State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice
LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Wildlife Management Division staff reported on the 2026 midwinter survey. The survey includes the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (the Delta), Arkansas River Valley, and southwest Arkansas. The midwinter survey is usually when biologists see peak waterfowl numbers, and found overall numbers were down from last year.
The most recent data, released January 21, 2026, found dramatic changes in the waterfowl population since the previous report only 2 weeks prior. The January survey estimated 574,940 ducks in Arkansas, with 351,900 of those being mallards. The December survey found 1,030,824 ducks in the state.
A total decrease in ducks of approximately 455,884 and a decrease of approximately 143,835 mallards. Staff noted that the deficit in numbers was possibly skewed from the December count. According to the AGFC waterfowl coordinator, “We have less confidence in our December estimate because it may have been biased high due to dry conditions with large amounts of birds around limited water sources.” Making it more difficult to estimate is that each state has varying survey methods. Overall, most states are seeing fewer birds during peak migration this season. Also, a decrease in duck numbers is expected due to drought on the Canadian prairie, where ducks hatch on the PotHole Region.
Biologists are back in the sky this week (as long as the weather holds up) for the annual late January survey, the last of three AGFC waterfowl surveys for the season. Arkansas continues to face extremely dry conditions this winter with little rainfall. Many regions of Arkansas faced their second-to-third driest December on record, dating back to 1893, and there has been little precipitation in January. To see the latest survey and maps of duck distribution around the state, visit: https://www.agfc.com/.
36th Annual Big Buck Classic
The Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation’s (AGFF) 36th Annual Big Buck Classic will take place February 6-8 at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds. The children’s area provides hands-on for the next generation of hunters and anglers. There is an indoor trout pond where children can catch live rainbow trout, an inflatable BB gun range, and a hover ball archery shoot. There will be expert instruction provided by Bowfishers of Arkansas and the Arkansas Bowhunters Association.
It is a great environment for newcomers to learn about our state’s traditions. In addition to the kid’s zone, state biologists will be on hand to promote conservation programs, and attendees can learn about the new Deer Management Assistance Program, where deer clubs can get professional guidance on managing deer herds and improving the wildlife habitat.
There is no charge to participate in the AGFF Kids Zone, but admission to the show is $15 for adults and $5 for kids 5 to 12 years old. Admission for children under 5 is free.
Obituary: Charlie DeWayne Riddle (1945-2026)
Charlie DeWayne Riddle, of Waldron, Arkansas, was born October 11, 1945, in Waldron to Bill and Sara (Churchill) Riddle. He passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on January 29, 2026.
Charlie was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose life was defined by compassion, hard work, and a wonderful sense of humor. He had a way of making people feel welcome and valued, often lifting spirits with a smile, a kind word, or a well-timed joke. To those who knew him, Charlie was steady, dependable, and full of heart – the kind of man you could count on in good times and in hard ones.
Charlie believed in honest work and lived a life of service to others. He was proud to be a cattle farmer and spent many years in property management. He was also well known for his time as an auctioneer, a role that fit his personality and brought him joy. Charlie dedicated 44 years of his life to education as a 5th grade math teacher, patiently guiding generations of students and leaving a lasting impact far beyond the classroom. He also served his community as a school bus driver for more than 40 years, faithfully and safely transporting countless children – a quiet but meaningful role he carried with pride. Charlie had received notable lifetime achievement awards such as Arkansas Teacher of the Year in 2004 and 2008 and Ann Crossett Citizen of the Year in 2018.
His faith and his community were central to who he was. Charlie attended the Waldron United Methodist Church, was a member of the Scott County Cattlemen’s Association, and enjoyed gathering with friends and neighbors at the Waldron Livestock Auction on Thursdays. These were more than routines – they were part of the life he loved and the people he cherished.
Charlie hated being away from his cows but with encouragement from his adventurous wife Adrienne he was blessed to see many parts of the world traveling with her. He also enjoyed sharing his wife’s passion for aviation during the many years owning their own planes.
Above all, Charlie believed in the value of perseverance. His family hopes those who reflect on his life will remember the lesson he lived by: with hard work and dedication, you can achieve any goal you set for yourself.
Charlie leaves behind a family who will forever hold his memory close: his wife, Adrienne Riddle; one sister Sabrina Traylor, sons: Brent Riddle and wife Amy, and Ryan Riddle; step-son Steven Bonner and wife Leigh Anne; step-daughter Laura Rippey and husband Terry. Grandchildren Kevin Schafer and wife Kimber, Morgan Musteen and husband Thomas, Madison Riddle and fiance’ Jarrett, Kristin Riddle and fiance’ Nathan, step grandchildren: Andrew Bonner, Christopher Rippey, Janie Rappeport and husband Jack as well as 6 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters: Billie Sehorn, Christine Thomas and Bertha Swanner.
Charlie’s Celebration of Life services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 6, 2026, in the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Roger Rice and Rev. Clyde Traylor officiating. Interment will follow in Duncan Cemetery.
Charlie’s pallbearers will be Brian Kopf, Scotty Clemmons, Danny Penion, Odell Finney, Gary Clepper and Bennie Hawkins. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Thompson, Terry McMellon, Bob Ammons, Rick Barnett and Earl Wayne Thompson.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home. Arrangements are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Charlie’s life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and he will be loved beyond words and missed beyond measure
Lane Announces Bid for Scott County Assessor
Kim Lane has officially announced her candidacy for Scott County Assessor in the upcoming March election.
A lifelong resident of Scott County, Lane has deep roots in the community and a strong commitment to serving its citizens. She is currently employed with Scott County Title Corp and Daltons Assisted Living, where she has built a reputation for reliability, accuracy, and compassionate service.
Lane believes these experiences have prepared her well to serve the people of Scott County with integrity, transparency, and fairness. She would be honored to earn the trust and support of voters and is committed to working hard for every taxpayer.
Voters are encouraged to support Kim Lane in the March election.
Guide Now Available for Volunteers Collecting Voter Signatures
By Kristin Netterstrom Higgins
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Arkansas volunteers who gather the tens of thousands of voter signatures needed to qualify a constitutional amendment or state law for the statewide ballot now have access to a guide written especially for their civic role.
The Arkansas Volunteer Canvasser Guide includes helpful tips and information about new state laws so volunteers can better navigate the signature collection process. Arkansas Civic Action Network and the Public Policy Center at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture partnered on producing the guide.
“Our number one goal is for canvassers to feel confident in their role of volunteer,” said Gail Choate, executive director of Arkansas Civic Action Network, a Little Rock-based nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that engages Arkansans in civic life through education, workshops and community projects.
Choate and Kristin Netterstrom Higgins from the Public Policy Center wrote the guide after legislators passed several new canvassing laws establishing misdemeanor and felony crimes.
“Our shared goal is to give volunteers clear, consistent, and legally accurate information so Arkansans can volunteer confidently and safely,” Choate said.
The guide is available on both organizations’ websites: uaex.uada.edu/ballot and www.arkaction.net. The guide discusses what a petition is and what the canvasser is responsible for during the signature collection process. The guide also notifies volunteers that recent laws requiring canvassers to check a voter’s photo ID and to witness voters read the ballot title are on hold as part of a federal lawsuit.
The signature collection process is where most ballot issue groups see their campaign efforts flail, said Netterstrom Higgins, who publishes a neutral statewide ballot issue voter guide each election cycle.
“The petitions are just one step of an intense process, but they’re often challenged in lawsuits seeking to stop a constitutional amendment from being put on the ballot for voters to decide,” Netterstrom Higgins said. “Either a canvasser didn’t sign a petition correctly or a campaign may have overlooked one of the many affidavits they have to submit about paid and volunteer canvassers.”
To qualify a constitutional amendment for the 2026 statewide ballot, a ballot question committee must collect at least 90,704 voter signatures from at least 50 counties. The number of signatures required represents 10 percent of the number of people who voted in the last governor’s election. For a state law, it’s 72,563 voter signatures, or 8 percent, of the number of people who cast a ballot in the last governor’s election.
“Volunteers have been the heart of many grassroots ballot issue campaigns for the past 100 years Arkansas has had the direct democracy process. This guide is a tool to keep that momentum going,” Netterstrom Higgins said.
The Public Policy Center, located at the Cooperative Extension Service state office in Little Rock, has provided Arkansans with research-based information and education about public issues since 2004. To learn more, visit uaex.uada.edu/ppc or follow on Facebook at @uappc.
Follow Extension on Facebook at Arkansas.extension and on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.
Hunters crack attendance record at 2026 Big Squirrel Challenge
By Randy Zellers
Arkansas squirrel hunters showed off their woodsmanship skills Saturday afternoon at the 2026 Umarex Big Squirrel Challenge at 13 weigh-in facilities scattered throughout the state. This year’s competition saw record participation, a trend that’s remained constant throughout the event’s five-year history.
“We had 419 people show up at the weigh-in stations this year,” Eric Maynard, AGFC education assistant chief, said. “They provided 266 total entries into the contest, 80 entries more than last year.”
Maynard says some of the added entries came from the opening of a new “gray squirrel only” division, and the ability of some very successful hunters to enter three squirrels in each of the three divisions, but the attendance at the event has steadily increased as well.
Once again, Fred Berry Crooked Creek Nature Center had the most teams, with 56 entries from local bushytail fanatics. The next largest turnout was at the Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center in Jonesboro, which accounted for 34 entries.
The weights were impressive, but the day was all about fellowship with fellow outdoors enthusiasts. Many teams showed up with only a squirrel or two to weigh, and a few arrived at the weigh-ins with an empty game pouch just to touch base with other hunters, gain some tips and enjoy the show.
“Anyone who came to a weigh-in was eligible for the door prize drawing, which included squirrel calls and other outdoor gear. It was great to see everyone turn out,” Maynard said.
The Crooked Creek location didn’t have only the largest turnout; three of the statewide division winners weighed their squirrels at the nature center, including the team that had the heaviest weight overall. Austin Tate and Laine Hilliard turned in three fox squirrels for the adult fox squirrel division that weighed 2,494 grams; that’s three squirrels tipping the scale at 5½ pounds after field dressing. Ty and Bob Cason won the youth fox squirrel division with 2,370 grams (only 1.5 ounces short of the top weight overall), and Tate Milligan and Owen Pearson brought in the top weight for the youth mixed bag division with a weight of 2,122 grams of squirrels.
The J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center in Springdale may have had a leg up on the competition, as it is the home of the annual World Champion Squirrel Cook Off. Maybe tasting some of the treats at that event inspired the team of Blade and Megan Elmore to get their bushytail on, as they brought in a mixed bag of fox and gray squirrels to take the top weight in the adult mixed bag division with a total of 2,148 grams of squirrely goodness.
Gray squirrels must run a little fatter in Fort Smith; both of the gray squirrel titles came from the weigh-in at Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center there. Hunter Moore weighed in three gray squirrels weighing 1,543 grams as a single hunter in the adult category, but he and his son also teamed up for the youth gray squirrel category with an additional three squirrels weighing 1,683 grams, both of which took top honors in the statewide competition’s bantamweight division.
Big Squirrel Challenge Results
Fort Smith — Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center
Fox Squirrel Adult Division — Lyle Smith and Jack Ishii, 2,425 grams
Mixed Bag Adult Division — Lyle Smith and Jack Ishii, 1,969 grams
Gray Squirrel Adult Division — Hunter Moore, 1,543 grams
Fox Squirrel Youth Division — Corbin Lujan and Jayden Ishii, 2,184 grams
Mixed Bag Youth Division — Hunter and Matthew Moore, 1,782 grams
Gray Squirrel Youth Division — Hunter and Matthew Moore, 1,683 grams
