Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Hunters Can Gear Up Locally

Hunting in Gurdon and the South Clark County area is big, with people coming from all over to try and bag a trophy buck.

Because of this, hunters need to gear up for their time in the woods, and there's nowhere they need to go outside of Gurdon to get equipped for the season  no matter what it is.

At K&T Clothing, Karen Parker has all types of camouflage clothing for the woods.

She has T-shirts, both long and short sleeve, BDU type pants, with the extra pockets on the thigh, bib overalls and insulated hunting camo coveralls.

And, best of all, all of this is 30 percent off until the end of modern gun season. Modern gun season will begin Nov. 13 and end Dec. 19.

Plyler's Hardware has almost everything a hunter would need as well.

Gary Plyler said bow hunters can not only buy bows and crossbows, but they can get arrows custom made, or get their bows repaired if this is the need.

For gun hunters, he said, there is a full line of black powder supplies, including muzzle loader weapons.

Modern gun hunters haven't been forgotten either, as Plyler's has a full line of hunting rifles of all calibers.

Those using rifles in the woods can buy scopes and scope mounts at Plyler's, or have their scopes mounted there.

The last few seasons have been far from cold, so insect repellant may be needed. Plyler's has it.

Hunters can also get portable stands, camo clothing, boots, game calls of all types, camping supplies, propane lanterns, propane stoves and the propane to get them going.

There is also bow targets to get the eye ready for the season.

Camp stools are on hand, along with bionic ears, thermal underwear, deer lures, cover scents, knives, knife sharpeners, gun cleaning supplies, camo sunglasses, flourescent orange wear, ice chests, tie downs, rain gear, decoys, hatchets, limb saws and machetes.

Whew!

And, we're still not done. Plyler's also has flashlights, batteries and wind up alarm clocks (most valuable for getting up before sunrise).

Plyler's is also a deer check station, and a good place for hunters to stop before they get started so they can purchase their hunting license.

Once the gear has been bought, the next step is get food for the coolers.

Again, Gurdon is the only place to go as a stop to Thomason's Big Star is in order.

There hunters can load up on bread, soft drinks, bottled water, cleaning supplies for the camp, meat of all kind, with special cuts available from the butcher and whatever else a hunter could want to eat  short of wild game.

For those first time hunters, Clark County is in two zones, 12 and 18, and some of the seasons differ.

Deer hunters should remember for some hunts bucks only may be taken and a legal buck must have at least one antler with three points.

There are a few other points to ponder before going into the woods.

Those hunting with bows should know their weapon must have at least a 40-pound pull within a 28-inch draw. Telescopic or magnifying sights are not allowed.

String locks can't be used either, but mechanical string releases are can be.

For deer, turkey and bear, the arrows used must have heads at least 7/8 inch wide and poison cannot be used on the arrows.

Hunters using black powder gear and muzzleloading equipment should know the barrels of their rifles must be at least 18-inches long and a minimum of .40-caliber.

For this type of weapon, magnifying sights may be used.

Anyone heading into the woods must also be wearing the bright orange gear to make themselves more visible to other hunters.

It would also be a good idea for hunters to pick up copies of the 1999-2000 Arkansas hunting regulations and learn them. After all, it's a lot cheaper than having weapons confiscated and paying a hefty fine.