Arkansas Blog

Hey, why not just allow trained LIVE decoys, what with "modern technology," virtual ground-to-air missles, camo, "doppler" bird dectectors, hi-tech blinds complete with bars & HDTV, calls - I think it's time the HUNTERS got some consideration over the wildlife!!
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AND "We asked all of the surrounding states to come aboard with us on this, but to no avail."

OK, cool - they've got casinos, we've got a "better" way to fool the birds, sounds like an even trade to me. It couldn't be they recognize this as WRONG, could it??? ...Naaaaaaahhhh!!!!!!!!!

Larry, I believe Mr. Dunklin was referring to the fact that ARKANSAS had asked all of our neighboring states (repeatedly) to join us in the BAN of the spinning decoys, "to no avail".

I'm not crazy about lifting the ban, but I believe given the science, facts and circumstances it's a stretch to criticize the commission on this. Who knows, maybe it'll help hunting/tourism/local economies.....or, you could just get us some of those casinos! (kiddin ya)

I see no difference in this type of decoy and the mechanized wild turkey decoy that struts back and forth on a track and is remotely controlled.

"Sportsmen" have always been in love with the latest gadget that gives them a up on killing game.
It could be battery-powered flashing crank bait or pre-baited, artificial fishing structure. Looking for a leg up has been going on for eons.
We're just separating grains of sand here.

Me either, eL. I had NO idea there was such a thing, as an ex-hunter. I have no "anti-hunter" political axe to grind either, just give the beasts a fair shake is all I'm sayin' So long as no one shoots people or pets, I'm down with "fair" hunting.........(you know: slings, atlatl's... ;>)
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Wish there were decoys and open seasons for copperheads, cottonmouths, rattlesnakes, scorpions, hornets, ticks, fire ants, and brown recluse spiders.

The AGFC also lifted the ban on toxic sludge pits in Wildlife Protected Areas. But don't worry, they'll have plenty of money to "protect" other areas. Makes me want to puke.

Another sellout to the commercial interests. I fear that the lifting of this ban, in combination
with the continued liberal season structure and bag limits will soon mean that the "sub-prime
hunters", as Mr. Morgan aptly labelled them will soon be able to watch their spinning wing decoys
spin away...under empty skies. Argue all you wish about what "other states" do, and accept any
statistic that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to offer. One fact that USFWS cannot
refute is that no hen ever nested while plucked and cleaned in a freezer in Arkansas or anywhere
else. Arkansas calls itself the "Duck Hunting Capitol of the World". What would be wrong in taking
the lead to try to bring some ethic back to the sport?

MR Ducks, MR not! How come no one can cook a duck that does not taste like mud? More tricks for the hunters and not the hunted. Hey, if there are less migratory birds to go arouond, does it mean there is even less of a chance of catching the bird flu or the West Nile Virus? They shouldn't use decoys at all, I mean damn, the ducks sure as hades cannot shoot back. Wait am moment, I take that back. At the park with my grand-daughter I was almost nailed by one of those moderately accurate Duckshots. Now why is it when you go hunting for Deer you use a rifle with a "slug" to shoot the Deer, but when you go hunting Ducks you use "Buckshot"?

You had better not be using "Buckshot" to hunt ducks. That could reap you a large fine and confiscation of your equipment, including your vehicle. Better read the rule book if you plan to hunt in Ark. The type of shot you're allowed to use is regulated.

The purpose of decoys is to get the ducks to at least come in for a landing. Otherwise you cannot identify which species of duck or goose you are shooting. Shooting them too far up can result in mistaken kills. That's why I gave up duck hunting years ago. I my distance vision is not working as it once did.
I can still see a #18 fly on top of the water 50 ft away.
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