Arkansas hunters are invited to “go nuts” once again as the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission hosts the fifth annual Umarex Big Squirrel Challenge, a statewide squirrel hunting competition set for January 9–10, 2026.
The popular January event encourages families, friends, and youth hunters to enjoy time outdoors while competing for prizes. The concept is simple: hunt beginning at noon Friday, Jan. 9, and bring your harvest to one of 13 official weigh-in stations by noon Saturday, Jan. 10. While hunters may take the legal daily limit of 12 squirrels, only the largest three squirrels are weighed for competition.
“We have divisions for fox squirrels, gray squirrels, and mixed bags,” said Eric Maynard, AGFC assistant chief of the Education Division. “Hunters can enter multiple categories if they have enough squirrels, but each squirrel can only count toward one entry.”
Teams may consist of two adults or two youth hunters under age 16, or a youth paired with an adult mentor. Solo hunters are also welcome. There is no preregistration and no entry fee. Squirrels must be field-dressed with the skin on before weighing.
Medals will be awarded for first- and second-place finishers in each category at every weigh-in site. Top teams statewide will also receive high-powered Umarex air rifles, and all participants who weigh a squirrel will be entered into door prize drawings at each location.
“It’s a competition, sure, but it’s mostly about having a good time and enjoying the outdoors,” Maynard said.
Full rules and details are available at www.agfc.com/education/2026-big-squirrel-challenge
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2026 Umarex Big Squirrel Challenge Weigh-In Locations
(Hunters must be in line with their harvest by noon Jan. 10)
Springdale: J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center
Pine Bluff: Governor Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center
Mayflower: Camp Robinson Special Use Area
Jonesboro: Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center
Fort Smith: Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center
Yellville: Fred Berry Crooked Creek Nature Center
Columbus: Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Nature Center
Hazen: Wattensaw WMA Shop
Batesville: Paul H. Willmuth Shooting Sports Complex
Magnolia: SAU Laney Farm
Russellville: Russellville Regional Office
Monticello: Monticello Regional Office
Ponca: Ponca Nature Center
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