Two big events set for bowhunters before opening day

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas deer season officially kicks off this year with the new early buck archery hunt scheduled for Sept. 7-9, and that has many bowhunters chomping at the bit to get in the woods. If you’re looking for an early taste of the season to come, The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation and many of their partners in conservation have two opportunities to get excited to climb into a tree with a stick and string.

The first bowhunting blast for central Arkansas will be a special Introduction to Archery and Bowhunting from 8:30 a.m.-noon Aug. 17 at the AGFC’s Fiocchi Shooting Sports Complex in Mayflower. Range staff have teamed up with the Arkansas Bowhunters Association to offer a one-stop shop for learning all things archery. Staff will provide a few Mathews Genesis bows identical to those used for the AGFC’s Archery in the Schools Program, and the ABA will help newcomers to the sport learn about more advanced archery techniques and equipment. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bows to learn about proper setup and equipment, and ABA volunteers will give advanced lessons in how to take those archery skills into the woods to be successful this deer season.

“The range has both known-distance bag targets to shoot and lifelike 3D targets for anyone to come and enjoy,” Bill Haynes, facility manager at the complex, said. “A lot of archers really like the elevated platform that lets you shoot multiple targets just like you were in a tree stand for a more realistic shooting experience than standing flat-footed on the ground.”

Sign up for this special archery class at https://register-ed.com/events/view/215978.

The second event to get your bowhunting blood pumping is the return of the Full Draw Film Tour from 5:30-9 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Movie Tavern in Little Rock. Thanks to the AGFF’s Outdoor Society, The Nature Conservancy and the Arkansas Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, participants will be able to view heart-pounding bowhunts professionally produced by independent filmmakers from across the nation on the big screen. The doors to the festival will open at 5:30, and participants will have multiple opportunities to win door prizes as well as raffle items before the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are only $22 per adult, and youth aged 4-17 are half price at this family-friendly event. Local Backcountry Hunters and Anglers representatives will also be on hand to talk about their mission in increasing and protecting public access for outdoors enthusiasts.

Visit www.backcountryhunters.org/full_draw_film_night_little_rock_ar for more information and to purchase your tickets before the event sells out.

Visit www.agfc.com/deer for the latest information about 2024-25 archery deer season dates and regulations.

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CUTLINES:

ARCHERS TARGET SHOOTING
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Arkansas Bowhunters Association will host a special Introduction to Archery and Bowhunting course from 8:30-noon Aug. 17 at the Fiocchi Shooting Sports Complex in Mayflower.

FILM PROMO SHOT
The Outdoor Society, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and The Nature Conservancy have joined together to host the 2024 Full Draw Film Tour, 5:30-9 p.m. Aug. 21 at The Movie Tavern in Little Rock.