Newest elk season set to begin

During last week's monthly Arkansas Game and Fish Commission meeting, the Commission approved a third elk season -- Jan. 12-16 -- on private land in Zone 4 in Searcy County. The quota is five antlerless elk; two either-sex permits also will be issued.

"Anyone with landowner approval and a valid application gets a permit for the antlerless elk hunt," an AGFC spokesman said. "We're pretty conservative (with quotas and permits) when we start a hunt in any zone.

We're trying to improve the habitat, steadily reshaping it to attract elk." Two either-sex permits will be chosen by random draw, although a landowner who granted permission to hunt has the option to choose among certified hunters.

The hunt is a step to help landowners who have had problems with elk damaging property. Hunts and habitat work are tools used to control and contain the elk population.

Applications will be accepted through Dec. 15 and are available from the Little Rock office, Calico Rock regional office or license dealers within elk Zone 4. For more information on the hunt go to: www.agfc.com/hunting/huntingseasons/elk/....

The first elk hunt of the season was Sept. 22-26; the second is Dec. 8-12.