Hunters Set Attendance Record at 2026 Big Squirrel Challenge Across Arkansas

Arkansas squirrel hunters turned out in record numbers Saturday for the 2026 Umarex Big Squirrel Challenge, with weigh-ins held at 13 locations across the state and participation reaching the highest level in the event’s five-year history.

According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, 419 hunters checked in at weigh-in stations, submitting 266 total contest entries — an increase of 80 entries over last year.

“We had 419 people show up at the weigh-in stations this year,” said Eric Maynard, AGFC education assistant chief. “They provided 266 total entries into the contest, which is a big jump from last year.”

Maynard said growth came in part from a new gray squirrel-only division and from experienced hunters entering multiple categories, but noted that attendance has steadily increased each year as the event continues to gain popularity.

The Fred Berry Crooked Creek Nature Center in Yellville led all locations with 56 entries, followed by the Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center in Jonesboro with 34 entries.

While competition was strong, organizers said fellowship and outdoor camaraderie remained the heart of the event. Many participants attended weigh-ins even without qualifying squirrels, taking part in door prize drawings, trading tips, and visiting with fellow hunters.

“Anyone who came to a weigh-in was eligible for the door prize drawing, which included squirrel calls and outdoor gear,” Maynard said. “It was great to see everyone turn out.”

Crooked Creek also produced several top statewide finishes. Austin Tate and Laine Hilliard captured the adult fox squirrel division with three squirrels weighing 2,494 grams — more than five and a half pounds after field dressing. Ty and Bob Cason won the youth fox squirrel division with 2,370 grams, while Tate Milligan and Owen Pearson topped the youth mixed bag division with 2,122 grams.

Other standout performances came from across the state, including Springdale, Fort Smith, Pine Bluff, Mayflower, Batesville, Russellville, Magnolia, Monticello, and Ponca, reflecting strong participation in every region of Arkansas.

2026 Big Squirrel Challenge — Winners by City

Springdale

J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center

Fox Squirrel Adult — Terry Cloud and Stick Dog, 2,117 g

Mixed Bag Adult — Blade and Megan Elmore, 2,148 g

Gray Squirrel Adult — Michael and Nicole Henshaw, 1,377 g

Fox Squirrel Youth — Nathan and Leonard Kelly, 2,150 g

Mixed Bag Youth — Mitchell and Sawyer Cobb, 1,849 g

Gray Squirrel Youth — Harrison and Stone Pew, 1,575 g

Pine Bluff

Governor Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center

Fox Squirrel Adult — River Goins and Tyler Carter, 1,957 g

Mixed Bag Adult — Austin and John Howard Jr., 1,677 g

Gray Squirrel Adult — Wesley Sparks and David Joslin, 1,273 g

Fox Squirrel Youth — Cooper Stroh and Wesley Owens, 1,860 g

Mixed Bag Youth — Josh and Harper Allen, 1,562 g

Gray Squirrel Youth — Conner and Eli Carder, 1,319 g

Mayflower

Camp Robinson Special Use Area (SUA)

Fox Squirrel Adult — Tine Paulette, 2,161 g

Mixed Bag Adult — Clifton Paulette, 1,795 g

Gray Squirrel Adult — Taylor and Landon Cross, 1,495 g

Fox Squirrel Youth — Elija Paulette, 2,312 g

Mixed Bag Youth — Jeremiah Paulette, 1,776 g

Gray Squirrel Youth — John Whitener, 1,470 g

Jonesboro

Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center

Fox Squirrel Adult — Jake and Scott Johnson, 2,152 g

Mixed Bag Adult — Colt Boyd and Maddie Logan, 1,599 g

Gray Squirrel Adult — Jake Sitz and Skylar Broadway, 1,533 g

Fox Squirrel Youth — Andy and Beckett Agee, 2,027 g

Mixed Bag Youth — Holt and Wiley L., 1,685 g

Gray Squirrel Youth — Annie Agee and Mike Hughs, 1,429 g

Fort Smith

Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center

Fox Squirrel Adult — Lyle Smith and Jack Ishii, 2,425 g

Mixed Bag Adult — Lyle Smith and Jack Ishii, 1,969 g

Gray Squirrel Adult — Hunter Moore, 1,543 g

Fox Squirrel Youth — Corbin Lujan and Jayden Ishii, 2,184 g

Mixed Bag Youth — Hunter and Matthew Moore, 1,782 g

Gray Squirrel Youth — Hunter and Matthew Moore, 1,683 g

Yellville

Fred Berry Crooked Creek Nature Center

Fox Squirrel Adult — Austin Tate and Laine Hilliard, 2,494 g

Mixed Bag Adult — Rick Deen and Paden Flippin, 1,985 g

Gray Squirrel Adult — Austin Tate and Laine Hilliard, 1,605 g

Fox Squirrel Youth — Ty and Bob Cason, 2,370 g

Mixed Bag Youth — Tate Milligan and Owen Pearson, 2,122 g

Gray Squirrel Youth (tie) — Jadon and Jacob Graetz, 1,532 g

Gray Squirrel Youth (tie) — Bradley and James Tilley, 1,532 g

Columbus

Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Nature Center

Mixed Bag Adult — Cameron Tatum and Chad Rada, 1,680 g

Gray Squirrel Adult — Cameron Tatum and Chad Rada, 1,356 g

Mixed Bag Youth — Chase and Evie Friend, 1,501 g

Gray Squirrel Youth — Braiden Friend and Jacob Hale, 1,198 g

Hazen

Wattensaw WMA Shop

Fox Squirrel Adult — Trey Munger and Steve Stubblefield, 1,925 g

Mixed Bag Adult — Hunter Lawrence and Lacy Dalrymple, 1,840 g

Gray Squirrel Adult — Justin and Clay Boyett, 1,453 g

Fox Squirrel Youth — Harper and Bently Ellis, 2,048 g

Mixed Bag Youth — Brant and Buddy Bowlan, 1,506 g

Gray Squirrel Youth — Harper and Bently Ellis, 1,472 g

Batesville

Paul H. Willmuth Shooting Sports Complex

Gray Squirrel Adult — Taylor Downs and Michael Crabtrey, 1,440 g

Mixed Bag Youth — Connor McIntosh and Slade Vanson, 2,074 g

Gray Squirrel Youth — Hudson and Reese McDonald, 1,317 g

Magnolia

Southern Arkansas University Laney Farm

Gray Squirrel Adult — Taylor Newton and Luke Whitlow, 1,245 g

Fox Squirrel Youth — Tracy Clark and Lisa Cupples, 705 g

Gray Squirrel Youth — Tracy Clark and Lisa Cupples, 1,165 g

Russellville

AGFC Russellville Regional Office

Mixed Bag Adult — Joseph Sorrells, 1,009 g

Gray Squirrel Adult — Brandon Mahan and Jeremy Froggatt, 732 g

Fox Squirrel Youth — Robert and Brooklyn Possage, 1,757 g

Gray Squirrel Youth — Gatlin and Chris Garner, 1,413 g

Monticello

AGFC Monticello Regional Office

Fox Squirrel Adult — Tim Chapman and Nate Cooper, 1,959 g

Mixed Bag Adult — Pasquale Palumbo, 1,185 g

Gray Squirrel Adult — Chance Young, 1,311 g

Mixed Bag Youth — Flynn and Cord Ferguson, 1,322 g

Gray Squirrel Youth — Slade McRae, 1,329 g

Ponca

Ponca Nature Center

Gray Squirrel Adult — Andi and Kortney Carlton, 1,338 g

Fox Squirrel Youth — Grayson and Rick Bohannon, 2,178 g

Mixed Bag Youth — Grayson and Rick Bohannon, 1,829 g

Gray Squirrel Youth — Nathan and Scott Watson, 1,275 g

AGFC officials say the Big Squirrel Challenge continues to grow as a family-friendly event that promotes ethical hunting, wildlife conservation, and outdoor traditions.

News Staff (587)