Hunting in Arkansas is less of a pastime than it is a family tradition, often shared by multiple generations on a crisp Saturday in the deer woods or duck camp. Most hunters get their start learning at the elbow of their fathers or even grandfathers, says Joe Huggins, Hunter Education Coordinator with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

“Most of the young people who attend our hunter education courses already have an interest in hunting,” he says. “About half of them are already active in it; they get their basic information in hunting from their parents or grandparents.”

To help develop this interest, as well as teach the new generation of hunters to participate in the sport safely, Arkansas Game and Fish supports a number of initiatives for young people. The most popular is its hunter education course, which is required for anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1969, pursuant to obtaining annual hunting permits.

Hunter education is not mandatory for youth under 16 to hunt, but these youngsters have to be under direct supervision of an adult over 21. For this reason, many young hunters attend hunter education courses in order to obtain their own cards.

In fact, Huggins says, about 17,000 students completed Arkansas’ course last year, most of them between the ages of 12 and 18. The course is recognized in all 50 states, Canada and Mexico. He also notes that while the classes are offered year round, he’s gearing up for fall when the majority of hunters sign up for class.

The course covers a range of topics, beginning with a tutorial on various types of firearms, ammunition and archery equipment used in hunting, as well as the various elements of using and handling this equipment safely. The 10-hour, instructor-led classes are held throughout the state and, depending on location, are broken up over several evenings or held start-to-finish on a Saturday. (For upcoming classes, see below.)

Huggins says over the past few years, he’s noticed some changes both in who takes the class as well as the means in which they choose to take it. More girls in the 12-18 age range are attending classes these days, while more young adults are opting to take an online option or study via DVD and then report to a testing center to take the final exam.

“That’s something we’ve seen a lot more of compared to five years ago,” Huggins says. “We also see more women involved overall.”

The department has paid particular attention introducing women to outdoor skills through its “Becoming an Outdoors-Woman” program, a three-day skills workshop the department has hosted for more than 20 years. The workshop routinely hosts more than 100 women, many of them single mothers, who select from a variety of courses during the three days—from shooting different firearms to fly fishing to nature photography. Huggins says class sizes are kept small to facilitate questions and boost hands-on participation.

The primary goal of the workshop is to give women a way to learn about outdoor activities for themselves, but the secondary benefit is to create expertise in households that might not have the male influence that generally leads kids into hunting.

“The idea is to introduce these women to outdoor activities and given them hands-on experience,” Huggins says. “Once they learn how to do some of these things, they can then go back and teach their own kids how to participate in the outdoors.”

Huggins says the culture of hunting in the state has led to several successful partnerships with Arkansas schools. It’s also evolved into a competitive shooting sports program, which further reinforces gun safety, marksmanship and competition. The activity accommodates junior (grades 6-8) and senior (grades 9-12) divisions and is open to home-schooled shooters as well.

Participants compete in teams, most commonly representing schools, 4-H Clubs, Boy and Girl Scouts troops or churches, although stand-alone groups are allowed provided they meet minimum requirements. Competitors shoot at targets launched into the air via trap machines using 12- or 20-gauge shotguns. The season runs February through July with regional qualifiers advancing to a state competition.

“This is our sixth year sponsoring a shooting sports program,” Huggins says. “Last year we had more than 6,000 youth participate.”


Beginning hunters and seasonal shooters alike can ensure an enjoyable trip into the wild by adhering to the following basic rules of hunter safety.

1. Observe gun safety. Always assume the gun is loaded, make sure of your target and only point at what you intend to shoot. When walking, keep the muzzle pointed at the ground and your finger off the trigger. Keep the barrel free of debris and only climb a stand, hop a fence or cross a ditch with an unloaded firearm.

2. Dress appropriately. Make sure you and your children wear hunter orange to help others distinguish you from the game. Match your clothing to the weather conditions and the amount of time you plan to be exposed to the elements.

3. Don’t fly solo. Children should never hunt alone, and never go on a hunt without notifying an additional adult about where they are going and when they plan to return.

4. Remember: Guns aren’t your only hazard. In Arkansas, more people are hurt falling out of tree stands every year than are wounded by firearms. Make sure your structure is in good repair and capable of supporting you. Use a safety harness to avoid falls. Use caution when operating four wheelers or carts—especially over steep terrain—and wear all required safety equipment.

5. Leave alcohol at home. Hunters of legal drinking age should leave the cool ones back at the cabin, as booze and hunting simply don’t mix.

Mark Your Calendar

Upcoming Hunter Education classes scheduled for Pulaski County include:

  • Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center, Little Rock:
    5:30-9 p.m. Oct. 20, 21, 23
  • Arkansas Game and Fish Commission headquarters, 2 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock:
    6-9 p.m. Nov. 3, 4, 6

Hunters must attend all three nights of a session to pass the course. A Saturday course is also available from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Game and Fish headquarters. Seating is limited for all classes; registration information can be found on the commission’s website AGFC.com.