Deer harvest reported

Most of Arkansas’ fall deer hunting is in the books. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission reports the deer harvest at 174,614 so far for archery, muzzle-loader and modern gun seasons.

Muzzle- loader season and most of modern gun season is over. There is a modern gun season

Dec. 26-28 and a private-land antlerless only season Dec. 29-31. Special modern gun youth hunt is Jan. 2-3. Archery deer season runs through Feb. 28.

Total deer statewide deer harvest the past few seasons has been slightly over 200,000 when all seasons are over.

Hunters planning for next year can mark their 2021 calendars that archery deer season opens on Sept. 25, muzzle-loader deer season opens Oct. 16, and modern gun deer season opens Nov. 13.

Corps offers winter camping

Winter camping is available at several parks on Beaver Lake and on the White River below Beaver Dam. Sites may be reserved at recreation.gov or by calling 877-4446777. All payments will be made online or over the phone.

Camping is available on the lake at these parks: Lost Bridge North, Prairie Creek, Horseshoe Bend and War Eagle. Dam Site River park below Beaver Dam is also open for winter camping.

Grants fund watershed work

Some landowners in the Beaver Lake watershed may be eligible for funding assistance to conduct voluntary agricultural conservation practices that protect water quality. Over $2 million in federal funding has been allocated to assist landowners in the Brush Creek and Roberts Creek watersheds in Madison and Washington counties. These are part of the larger Beaver Lake watershed.

For details contact the Beaver Watershed Alliance, info@beaver watershedalliance.org or call 479750-8007.

Course all about owls

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is offering the online course, “Wonderful World of Owls.

The course is taught over five lessons by Dr. Kevin McGowan with Cornell University. He designed the course. Topics include the extraordinary senses of owls, what makes owls such efficient hunters, identifying owl sounds and how to observe owls safely.

The course costs $59.99 and may be given as a gift. For information visit academy@cornell.edu.

Park open for catch, release

Roaring River State Park near Cassville, Mo., is open for catch and release trout fishing.

Fishing is with flies only. Anglers may fish 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday through the second Monday in February. All trout must be released. A Missouri fishing license and annual trout permit are required.

Give a DU membership

Waterfowl enthusiasts on one’s Christmas gift list may enjoy a membership in Ducks Unlimited, a leading waterfowl conservation organization in North America.

A one- year membership is $35. It includes a subscription to the Ducks Unlimited magazine, website access, event announcements and a Ducks Unlimited fleece pullover. Visit ducks.org for information.

Coler welcomes campers

Camping is available at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve in northwest Bentonville.

Nightly fees are $15 for a small tent platform, $25 for a large tent platform and $30 for a camper van site. Campers have access to a restroom, hot showers, bike wash and bike repair station. There is a community campfire ring that is lit each afternoon. There is a twonight minimum on weekends. Maximum stay is 14 days.

The preserve features several miles of mountain bike trails and a 1.5-mile hard-surface trail. There is no charge to ride or walk the trails.

Camping reservation are required. Visit peelcompton.org to reserve a site.

Naturalists set training

Applications are being accepted for Northwest Chapter of Arkansas Master Naturalists training for new members. Classes start in late January preparing for graduation in May. Naturalists in training classes will occur via Zoom, with approximately 50 hours of virtual lectures and interpreted hike videos, with time allowed for discussion.

Students may attend either Saturday morning or Wednesday evening classes, which typically last three to four hours. Field work for individuals and small groups, socially distanced, will vary in format and location.

Training focuses on topics specific to the Ozarks, including ecoregions of Arkansas, fungi, geology, birds, trees, native plants, water quality and meteorology.

Cost is $135 for the training and materials plus $30 annual dues. Cost is $80 for an additional household member if materials are shared. To become a certified Master Naturalist, members must complete eight hours of continuing education and volunteer 40 hours annually.

Visit www.nwamn.org for more information and a link to an online application. NWA Outdoors listings are for any news or upcoming events in or about the outdoors recreation except competitive ball sports. Send submissions to news@ nwadg.com.