In the 1870s, sportsman Farran Wyde compared Arkansas and Mississippi’s general population and appearances. He claimed he had hunted on both sides of the Mississippi for several years, but he preferred the east side because of uncouth people who resided on the Arkansas side. “Many a weary mile have I ridden in search of aContinue reading “Arkansawyers Have Distrusted Oosers for Some Time: 1870 Traveler”
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Early Arkansas Environment: The Deadly Mosquito 1819
At night, there were only partially effective remedies did exist to ward off mosquitoes. Flint slept under what he called a “very close musquitoe [sic] curtain. When I drew it up and attempted to inhale a little of the damp and sultry atmosphere, the musquitoes [sic] would instantly settle on my face,” evidently having difficultyContinue reading “Early Arkansas Environment: The Deadly Mosquito 1819”
The Early Arkansas Environment: Mississippi River Valley
The overflow land of the Mississippi, Flint explained, contained “immense swamps of cypress,” and the water of these swamps was “covered with a thick coat of green matter,” filled with the “moccason [sic] snake with his huge scaly body lying in the folds upon the side of a cypress knee.” The enormous cypress, hundreds ofContinue reading “The Early Arkansas Environment: Mississippi River Valley”
Today in Arkansas Wildlife History: April 27…Outdoor Health!
The notion that engaging in outdoor activities is beneficial for one’s health is not a new concept. In several cases in Arkansas, health resorts in multiple locations across the region touted hunting and fishing as part of their exercise and restorative regimen. If the patient/client could participate in the rigors of hunting, for example, itContinue reading “Today in Arkansas Wildlife History: April 27…Outdoor Health!”
“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”
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”
Arkansas Bison, 1700-1840
I am still working on the research, folks, and I have found some interesting information concerning bison (or buffalo) in Arkansas. In 1541, when Hernando De Soto came through Arkansas, there were no bison. His men noted that they met tribes on the western edge of Arkansas who had buffalo hides and had informed themContinue reading “Arkansas Bison, 1700-1840”
Arkansas Wildlife History 