Little Rock, Arkansas – As Arkansas begins to dry out following a week of severe storms and flash flooding, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) is reminding hunters to stay alert and use extra caution when venturing outdoors.
The recent heavy rainfall left behind a trail of damaged roads, submerged trails, and waterlogged landscapes across several parts of the state. Now, as conditions begin to improve and the sun makes a return, the AGFC is urging hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to take safety seriously—especially with the agency’s youth turkey hunt scheduled to begin this Saturday.
“It’s going to be a week, or maybe two weeks, before we can even get into some of those areas to see the extent of the damage that these flood waters have caused,” said Randy Zellers, Assistant Chief of Communications for the AGFC.
Although floodwaters have begun to recede, many areas remain compromised. Roads in mountainous regions and public lands overseen by AGFC have suffered damage, with washouts and lingering debris creating potentially hazardous situations for those unfamiliar with the terrain.
“A lot of places, where you know, when you’re driving up there, you don’t know how deep that water is. It’s very similar to like when you’re when you’re on an interstate or something like that,” Zellers explained.
AGFC officials are stressing the importance of scouting routes in daylight, especially for hunters heading out early in the morning. The agency warns that even roads that appear passable might be unsafe for vehicles—particularly those hauling gear or equipment.
“If you haven’t already checked those places out during daylight, please slow down. Be careful. Even in places that are up in the mountains, we have roads that are washed out, that you know we have, it’s going to take a little while to fix those roads as well,” Zellers added.
In addition to hunting areas, AGFC is also evaluating its fishing spots and waterways. The storms sent large amounts of debris into rivers and streams, turning normally serene fishing grounds into dangerous zones filled with submerged hazards.
“With all of this water that came through, there’s a lot of debris that’s been washed into our rivers. There are a lot of logs, and there’s a lot of log jams,” said Zellers. “There’s a lot of things floating on the surface of the water, and just under the surface of the water that can be in they can be a hazard.”
While the weather outlook for the upcoming weekend looks promising, the AGFC warns that the physical impacts of last week’s flooding will linger. Assessments of damaged roads and public access areas are ongoing, and some locations may remain closed or limited for an extended period.
“In some cases, there are roads that may be out for a little while until we can get everything together, get out there. Just because a place is passable by a four-wheeler or by foot, doesn’t mean you can run heavy equipment on it, either,” Zellers said.
The AGFC is asking hunters, anglers, and outdoor lovers to stay patient and informed by checking the AGFC website and social media updates before making travel plans. As spring activities pick up, safety remains a top priority for everyone heading into Arkansas’s wild spaces.
For now, whether you’re aiming for turkey or casting a line, officials say a little extra caution can go a long way in keeping outdoor adventures safe after the storm.
