From classrooms to creeks, 2025 marked a milestone year for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, as the agency doubled down on education, conservation access and next-generation angling opportunities across The Natural State.
One of the year’s biggest breakthroughs came in education. AGFC re-established a strong classroom presence through the Arkansas Outdoor Education Initiative, launched alongside the Arkansas Department of Education and Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The effort integrates conservation lessons directly into Arkansas learning standards, while the School of Conservation Leadership Designation rewarded 13 schools for immersive outdoor programming. The year culminated with the inaugural Generation Conservation Summit in Hot Springs, engaging more than 1,000 students in hands-on conservation competitions and activities.
Public access also expanded in a big way. More than 4,000 acres opened statewide, highlighted by the new Hot Springs State Forest Wildlife Management Area and renewed access at Wargo Landing on the Arkansas River. These projects protect critical habitat while opening new opportunities for hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.
On the wildlife side, Arkansas hunters celebrated standout seasons. Turkey harvests climbed to a nine-year high with more than 11,300 birds reported, while the alligator season set a new state record with 205 harvested, fueled by improved management strategies and strong public-land success.
Anglers saw the year’s most significant investment at the Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery in Lonoke. A $16 million renovation transformed the nearly century-old facility into a modern, water-saving “fish factory,” recycling 70 percent of its water and launching the Arkansas Legacy Lunker Program. Beginning in 2026, trophy-size largemouth bass will help produce elite genetics for Arkansas lakes—ensuring world-class fishing for generations to come.
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