Black bears have become a more common topic in Missouri over the last decade. According to Nate Bowersock, Missouri’s bear biologist, bears are on the increase in Missouri. It’s a known fact that most bears in Missouri have come from Arkansas. Arkansas has had a bear stocking program for several decades and has managed to bring a healthy population of the bruins back to the Natural State. In the process, bear hunting has brought a lot of attention to the program. So much so that three years ago bear enthusiasts began a Black Bear Bonanza to bring interested groups together to learn more about bear biology, behavior, management and hunting techniques.
Hundreds of bear loving enthusiasts poured into the Benton County Fairgrounds at Bentonville, Arkansas on a Saturday morning hoping to learn more about the black bears in their state. Dozens of outdoor products distributors and wildlife agencies set up attractive booths to support the Black Bear Bonanza.
I worked with the Living the Dream Outdoor Properties group in their very attractive, rustic-beamed booth. Darrell Hindman and I recorded several podcasts for the Living the Dream Outdoors Podcast show. We recorded a show with John Patuso of Case Knife Co. and Chris Taylor of Taylormade Knives. Case knives came on the scene in 1889 and have been an important part of American history. Taylormade knives are custom knives and there is a knife for every occasion.
Evan Johnson, of the Ozark Land Trust, sat down with us to educate us about the importance of the Ozark Land Trust in northwest Arkansas. Private landowners have the opportunity to sign up with the trust and add their properties to conservation easements which, in the future, keep lands from unwanted developments. It is a great way for a landowners wishes to be held in place and undeveloped for perpetuity.
David McDaniel, of Bear Hunting Magazine, provided an interesting and educational podcast about the magazine and its purposes. It is the only magazine devoted to bears and bear hunting in the nation. The magazine covers about any topic connected to bears and bear hunting, whether it be hunting itself, bear management, hunting tips and tactics, equipment, trapping, and bear recipes. The magazine is definitely a gold mine of information for ever bear enthusiast.
Hunter Wallace, owner of Inqwe Stands, introduced us to incredible tree stand technology. Advertised as the lightest stands in the world, the Inqwe stands weigh a mere five pounds.
“Our stands are for the hunter who wants to cover a lot of ground to find the perfect spot and not be exhausted when he gets there from hauling heavy equipment,” Wallace explained.
Inqwe stands are made from aluminum and are professionally engineered for strength and durability. The stand platform and seat hang on a belt clip while an individual climbs a tree with either sticks or ladder. Lightweight, compact and easy to utilize, Inqwe stands are the way of the future.
Arkansas Living the Dream Outdoor Properties land agents Ryan Harris and Brice Johnson joined me in the booth for a podcast episode as well. These two energetic young men have a great handle on topnotch outdoor properties available in northwest Arkansas. Light-hearted, witty and a ton of fun, these two guys are going to join us on the podcast at regular intervals in the near future.
Other outstanding exhibits at the Black Bear Bonanza included the Arkansas Herpetology Society with a superb display of native snakes including, a copperhead, rattlesnake, milk snake, hog-nose snake and others. Biologists were on hand to help youngsters get a chance to hold, or touch their first snake. Reactions rangers from laughter to not-so-interested rejections. It was definitely a fun booth to hang around.
The Arkansas Trappers also had a booth that attracted large numbers of Bonanza attendees. Plush furs were on hand for folks to admire and handle. Traps and trapping were discussed and explained and the trappers themselves proved to be a wealth of knowledge as well as exceptionally entertaining.
The Arkansas and Game and Fish Commission displayed a large fish holding tank that allowed attendees to see first hand many of the fish species found in Arkansas. It became a very popular stop early in the show.
Representatives of the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers sported one of the largest booths at the show and kept a steady crowd entertained and informed of their purpose to support the rights of hunters and anglers across the country. They are the same group that gave heavy support to a group of hunters from Steelville, Missouri involved in the corner crossing lawsuits in Wyoming.
Two archery ranges were setup for young archers. Little guys flung, softy tip arrows at virtual targets, while older children shot target tips at Morrell targets. Long lines were steady a both booths. It was truly inspiriting to see so many children interested in shooting a bow.
Vortex, Umarex, and onX were major sponsors of the Black Bear Bonanza. A second building was dedicated to activities and demonstrations. Morning activities included: a deer butchering demonstration by Rick Spicer, a lecture on ancient hunters by Dr. Devin Pettigrew, a wild game cooking show, and the preliminaries for the World Famous Owl Hoot Contest.
Afternoon highlights included an update from the AGFC bear team on bear research in Arkansas, live recording of the Bear Grease Render podcast with Clay Newcomb and friends, the finals of the World Famous Owl Hoot Contest and announcement of raffle prize winners.
The owl hoot contest featured some of the best on the state. Youngsters hooted their hearts out, to the delight of the huge crowd. Adult hooters slugged it out, with scores running close. A talented young lady bested most of the guys and took a well-earned second place.
Bears are fascinating and I’ve long had visiting a bear den with biologists on my bucket list. It looks that may happen in the near future.
