Fish for free in Arkansas

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission unanimously approved a special free fishing day during a regularly scheduled meeting last week at AGFC Headquarters. Anyone will be able to fish in Arkansas without a fishing license or trout permit Aug. 23.

The free fishing opportunity comes as a result of an update to the AGFC’s license system. The AGFC has been working with its license system vendor, PayIt Outdoors (formerly Sovereign Sportsman Solutions), to update the license purchasing experience for Arkansas hunters and anglers. The process will require the license-purchase system to be unavailable for data transfer Aug. 23, preventing anyone from purchasing or renewing their license on that day. All other fishing regulations will remain in place Aug. 23.

Agency culture and service to Arkansans from all ranks of AGFC staff played heavily in AGFC Director Austin Booth’s monthly report to the Commission. He opened with his gratitude toward vendors and participants in July’s Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunter’s Expo, which highlighted the well-established hunting and outdoors culture in Arkansas and the celebration of waterfowl hunting in the state. He then took a moment to praise the many Arkansas game wardens who received commendations and recognition during the agency’s annual Enforcement Awards Ceremony, held in July.

The Commission also unanimously voted to waive all fees for boat docks and other permitted structures on Lake Conway during the lake’s drawdown and renovation. Landowners bordering the lake must still obtain and maintain permits under the agency’s official land use policy, but the fees associated with those permits will be waived during the renovation process. [LINK TO PRESENTATION]