The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) is now accepting applications for its upcoming women-only deer hunting camps, part of the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program. Designed for beginners, these overnight camps offer mentoring and hands-on instruction to help participants build confidence and skills needed for hunting.
“The deer camps are for women who have never deer hunted as an adult,” said Lea White, AGFC’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman coordinator. “We know there are some women who may have hunted with their families as children but never learned to hunt on their own. For those women or anyone completely new to hunting, these camps provide the perfect opportunity to get started or restarted.”
Two hunts currently accepting applications include:
- **Dec. 11-13 at the C.A. Vines 4-H Center in Little Rock**: This event includes reserved spots for mobility-impaired women who use wheelchairs, crutches, braces, or other assistive devices. - **Jan. 1-3 in Clinton, Arkansas**: Open to all beginner women hunters.
A third camp, focused on late-season archery with crossbows, will run Feb. 19-21 in Pine Bluff, with applications opening in late December.
No prior hunting or shooting experience is required for participation. Each camp will begin with lessons on firearms safety, proper handling, and marksmanship. Rifles and ammunition will be provided to attendees. Participants will also learn about deer habitats, management practices, and ethical shot placement. During the weekend, each woman will have two opportunities to hunt alongside an experienced mentor.
“We’ll end each hunt with lessons on field-dressing, skinning, and processing your deer,” White explained. “This is a hands-on camp, and participants will help process the deer they harvest. By the end of the weekend, we want everyone to leave with the knowledge and confidence to pursue their own hunting experiences and even share these skills with others.”
Registration costs $75, which covers meals and other expenses. Payment is due only after applicants are selected. To apply, interested participants must complete the online forms linked on the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman webpage. For more updates on the February hunt and other upcoming events, visit the program's webpage.