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| Fri, Nov. 21, 2008 |  |
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Game and Fish to consider concealed weapons proposal Saturday, Nov 17, 2007 By Joe Mosby Arkansas News Correspondent JONESBORO - Arkansas concealed weapons permit holders would be able to carry handguns on some hunts and other outdoor recreational activities under a proposal by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission staff. The proposal was made Thursday night at the commission's monthly meeting at the Forrest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center in Jonesboro. Commissioners will consider the proposal at their December meeting. Under Arkansas law, persons can apply for permits issued by the state police to carry concealed weapons, but they must have an approved reason for doing so and must complete a training class and pay a fee. Under the Game and Fish staff proposal, presented by Doyle Shook, the AFGC's chief of wildlife management, concealed carry permit holders would be able to carry handguns during archery, crossbow and muzzle-loader hunting seasons, on wildlife management areas, in AGFC camping areas, on night hunting outings and on AGFC lakes. The plan was worked out with Arkansas State Police and with the Arkansas Concealed Carry Association, Shook said. He said a possible hurdle is conflict with federal regulations governing national wildlife refuges and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes, recreation and camping areas in Arkansas where federal laws could supersede state regulations. The Arkansas concealed carry statutes were created to provide legal self-defense for some persons in their activities. But the law has a long list of places where concealed weapons cannot be carried. Hunting, fishing and camping are not on this list. However, concealed weapons cannot be carried into a meeting of the Game and Fish Commission - state law says they are banned from "the meeting place of any government entity." Shook's proposal lists several circumstances where concealed weapons would be allowed for Arkansas permit holders: -Muzzle-loader hunting season. -Archery and crossbow hunting season. -Seasons for chasing wildlife and for training deer dogs. -Legal night hunting. -Wildlife management areas. -Camping and boating access areas on AGFC wildlife management areas, special use areas and wildlife demonstration areas. -While alligator hunting. -Lakes owned or controlled by the AGFC. Shook said State Police would revoke concealed carry permits for persons who accumulated 18 points for fishing or hunting violations under the AGFC's point system. In other actions, commissioners: -Approved purchase of an excavating machine for its Aquatic Habitat Improvement Program. The machine will cost about $200,000, with part of the cost underwritten by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission. -Approved emergency repairs to a large drainage pipe on the Reyno Levee of the Dave Donaldson/Black River WMA in Northeast Arkansas. The work will cost $25,000. -Viewed a new all-terrain vehicle safety video produced by the AGFC staff and Arkansas Children's Hospital. It is aimed at young or beginning ATV riders. |
