The deadline to apply for fifth season of the Heber Springs Urban Bow Hunt is approaching quickly. Permit applications must be postmarked by August 1.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission said chosen applicants must pass the International Bowhunter Education Program course before they attend a hunter-orientation class and take shooting proficiency tests.
A required urban hunt orientation for the Heber hunt, as well as three others, will take place August 21 at 9 a.m. at the Calico Rock AGFC Regional Office. This is the only time this orientation will take place and it is a requirement.
There is no bag limit with this hunt and the count will not go against the hunter’s seasonal bag limit. The first deer harvested must be a doe and must be donated to the Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry Program. After the first deer requirements, any deer can be taken.
The AGFC said a $40 fee, which includes Arkansas Bowhunters Association membership, covers liability insurance. Only longbows, recurve bows or compound bows with at least 40-pound draw weight and arrowheads at least seven-eighths of an inch wide may be used in Cherokee Village, Horseshoe Bend and Heber Springs. Crossbows will be allowed in Hot Springs Village. Hunters on private property must have written permission from the landowner. Other regulations also apply.
IBEP class schedule is July 31 for Heber Springs at the William Carl Garner State Park Visitors Center near Greers Ferry Dam, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., email tom@monticellonews.net to pre-register.
IBEP field day for online classes is Aug. 21 for the Heber Springs hunt.
Applications can be picked up at the mayor’s office in Heber Springs or call AGFC at 501-223-6359.
