Judge Dismisses Action on Northeast Arkansas Duck Blinds

Late last week, Circuit Court Judge Philhours determined venue is improper in Poinsett County in the case of the St. Francis Lake Association vs. the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and has dismissed the action and the stay on removing the blinds.

In August, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission amended its regulations that had once allowed leaving decoys overnight and hunting or attempting to hunt from permanent blinds on Big Lake, St. Francis Sunken Lands, and Dave Donaldson Black River WMAs. These amended regulations are in effect for the 2012-13 waterfowl season.

Individuals may not hunt from or attempt to hunt from permanent blinds or leave decoys overnight on WMAs, including Big Lake, St. Francis Sunken Lands, and Dave Donaldson Black River WMAs. Any person found in a permanent blind on a WMA in possession of hunting gear or equipment during waterfowl season will be considered by the Commission to be hunting or attempting to hunt in violation of AGFC Codes 20.06 and 24.06. Any person leaving decoys out overnight during waterfowl season will be in violation of AGFC 24.05.

The public is encouraged to use WMAs for their recreational pursuits in compliance with federal and state law and AGFC regulations. As public stewards of the land, AGFC will continue to maintain these areas for public benefit in accordance with Amendment 35.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission plays an important role in keeping The Natural State true to its name. During the last 100 years, the agency has overseen the protection, conservation and preservation of various species of fish and wildlife in Arkansas. This is done through habitat management, fish stocking, hunting and fishing regulations, and a host of other programs.