Garland County Representatives John D. Kimball introduced a bill to end statewide deer hunting for three years and for the state to appoint game “commissioners” in each Arkansas County. This was in 1895. Why would an Arkansas legislator want to pause deer hunting in Arkansas for three years at this early date? Because the Arkansas deer population was experiencing an alarming decrease. At that time, state laws existed to protect wildlife from slaughter. No limits. Long seasons. No enforcement of the few laws that did exist. Sadly, Kimball’s bill did not pass.
The Southern Standard, February 1, 1895
Arkansas Wildlife History 