Schoenrock chosen to lead AGFC

LITTLE ROCK – Doug Schoenrock was named the 20th director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission today. He replaces former director Austin Booth, who vacated the position earlier this year.

Schoenrock, a dedicated hunter with many years of experience in conservation and business management, will assume the role in May 2025. The Commission made the announcement following a comprehensive search and selection process that began in January.

AGFC Commission Chairman J.D. Neeley of Camden said he was thrilled to welcome Schoenrock as the next Director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

“Doug’s deep understanding of wildlife conservation, coupled with his proven business leadership abilities, makes him the ideal person to lead the agency forward,” Neeley said. “We are confident that under his guidance, the AGFC will continue its vital work in protecting and managing Arkansas’s diverse fish and wildlife resources.”

Schoenrock brings a wealth of leadership experience to the position, having served since 2002 on the Ducks Unlimited national board of directors. He also served as DU’s president from 2020-22 and chairman of the board from 2022-24. While a volunteer at DU, he was instrumental in developing conservation strategies, managing large-scale habitat projects and fostering partnerships with stakeholders.

Schoenrock launched a task force to study the feasibility of growing Ducks Unlimited’s Lands Program from 500,000 to 1 million acres conserved annually. He developed a conservation initiative toward non-consumptive users and corporate philanthropic efforts to expand Ducks Unlimited’s land portfolio. He also developed relationships with several state conservation agencies and conservation directors through conservation project work and public match assistance to unlock Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act funds.

“I’m honored to join the men and women of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. I’m deeply grateful for the trust placed in me, and I thank Chairman J.D. Neeley, Vice-Chairman Anne Marie Doramus, and all the Commissioners for their professionalism and leadership throughout this process,” Schoenrock said. “I look forward to working with the commissioners, the Arkansas General Assembly, Gov. Sarah Sanders, and all of AGFC’s partners to advance the mission of conservation and stewardship on behalf of all Arkansans and the many visitors who experience the beauty of The Natural State. Arkansas is home to remarkable biodiversity, strong communities and limitless opportunities for outdoor education and recreation. It’s a privilege to help protect and promote this treasured landscape.”

Schoenrock holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in science from the University of Tennessee. He is a lifelong outdoorsman and has a strong personal connection to the outdoors.

####

Doug Schoenrock Bio

Doug Schoenrock grew up in rural middle Tennessee with a strong agricultural background. When he wasn’t in school or doing chores, he could often be found hunting or fishing — sometimes pedaling miles with a firearm and tackle strapped to his bicycle. The only rule: be home by dark. During this time, Doug developed a deep sense of wonder for the natural world, a quality that continues to define him today. His involvement in 4-H and as an Eagle Scout helped shape the passionate conservationist he has become.

Doug holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in science from the University of Tennessee. His professional career began at Sara Lee Corporation, where he worked for more than 20 years in research and development, marketing, mergers and acquisitions, and sales. He later spent 19 years as a senior management team member at Savannah Food Company, with a focus on marketing and sales.

Doug began volunteering with Ducks Unlimited in the late 1990s and was elected to the Board of Directors in 2002. During the next two decades, he served in several key leadership roles, including:

    •    At-Large Board Member (2002–2004)

    •    Senior Vice President of Corporate Relations (2004–2010)

    •    Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications (2010–2016)

    •    Senior Vice President of Youth and Education (2016–2018)

    •    First Vice President (2018–2020)

He was elected the 45th President of Ducks Unlimited in May 2020, serving until July 2022. He then served as Chairman of the Board until July 2024. Under his chairmanship, Ducks Unlimited surpassed 1 million acres of habitat protected in a single year — a milestone in the organization’s history.

Doug enjoys cooking, hunting, fishing and spending time outdoors with his family. He and his wife, Linda, have two daughters.