As an outdoor writer and avid hunter with over a decade of experience exploring the wilds of the USA, I’ve heard countless stories of impressive whitetail deer. But few resonate like the tale of Jonathan Moreland’s buck, currently recognized as the Arkansas state deer record. This isn’t just a story about a big buck; it’s a story about dedication, ethical hunting, and the incredible potential of big bucks in Arkansas. We’ll delve into the details of this incredible animal, explore the current Arkansas state record whitetail, and provide essential information for hunters planning a trip to the Natural State, including when is bow season in Arkansas and where to increase your chances of encountering a trophy buck.
The Arkansas state record deer is meticulously maintained by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). The current record, harvested by Jonathan Moreland in Arkansas on November 18, 2022, is a non-typical whitetail scoring an astounding 206.3 inches. This buck surpassed the previous record held by Mike Andrews, a 177 7/8 inch typical buck taken in 1978. What makes Moreland’s buck particularly remarkable is its incredible mass and atypical points. The scoring process, governed by the Boone and Crockett Club (https://www.boone-crockett.org/), is rigorous and ensures fair comparison of trophy animals.
It’s not just about antler size. The Boone and Crockett scoring system considers several factors, including:
Understanding these factors is crucial for hunters aiming to harvest a potential record buck. The AGFC provides detailed information on scoring and record keeping on their website (https://www.agfc.com/).
The story of Jonathan Moreland’s buck is one of persistence and scouting. Moreland had been hunting the same property in Woodruff County, Arkansas, for several years and had trail camera evidence of a mature buck with exceptional potential. He meticulously scouted the area, identifying travel corridors and bedding areas. The buck was finally harvested during the 2022 modern firearm season. The sheer size and quality of the antlers were immediately apparent, and the subsequent official scoring confirmed its status as the new Arkansas state record buck. The story serves as an inspiration to hunters, demonstrating the rewards of dedicated scouting and ethical hunting practices.
The record-breaking buck was harvested in Woodruff County, Arkansas, a region known for producing big deer killed in Arkansas. This area benefits from a combination of factors, including abundant food sources, quality habitat, and a healthy deer population. However, it’s important to note that trophy bucks can be found throughout the state, particularly in the bottomland hardwood forests of eastern Arkansas and the mountainous regions of the Ozarks.
For many hunters, the thrill of bowhunting in Arkansas is unmatched. The state offers a generous bow season, providing ample opportunity to pursue whitetail deer. When does bow season end in Arkansas? Typically, the archery season runs from October 1st to December 20th, but it’s crucial to consult the AGFC’s hunting regulations for the most up-to-date information, as dates can vary slightly from year to year. Understanding the regulations is paramount for a safe and legal hunt. The AGFC website (https://www.agfc.com/hunting/) provides comprehensive details on licensing, season dates, bag limits, and legal hunting methods.
While Jonathan Moreland’s buck came from Woodruff County, several other areas in Arkansas consistently produce big bucks of Arkansas. Here are a few prime locations:
Remember to always obtain permission before hunting on private land and respect the landowner’s property. Utilizing tools like onX Hunt (https://www.onxmaps.com/) can help you identify public hunting lands and navigate the terrain.
Arkansas also offers a year-round Arkansas coyote season, providing hunters with another exciting opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Coyote hunting can help manage predator populations and benefit deer populations. The AGFC website provides detailed information on coyote hunting regulations.
As responsible hunters, we have a duty to practice ethical hunting and minimize our impact on the environment. Following Leave No Trace principles (https://lnt.org/) is crucial for preserving the natural beauty of Arkansas for future generations. This includes packing out all trash, minimizing campfire impacts, respecting wildlife, and avoiding disturbance to other hunters and landowners. The USDA Forest Service (https://www.fs.usda.gov/) and National Park Service (https://www.nps.gov/) offer valuable resources on responsible outdoor recreation.
The harvest of Jonathan Moreland’s buck has put Arkansas on the map as a premier destination for trophy whitetail hunting. The AGFC continues to implement sound wildlife management practices to ensure a healthy deer population and maintain the potential for producing future record-class animals. By following ethical hunting practices, respecting the environment, and staying informed about regulations, we can all contribute to the continued success of deer in Arkansas and the pursuit of the next biggest buck in Arkansas. The Arkansas record deer is a testament to the quality of habitat and the potential for incredible whitetail growth in the Natural State.
The story of Jonathan Moreland’s buck is more than just a hunting tale; it’s a celebration of the wild and a reminder of the rewards that come with dedication, respect, and a deep connection to the outdoors.