacob Wheeler of Indianapolis, Ind., weighed a five-bass limit Friday totaling 10 pounds, 4 ounces to lead day two of the Walmart BFL All-American presented by Chevy on Cross Lake. Wheeler, with a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 28-10, holds a massive 9-pound, 8-ounce lead going into the final day of competition. Mike Brueggen of La Crosse, Wis., is in second place with a two day total of 19 pounds, 2 ounces in a tournament featuring the top 49 boaters and top 49 co-anglers from across the country.

“Today was a much tougher day for me,” said Wheeler, who is fishing in his first BFL All-American. “The wind really muddied up a lot of my water and changed the way I fished today. I slowed down a lot and just tried to maintain my lead, I was very fortunate to gain a few pounds with a much smaller bag than yesterday.

“Yesterday I hit about 30 spots, today only 10. I tried to fish each area thoroughly and didn’t do nearly the running and gunning I did yesterday. Most of my fish were caught on tubes, cranking and with topwater baits. I had a ton of unders today, but only five keepers. I know tomorrow is going to be different again and I just hope I can figure something out.”

While the wind hurt both the leaders in the boater and co-angler division today, it helped second place Brueggen jump all the way from 42nd place into second place with a massive 17-14 stringer. Brueggen entered the day with only 1-4.

Rounding out the top 10 boaters and fishing tomorrow for the BFL All-American crown are:

3rd: Lloyd Pickett Jr., Bartlett, Tenn., 10 bass, 18-10
4th: Kip Carter, Loganville, Ga., six bass, 17-7
5th: Mike Hicks, Goochland, Va., seven bass, 17-4
6th: George Kapiton, Inverness, Fla., six bass, 17-0
7th: Charles Cummings, Leeds, Ala., nine bass, 16-7
8th: Jake Morris, McKee, Ky., nine bass, 15-4
9th: Don Boeger, Caldwell, Idaho, eight bass, 14-11
10th: Harry Barton, Sterrett, Ala., seven bass, 13-6

For a full list of results visit FLWOutdoors.com.

Students, are you thinking about a career in conservation? Find out how to apply for an AGFC Conservation Scholarship.
Steve "Wildman" Wilson's Outdoor Report for the week of May 9, 2011 is now available. Click here to go to the Podcast page, then scroll down and click on the latest Outdoor Report to download the file.
The audio file can be downloaded by "right-clicking" on the following link and clicking "Save Target As" to save to your computer. The direct link: http://www.agfc.com/resources/PodcastAudio/outdoor_report.wav

National publicity about the recent flooding across the White River Basin in Southeast Missouri has caused much concern for fishermen planning trips to Branson and Table Rock Lake. Those who went so far as to cancel their trips because of misleading publicity have been missing out on some truly fine fishing.
Yes, it’s true that the water from the 2011 Spring storm reached the highest level ever recorded, surpassing 935 feet, and it indeed left many of the docks’ walkways under water. But for those fishermen who found a way to get on the water, the results were well worth the effort and any inconvenience.
My longtime friend, Tony Battaglia, and I fished two mornings in a row on the last days of April when the lake was at its highest. Two of our favorite guides were called on for the journeys and they turned both trips into rewarding adventures. The first morning with Buster Loving, of Rockaway Beach, we caught some 30 smallmouth, with more than two dozen qualifying as keepers. As a matter of fact, we boated 17 in a row before finally bringing in a fish shorter than 15 inches! The second morning with another of the lake’s most reputed guides--Bill Beck, of Kimberling City--wasn’t quite so dramatic, but still featured some quality smallmouth along with a number of hefty goggle eye. (Editor’s Note: We always encourage catch and release of large and smallmouth bass. If you want fish to eat, there’s hardly anything tastier than goggle eye, crappie and bluegill from the cool, clear Table Rock Lake water.)
We were fishing the Indian Point area near Silver Dollar City. The water was of good color and relatively free of any floating timber or other flood materials. The guides reported, however, that water to the south past Kimberling City, around Long Creek and other areas near inflowing streams were dealing with some muddy water and surface materials. Following the guides’ advice, we fished with tube and grub lures as crawdads are the number one source of food now for bass. The tubes were dragged slowly across the bottom, giving them a jiggle every so often. Grubs were retrieved at a faster, steady pace. On these particular days, the fish preferred tubes. Grub loving Kentucky bass seemed to still be staging in water deeper than the 18-22 feet we focused on, although we caught a few small ones. Water temperature was still around 58 degrees, low for this time of year.
Even though the dam’s turbines are working hard, it will take awhile to bring Table Rock Lake back to Guide Bill Beck and Tony Battaglia normal level. If you’re heading to the lake now as the display some Table Rock Lake bass. waters recede, it’s especially advisable to invest in one of the many good local fishing guides who know well the lake and the habits of its fish population in all conditions. They also can get their well-equipped boats and clients on the lake even during highest water levels. The money is well spent to insure a safe, fun and comfortable time on the water that usually results in good fishing success.—Dave Rawson

SHREVEPORT, La. (May 5, 2011) – The Walmart FLW Tour on the Red River presented by OFF! will visit Shreveport, La., May 19-22 for the fifth tournament of the season. Hosted by the Shreveport - Bossier City Regional Sports Authority, the tournament will feature as many as 300 top bass anglers casting for top awards up to $125,000 cash in the Pro Division and up to $25,000 cash in the Co-angler Division.
“This is going to be a tough tournament,” said Kellogg's Rice Krispie Treats pro Jim Tutt of Longview, Texas. “The main river right now is really, really muddy. So it’s going to be pretty much limited to the backwater to really catch them. And it really fishes pretty small for a big place.
“The best way I can describe this tournament is that it’s going to be a deal breaker,” Tutt added. “And what I mean by that is you’re either going to do good or you’re going to do bad.”
Tutt said fish tend to get into small groups in the backwaters of the Red and anglers will have to find the groups in order to be successful in the tournament.
“Otherwise you’re just kind of flailing around out there,” Tutt said.
Tutt said there are a variety of ways to catch fish on the Red River in May. Tutt mentioned spinnerbaits, crankbaits and flipping soft plastics as the preferred methods as well as throwing the occasional topwater bait.
“A critical key in this tournament is going to be time management,” Tutt said. “If you’re going to lock once or twice you’re going to have a limited amount of time to fish. And there could be a 30- to 45-minute idle and then idle back out of some of the backwater areas. Time management is going to be critical to the bite.”
Anglers will take off from Red River South Marina located at 250 Red River South Rd. in Bossier City, La., at 6:30 each morning. Thursday and Friday’s weigh-ins will also be held at Red River South Marina beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday’s final weigh-ins will be held at the Shreveport Convention Center located at 400 Caddo St. in Shreveport beginning at 4 p.m.

MINNEAPOLIS (April 27, 2011) — FLW Outdoors announced Wednesday that the upcoming Walmart FLW Tour event on Table Rock Lake has been canceled due to historic flooding in southwest Missouri. The tournament was originally slated for May 5-8. In regards to rescheduling the event, FLW Outdoors officials are exploring various options. Further details will be announced as they become available.

The water level at the Table Rock Dam is currently sitting at 935.4 feet, having surpassed the previous record high of 933 feet. Within the past four days, the lake has risen nearly 20 feet. Full pool is 915 feet.

“Our foremost concern is the safety of the anglers,” said Kathy Fennel, president of FLW Outdoors Operations Division. “The high water levels and floating debris make boat operation hazardous. The decision to cancel was reached after multiple discussions with state and local officials, and we felt it was imperative to notify anglers before they began traveling to Branson.”

“Given the current flood situation, we recommended FLW Outdoors call off the event,” said Capt. Gary Haupt with the Water Patrol Division of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “The water level is currently more than 2 feet higher than our highest recorded level, and all lake access areas are closed. In conditions like this, the possibility of both personal and property damage is greatly increased. We’ve already revoked tournament permits through Sunday and are in the process of revoking permits through May 8. We applaud FLW Outdoors’ proactive decision.”

(Pictured at left)
Jerry Burks---Lake Greeson--Bass--20 ' ---April 2011

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has formally approved regulation changes as part of the 2011-12 hunting season-setting process.
Commissioners approved a major change that increases the statewide deer bag limit from five to six deer with no more than two bucks.
Another change eliminates the use of preference points for 2013-14 deer hunting permits. Officials say instead, a random drawing will be used to select applicants for deer permit hunts.
Commission Wildlife Chief David Goad says waiting two years will allow hunters who have preference points to utilize those points. Goad says in the interim, no hunters will accrue new preference points.
On the state's public lands, deer hunters must display blaze orange or chartreuse on all sides of the exterior of a portable, pop-up type blind.

Date: 4/22/2011 5:40 AM
AP-AR--Arkansas-Deer Hunting Dates/185
Eds: With BC-AR--Arkansas-Deer Season
Arkansas commission sets deer hunting season dates
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Here are the season dates for the 2011-12 deer hunting season:
Archery
All zones: Oct. 1-Feb. 29
Modern Gun
Zones 1, 1A, 2, 3, 6, 6A, 7, 8, 8A, 10 and 11: Nov. 12-Dec. 4.
Zone 4: Nov. 12-13.
Zone 5: Nov. 12-13 and Nov. 19-20.
Zones 4A, 5A, 14 and 15: Nov. 12-Dec. 11.
Zones 4B and 5B: Nov. 12-20.
Zones 9, 12 and 13: Nov. 12-Dec. 18.
Zone 16, 16A and 17: Nov. 12-Dec. 25.
Doe-only modern gun deer hunt:
Zones 6A, 8A, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16A and 17: Oct. 31-Nov. 4.
Zones 1, 1A, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 4B, 5, 5A, 5B, 6, 7, 8 and 11: Closed.
Muzzleloader
Zones 1, 1A, 2, 3, 4A, 5A, 6, 6A, 7, 8, 8A, 10, 11, 14 and 15: Oct. 22-30 and Dec. 17-19.
Zones 9, 12, 13, 16, 16A and 17: Oct. 22-30 and Dec. 29-31.
Zones 4, 4B, 5 and 5B: Closed.
The statewide Christmas holiday modern gun deer hunt is set for Dec. 26-28 with two special youth modern gun deer hunts. The first will be Nov. 5-6 with the second Jan. 7-8, 2012.

Turkey season opens April 16. Be sure to tag it first, then check it.
Steve "Wildman" Wilson's Outdoor Report for the week of April 11, 2011 is now available. Click here to go to the Podcast page, then scroll down and click on the latest Outdoor Report to download the file.
The audio file can be downloaded by "right-clicking" on the following link and clicking "Save Target As" to save to your computer. The direct link: http://www.agfc.com/resources/PodcastAudio/outdoor_report.wav.

Tournament winner’s mom takes second place to lead a pack of Oklahoma fans in fantasy fishing
MINNEAPOLIS (March 30, 2011) – Mickey Southall of Brodnax, Va., correctly picked Diet Mountain Dew pro Jason Christie of Park Hill, Okla. to win last week’s Walmart FLW Tour on Lake Hartwell presented by Chevy. For his effort, he won $15,000 playing FLW Fantasy Fishing presented by Straight Talk held in conjunction with the Walmart FLW Tour.
Fifty-one year old Southall has been fishing since he was six years old, learning by fishing ponds behind his house. After losing his fishing partner a year ago, Southall started playing Fantasy Fishing as a means of staying close to the sport of bass fishing.
“No joke? This is wonderful,” said an astounded Southall upon hearing he had just won $15,000. “I am an avid fishing fan. I have fished in tournaments for over 25 years. I faithfully watch “FLW Outdoors” every week and I love to follow the professional anglers.
“About a week before the Lake Hartwell tournament I started watching the water temperatures and seasonal patterns for the lake,” continued Southall, who has relied on Player’s Advantage. “That, plus keeping an eye on which anglers are hot right now, is how I made my picks for this tournament. I forgot to pick my 10th man, but FLW Outdoors randomly assigned an angler to fill the last position and it really paid off for me. I am so excited!”
Christie won his first Walmart FLW Tour event last week on Lake Hartwell with a four day total of 20 bass that weighed 70 pounds, 11 ounces. Christie, in his third year on Tour, already has over $480,000 in winnings. He has appeared in the Forrest Wood Cup, the world championship of bass fishing, the past two years and finished in eighth place last year.
Christie’s mom and number one fan finished in second place playing Fantasy Fishing, earning $5,000 for her picks.
“I told Jason I would pick him to win until he did,” said Pam Christie. “Jason is from a fishing family. If he wasn’t on the basketball court he was out fishing while growing up. We have fished some tournaments together years ago, but it was his dad and uncles that really taught him to fish.”
Mrs. Christie indicated that she would continue to pick Jason to win, “I can’t stop now.”
Southall’s Fantasy Fishing team was led by Christie and earned him 2,298 valuable points that will continue to accumulate throughout the season, putting himself in position to contend for the $100,000 grand prize.
Fantasy Fishing is free to play, but fans can gain an edge with Player's Advantage. Player’s Advantage is a unique tool that offers additional resources and information, and those with Player’s Advantage have won at a rate of four-to-one. An added benefit to purchasing Player’s Advantage is receiving access to the FLW Outdoors Magazine e-Edition.
Finishing in third place was Garry Steiner of Ochelata, Okla., who won $1,000 for his picks. In all there were 12 winners from Okla., who placed in the top 50 winning prizes ranging from $500 cash to $10 Walmart gift cards.
The 2011 Fantasy Fishing season consists of 10 tournaments surrounding the Walmart FLW Tour with cumulative and individual tournament prizes. Fans compete for more than $25,000 in cash and prizes from each of the 10 tournaments and a top prize of $15,000. The cumulative grand prize is $100,000 with the overall runner-up winning a Ranger Z-520 boat with a Ranger Trail Trailer, 250 Mercury outboard, Minn Kota Maxxum 80 trolling motor, Lowrance electronics and trolling motor batteries – all valued at $54,000.
The third-place overall winner will win a Chevy 1500 Silverado valued at $38,000, and fourth place will take home a FinCraft 17 Dual Console boat with a 115 Evinrude outboard valued at $27,000. A BRP Can-Am Outlander 400 All-Terrain vehicle, valued at $8,000, will be awarded to the fifth-place finisher; while sixth- through 10th-place finishers will win Walmart gift cards ranging in value from $9,000 to $5,000.
To begin playing, visit FantasyFishing.comand sign up. A team will automatically be selected for you, but you can edit that team and choose the 10 anglers you think will place the highest in the next Tour event. You must then select the angler you think will win the tournament and predict that angler’s cumulative winning weight, which will serve as the tiebreaker. Player’s modifications to their teams must be finalized by 11:59 p.m. ET the night prior to the tournament.
TracFone Wireless, America’s largest “no-contract” cellular service provider is the official and exclusive mobile phone service provider of FLW Outdoors. Supporting a two-member professional fishing team, Team Straight Talk’s Scott Canterbury and JT Kenney will compete in internationally televised events on the 2011 Walmart FLW Tour.
For updates, insider tips, tournament news and more, follow FLW Fantasy Fishing on Facebook at Facebook.com/FantasyFishingand on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWOutdoors.

3rd Annual Perry Kilby Memorial Bass Tournament

$1,000 Guaranteed First Place in the 3rd Annual Perry Kilby Memorial Bass Tournament hosted by the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Youth Department. Teams will consist of 2 adults or 2 adults and one youth under the age of 16. Pre Tournament Meeting will be Friday May 6, at 7pm at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 136 Standpipe Road, Hot Spring. Entries must be received by April 29 for the tournament that will be held Friday May 6th at the Brady Mountain Ramp, Lake Ouachita. Entry forms may be picked up at Buck’s Outdoors or at the KWXI Studio. For more information call Dwayne Graves at 501-627-4402, Tad Williams at 501-622-8177 or Forrest Powell at 501-282-1021

Military retirees get OK to buy lifetime licenses
LITTLE ROCK – Gov. Mike Beebe today signed legislation that allows retirees of the U.S. armed forces 60 and older to buy the Lifetime Combination (hunting and fishing) License from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for a one-time fee of $35.50.
House Bill 1477, sponsored by Rep. Randy Stewart of Kirby, Rep. John Catlett of Rover and Rep. Butch Wilkins of Bono, adds language to “An Act Concerning Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Military Retirees and for Other Purposes.”
The bill was filed Feb. 22, passed the House March 3 and passed the Senate March 14. The license will be available beginning May 20.
“This was an idea that the governor had,” said Stewart, a retired Army lieutenant colonel. “The Yellow Ribbon Task Force has been studying various options for military veterans. The National Guard liked this as a recruiting and retention tool. People who may be thinking about retirement before they have 20 years may stay so that they take advantage of this opportunity.”
Chief Master Sgt. Buddy Burns of the Air Force National Guard attended the signing in the governor’s office at the Capitol. “I’m retiring in 10 months, so this means a lot to those of us who are close to retirement,” said Burns, a lifelong Arkansas resident.
Arkansas law allows those 65 and older to buy the Lifetime Combination License for $35.50. Lifetime state trout and duck stamps are purchased one time after the age requirement has been met. Anyone may buy the Nonexpiring Lifetime Resident Hunting and Fishing Sportsman’s Permit for $1,000.
Lifetime licenses are for Arkansas residents only. They may not be purchased by phone or online. Applications, however, are available under “Licenses and Permits” at www.agfc.com, by calling 800-364-4263 or by visiting any AGFC office during regular business hours

Challenged Outdoorsmen 6th Annual Youth Fishing Derby
Saturday, April 16th 2011
Bobby Ferguson Park
Lake Dieffenbacher
Texarkana, Arkansas
Registration 8:30 am
Fishing will begin at 9:00am -1:00 pm
You Must Bring Your Own Fishing Pole
OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC AGES 16 years or younger
A Parent or Guardian is required
Just A Reminder: You Must Bring Your Own
Lawn Chair & Fishing Equipment & Baits

AGFC’s Michael Neal named NRA officer of the year
LITTLE ROCK – The National Rifle Association last week recognized Wildlife Officer Michael K. Neal of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as NRA’s 2010 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Neal will receive the award during the group’s fall meeting in Virginia.
Neal was named officer of the year for his heroic actions May 20, 2010, when he received a call for assistance after West Memphis Police Department officers Brandon Paudert and Bill Evans were killed during a traffic stop on Interstate 40.
When Neal arrived at a West Memphis parking lot, the two suspects in the officers’ deaths were in a van and engaged in a firefight with Crittenden County Sheriff Dick Busby and Chief Deputy W.A. Wren. When Neal rammed the van with his vehicle, the suspects directed fire toward his truck and away from Busby and Wren, both of whom were wounded.
Neal returned fire, disabling one and possibly both suspects before placing his truck in reverse and backing out of the line of fire. His actions saved the lives of Busby and Wren. Neal sustained shrapnel wounds during the incident.

Red Right Returning; P.F.D.; No Wake; Are you familiar with these words? If not and you want to operate a motorboat, you need to attend the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Boating. Chesley Sigman, will be offering an approved Arkansas Game and Fish Commission that will fulfill the requirement “that anyone born after 1985 must take to operate a motorboat in Arkansas”. The 6 hour course will cover boat classification, registration, rules of the road, navigation, and much more. The class will meet at the Glenwood City Hall, there is no charge for the class and is open to all. Remember that anyone born after 1985, must take and pass an approved Arkansas Game and Fish Boating Education course in order to operate a motorboat in Arkansas. The class will start at 9:00 am and will end at 5:00 pm. For more information contact Chesley at 501-622-9352

A hunter education course will be offered by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission on March 14, 15 and 16th at the Bethel Church. The classes will begin at 6pm and end at 9:30. A hunter education course will be offered by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission on March 14, 15 and 16th at the Bethel Church. The classes will begin at 6pm and end at 9:30.
Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1969, must complete a hunter education course and carry a valid hunter education card to hunt in Arkansas. Children under
16 may hunt without hunter education as long as they are under the direct supervision of an adult who is 21 years old and has a valid hunting license.

This is an Instructor-led Class, the preferred hunter education method which is through a 10-hour instructor-led classroom and hands-on demonstration. The final class will end with a test to pass the course. Interested students may call contact Nate Helms at 501-627-8402.
Who Needs a Hunter Education Card? Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1969, must complete a hunter education course and carry a valid hunter education card to hunt in Arkansas. Children under 16 may hunt without hunter education as long as they are under the direct supervision of an adult who is 21 years old and has a valid hunting license. There is no specific age requirement to enroll in hunter education. However, the educational material is based on a sixth-grade reading level. Arkansas recognizes hunter education cards from other states. Arkansas’s hunter education program is recognized in all states as well as in Canada and Mexico.

Bear harvest second highest on record
LITTLE ROCK – They didn’t beat last year’s record, but bear hunters still harvested the second-highest total in the state’s history. More than 450 bears were harvested during the 2010-11 season. During the 2009-10 season, hunters harvested a record 530 bears.

The harvest totals were presented to commissioners of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Bear Program Coordinator Myron Means said archery and crossbow hunters took 63 percent of the total harvest. “It was mostly associated with higher harvest on private land and over bait,” Means said. “Mast failure caused bears to seek baits more than in other years.” Means added that the sex ratio was good and the statewide harvest goal is between 350 and 400 bears each year.
Polk and Scott counties were the two top counties for bear hunters. In Polk County, 40 bears were harvested, followed by 35 bears in Scott County. Means said that future considerations for bear season may include: Implement harvest quota by month for bear zone 1. In 2010, the harvest quota in that zone was reached before modern gun season opened. To provide bear hunting opportunities for gun hunters, a portion of the 200-bear quota may be moved to November.

Fishing Tip: Crappie anglers planning for the spawn typically go by the adage, “When the dogwoods are blooming, the crappie are spawning.” While this holds true in many years, anglers can fine-tune their fishing trips by keeping a closer eye on water temperature than the trees. When the water temperature reaches a steady 55 degrees, crappie will begin to move to shallow timber. When it hits 62 to 65 degrees, the spawn will be in full swing.

Arkansans hog national shotgun squad
LITTLE ROCK - Half of the 2011 Junior Olympic Shotgun Team is from Arkansas.
Those five also are current or recent members of teams that compete in the Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program, created and managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The announcement came in late January from USA Shooting, the governing body of Olympic shooting events.
“This is a great honor for student athletes involved in the sport of trap shooting, and is the first stage on the road to achieving an Olympic dream,” said Chuck Woodson, AYSSP coordinator. “There are only 10 spots available for this prestigious team and it’s filled from elite competitors across the United States.”
The five Arkansans are Haley Colbert of Texarkana, Hunter Gallant of Cord, Josh Hall of Mount Ida, Austin Odom of Benton and Wesley Wilcox of Greenbrier.
Bret Erickson, coach of the team, sent Woodson a letter congratulating him for the success of AYSSP and pointing out that half the team is from Arkansas.
“It shows what a quality program you are running,” Erickson wrote. “We look forward to a great and continued relationship with the Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program.”
Here’s a look at the five Arkansans.
Haley Colbert
Colbert, 16, is a junior who’s very active in campus life at Arkansas High School in Texarkana. She had never held a gun until three years ago when she joined the Razorback Trap Team after her father convinced her to give shooting a try.
She’s excelled by winning gold medals at the Arkansas Junior Olympic qualifying shoot. She was invited to the Junior Olympics in Colorado Springs, Colo., and competed in the Shotgun National Championships and USA Shooting selection matches. She recently was No. 19 in women’s trap shooting in the USA Shooting rankings.
“I plan on trapshooting for a long, long time,” Colbert said. “I would love to advance in USA Shooting and one day make the national team and work toward being an Olympian. That would be my dream.”
Colbert credits her coaches - John Wilson, Gary Nolte and Bill Brock - and the AYSSP for her success. She’s taken what she’s learned about shooting afield and become an Arkansas hunter.

Hunter Gallant
Gallant, a 2010 graduate of Batesville High School, attends University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville. He enjoys hunting, fishing, basketball and, of course, shooting.
“I got involved in the Arkansas Game and Fish shooting program three years ago as a junior in high school,” said the 18-year-old. “It got me involved again in a sport that I love and hadn’t done in several years.”
And he’s excelled.
“The first year in competing in this program gave me the chance to shoot in the Arkansas Junior Olympic State Qualifier. It then provided me the opportunity to go to Colorado to compete in the National Junior Olympic shoot. I made the Junior Olympic team the following year.
“I appreciate the opportunity and the chance the Arkansas Game and Fish shooting program gave me because it has given me the dream to strive to become a better shooter. Maybe someday I can make the national or world team so that I can represent my country not only in overseas competitions, but maybe one day in the Olympics.”

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Josh Hall
Hall, 15, likes to hunt and fish. He’s been shooting for two years and is a member of the Mount Ida High School Trap Team, coached by Travis Dollar and Jonathan Rowland. Hall’s an A student who plays football, basketball and baseball, and pole vaults.
“I started shooting with the AYSSP with my junior high school Future Farmers of America team,” Hall said. “I would not have started shooting had it not been for this program. It exposed me to Olympic trap shooting through the state Olympic qualifier held in Arkansas. I was rewarded with a trip to the Olympic Training Center for a development camp. This was a wonderful experience for me and a chance to learn a great deal.”
Hall finished second overall at that camp. He also was first (eighth overall) in his division at the 2009 Arkansas Junior Olympic Qualifier in 2009, and third (fifth overall) in 2010.
“I would love to represent my community, state and country in the Olympics someday,” Hall said. “I know this is going to be a long journey and this is only a small step in that direction. Hopefully, with hard work and dedication, I can make that dream come true.”


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Austin Odom
Odom, a 15-year-old sophomore at Benton High School, began shooting competitively in the AYSSP, 4-H and Scholastic Clay Target Program in 2007. He is a 2010 and 2011 member of the Junior Olympic Bunker Trap Team.
“The Game and Fish shooting program, AYSSP, introduced me to the sport of trap shooting and taught me the basic skills I needed to compete in bunker trap,” Odom said. “My dreams include earning my way on the junior development team, development team, national team and eventually earning an Olympic quota slot.”
Odom has many first-place finishes in his shooting career, including 4-H, AYSSP and Junior Olympic events.

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Wesley Wilcox
Wilcox, a freshman at Arkansas Tech University, has placed highly in several state and national tournaments. He won gold medals at the 2009 and 2010 Arkansas Junior Olympic State Qualifier, a silver medal at the Olympic Development Camp in Colorado Springs and finished eighth in the men’s open in the 2010 USA Shooting Fall Selection Match.
“The AYSSP has helped me in numerous ways, although one that points out in my mind is furthering my shooting career and allowing me opportunities to receive scholarships,” Wilcox said. “The program is excellent for young shooters to be introduced to the competitive side of the sport, which teaches discipline, heart and sportsmanship.”
Now that Wilcox has a foundation, he has set goals.
“My plans for the future are to compete in the 2012 Olympics in London. My accomplishments have prepared me for my goals. My sights are set high for the days ahead.”
He also has a tip for shooters entering the sport.
“Don’t be afraid of losing - it only makes you stronger. The best winner will accept his defeats and grow upon his failures.”

Pryor Appointed to the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mark Pryor announced today that he has been appointed to the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission. The commission plays a critical role in allocating conservation funds.

“I am pleased and honored to join the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission,” Pryor said. “Arkansas’s natural resources are a defining feature of our state, and preserving these habitats is important to wildlife, hunters, and the surrounding communities. I look forward to working with the bipartisan members of the Commission and ensuring Arkansas’s interests are well-represented.”

Arkansas is home to ten National Wildlife Refuges, and serves as a wintering ground for many species.

The Commission approves any areas of land and/or water for purchase or rental by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and considers the establishment of new waterfowl refuges. The Commission also oversees the expenditure of the funds generated by the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the “Duck Stamp,” which are dedicated to the conservation of wetlands and migratory bird habitat.

Other members of the bipartisan Commission include Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS), Representatives John Dingell (D-MI) and Rob Wittman (R-VA), A. Eric Alvarez from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson.