Arkansas drought may affect hunting seasons

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — With the ongoing drought throughout Arkansas, the question arises of whether it might affect upcoming hunting seasons, both deer and waterfowl.

Keith Stephens, the Director of Communications for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, said the drought is a "two-edged sword." He says there's "the possibility of not having deer may not spread out as much. They'll congregate because they're obviously looking for water."

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As far as duck season and the other waterfowl seasons coming up, Stephens advises duck hunters to "start scouting places that have water" now.

Muzzleloader season begins Oct. 19. Stephens says because of all the burn bans, make sure you are extra careful with muzzleloader season because you have hot powder or even sparks from flintlock guns that can cause fires. He also advised people to go out and have fun and enjoy the cool mornings.