Wow at winter wonders
Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area will host its annual Wonders of Winter Wildlife from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the park east of Rogers.
Banding and releasing of live birds caught by ornithologists in mist nets is from 9 to 10:50 a.m. Free breakfast snacks, coffee and juice will be provided. Table top programs about bald eagles, deer and black bears take place throughout the day, plus craft making for children. Visitors are welcome to make s'mores over a campfire at the education pavilion and sip hot chocolate. S'more ingredients are provided.
A program on how reptiles and amphibians survive winter is from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Black bears are the focus from 1 to 1:50 p.m. A squirrel hike is from 2 to 3 p.m. along the Ozark Plateau concrete trail accessible for people with disabilities. A "special' squirrel will pay a visit during the one-quarter mile hike. Call the visitor center, (479) 789-5000 for information.
Catch a trout
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will host a trout fishing clinic from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Lake Springdale. Game and Fish will provide fishing gear and educators will be available to assist people with fishing. Anglers 16 and older need an Arkansas fishing license and trout permit. Register at agfc.com or call the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center in Springdale, (833) 356-0847, for registration information.
Hike Natural Falls
Hill 'n Dale Hiking Club will hike several trails at Natural Falls State Park near Colcord, Okla. on Jan. 21. Hike distance is 3.6 miles. Interested hikers should email [email protected] for details. Club information is available at bvhikingclub.com.
Walkers see Fayetteville
Ozark Hill Hikers invite all walkers to join a walk on Jan. 21 at Lake Fayetteville. Registration is from 12:30 to 1 p.m. at Walgreens, 4007 N. Shiloh Drive, in Fayetteville. There is a short drive to the start point at Lake Fayetteville where participants may choose a 5- or 10-kilometer route. The walk follows paved trails around the lake and passes the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks.
Also, all are invited to join a 5- or 10-kilometer walk on Jan. 22 in Bella Vista. Registration is from 12:30 to 1 p.m. at CVS Pharmacy, 2833 Bella Vista Way, in Bella Vista. There is a $4 fee for each walk.
Membership dues to the Ozark Hill Hikers are $12 a year prorated $1 for each month remaining in the calendar year. For more information, email [email protected] or call (479) 381-9366.
Gaze at stars, planets
Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area and Sugar Creek Astronomical Society will host a free night of astronomy fun and education at 5 p.m. Jan. 25.
The indoor program starts at 5 p.m. in the visitor center. Discussion will include the four brightest planets, their orbits and why we do not see planets on rotating star charts. Topics will also include winter constellations and the "winter circle" of stars.
Night sky viewing begins around 6 p.m. through high quality telescopes provided by the society. Planets and constellations will be seen provided the sky is clear. Patrons should bring binoculars, a lawn chair and an optional flashlight with a red lens covering. Call the visitor center at (479) 789-5000 for information.
Big Squirrel postponed
Big Squirrel Challenge statewide squirrel hunting contest, hosted by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, has been moved to Feb. 7-8 because of inclement weather forecast for the original dates. Teams or solo squirrel hunters bring three squirrels for weighing to Game and Fish nature centers or other Game and Fish facilities on Feb. 8. Visit agfc.com for Big Squirrel Challenge for rules and information.
Youths, veterans hunt waterfowl
The statewide youth waterfowl hunt is Feb. 8-9. Youths 15 and younger may harvest ducks and geese. Youths who have not completed hunter education must be accompanied by a mentor 21 or older. Mentors may not hunt, but may call waterfowl. Shooting hours and bag limits are the same as regular duck and goose seasons. Youth hunters may hunt on wildlife management areas 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset during the youth hunt. Wildlife management area general use permits are not required for youth hunters.
The active duty military and veterans waterfowl hunt is Feb. 9. Hunters need to carry a hunting license and state and federal waterfowl stamps and a copy of a document showing their military service. A wildlife management area general use permit is also required. View complete regulations at agfc.com for the youth and military service hunts.
Full moon deer
Research has found that accidents involving vehicles striking wildlife increase by 46% during a full moon, according to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
An article in the January-February Game and Fish magazine "Arkansas Wildlife" reads that research conducted by two Texas A&M University students revealed the findings. They collected 10 years of data in Texas to compare full moon nights with new moon nights and their corresponding vehicle-wildlife accidents.