The Fairfield Bay Urban Archery Deer Season is just around the corner. The season is set to open September 7 and close January 31. Those wishing to participate in the urban deer hunt should complete the online registration between May 15 and July 1. Online registration can be found on the AGFC website at www.agfc.com. You should click on “Hunting,” then “Deer Hunting” and finally “Urban Archery Deer Hunt Permits.”
After completion of the online registration hunters must attend the urban hunt orientation scheduled for August 3rd at the Melbourne Elementary School. At the orientation, hunters must pass a shooting proficiency test and pay a $50 fee to the Arkansas Bowhunters Association. The AGFC then will issue a permit to the hunter that the city deer coordinator will sign; the Fairfield Bay deer coordinator is Mark Harbour.
There are seven cities participating in the urban deer hunt this year: Fort Smith, Bull Shoals, Cherokee Village, Fairfield Bay, Russellville, Lakeview, and Horseshoe Bend. Heber Springs opted out of the urban hunt. In response to citizen concerns, the city of Fairfield Bay established several “No Hunting Areas” this year. Areas where no hunting is allowed include parks, walking trails, and subdivided neighborhoods where homes are located close to each other. A map of the no hunting areas is located on the AGFC website and available at city hall.
Hunters must possess written permission from the property owner to hunt. The Fairfield Bay Community Club and Wyndham Resort are the major property owners in Fairfield Bay. These private land owners have conditions that the hunter must meet in order to obtain permission to hunt. Mark Harbour can provide prospective hunters written permission to hunt the Fairfield Bay Community Club and Wyndham Resort properties.
If you have questions or need assistance concerning the Fairfield Bay deer hunt, you may contact Mark Harbour at 501-551-1858, on facebook at Fairfield Bay Deer Hunt, or by email at [email protected].