Author Archives: docfoster2
This Day in Arkansas Wildlife History: April 7, 1911
Today in Arkansas Hunting History
Oily Ducks 1923

“I will guarantee that if the good farmers of the country will assist in securing the passage of a bill that will protect the Game and Fish of the state, as they have assisted in the enforcement of our present laws for the past six months that within five years our fields will swarm withContinue reading “”
“Too Many Ducks” Back then, and Not Enough Now
The AGFC started working their first year to reduce the overhunting of migratory birds. According to historical records, the duck population in the United States 100 years ago (around the 1920s) was significantly higher than today, with estimates suggesting a potential population of around 100 million ducks, though this number drastically declined in the 1930s dueContinue reading ““Too Many Ducks” Back then, and Not Enough Now”
Words from Wynne 1918
“Every time a man passes through here with a white collar on or a Derby hat he is pronounced chicken police, game warden, or a cotton picking detective” Wittsburg correspondent of the Wynne Progress, November 1918
Arkansas First Hunting License 1875
Picture of a 1940 Non-resident license Arkansas passed the first statewide non-resident hunting laws in the nation. A direct shot at market hunting. Approved on March 6, 1875, the Non-Residents License Law stated that “a tax of ten ($10.00) dollars is hereby levied upon all non-resident trappers, hunters, seiners, or netters of fish…in this state.” Continue reading “Arkansas First Hunting License 1875”
Arkansas Hunting Dogs
An Act to protect Dog-Raising in this State (1875) Whereas, We hold these truths to be self-evident that man and dogs have the inalienable right irrespective of race, color, or previous condition of servitude, to hunt the festive coon, the solemn possum, the odorous polecat, the squalling pig and the stupid sheep; and Whereas, HuntingContinue reading “Arkansas Hunting Dogs”
William Hines Furbush: African American Advocate for One of Arkansas’s First Game Laws
In 1879, in the halls of the Arkansas legislature, there was an argument about game laws concerning the birds and deer. Lee County Representative William Hines Furbush introduced House Bill #22 to “aid in the preservation of birds, bird’s eggs and deer.” Primarily aimed at the protection of quail and grouse, the bill also outlawedContinue reading “William Hines Furbush: African American Advocate for One of Arkansas’s First Game Laws”
Arkansas Wildlife History 