Arkansas hunters post nine-year high in turkey harvest
By Randy Zellars
Turkey hunters in The Natural State reported 11,332 turkeys harvested during Arkansas’s turkey hunting season. The harvest increased 22 percent from the 2024 season and stands as the best turkey season since 2016.
David Moscicki, AGFC Turkey Program coordinator, says the increase is likely the result of two factors: good weather and more birds on the landscape from previous years.
“This is the fifth year in a row of increasing turkey harvest, so it wasn’t done overnight,” Moscicki said. “The vast majority of the birds hunters harvested this year hatched at least two years ago. Annual turkey harvest variability is highly linked to weather, both during the hunting season and during the brood-rearing season two years prior.”
Moscicki said Arkansas has had a good string of turkey hatches for the last four years, which has fed the steady increase in harvest.
“Two years ago was a good hatch, and fortunately, last year’s hatch was excellent in many areas of the state, according to brood survey data,” Moscicki said. “We hope to see the trend continue as there should be a good amount of carryover from those Jakes to adult gobblers for next spring.”
Fantastic weather throughout this year’s hunting season also played a key role in the excellent harvest.
“There were very few days of rain or cold in the season, which led to good activity from birds and increased participation from hunters,” Moscicki said. “We’ll be compiling all of the SpringTurkey Hunter Survey data and remote gobbling recorder data at the end of the month, but it won’t surprise me to see a good increase in hunter activity from last year. The automated recording devices should help us get a more complete picture of gobbling activity throughout the spring. We have data from one year, but gobbling can be very different from one year to the next based on weather conditions, so this year’s data will really help us stay on top of any trends in activity.”
Jake harvest remained extremely low, as has been the trend since the institution of the “no jakes” rule established in 2011.
Moscicki explained that in 2003, during Arkansas’s record harvest year, 4,610 of the 19,934 turkeys harvested were jakes.
“We went from 4,610 juvenile birds that year to 440 this year,” Moscicki said. “That was a lot of birds being knocked off the landscape before they were mature and provided good breeding opportunities. If you compare mature gobbler harvest between this year and the best Arkansas has ever had, the gap is not that great and we’re gaining ground with these good hatch years.”
Moscicki says keeping tabs on the hatch is critical to monitoring the good trend Arkansas turkeys have taken. Every hunter and wildlife enthusiast can help by participating in the AGFC’s Wild Turkey and Northern Bobwhite Population Survey as eggs begin to hatch and hens begin taking their poults to bugging grounds.
“Right now is the critical time for nest success,” Moscicki said. “And again, weather will play a big role. Hens can protect eggs from rain and cold, and they can even renest with limited success if a nest floods or is taken by predators early, but once poults hatch, there is a period when they can’t thermoregulate and are very vulnerable to cold, wet weather and there’s not much that we can do. Peak nest initiation hits in Arkansas around April 18, and it takes 28 days for eggs to hatch. That puts us right in the middle of that critical time for most nests in the state right now.”
Moscicki says some of the Delta likely will see some decreased nest success from floods that are still receding, but the rest of the state has seen some good weather so far.
“That batture land in the Mississippi River floodplain is very productive when it’s dry, but there was still water on a lot of that landscape last week, so getting reports from there and the rest of south Arkansas is critical in our brood surveys.”
Hunters and outdoors enthusiasts can sign up and report turkeys they see throughout early summer through the AGFC’s Wild Turkey and Northern Bobwhite Population Survey. Scan the QR code to get started.
Kristain Thompson Announces Candidacy for Arkansas State Representative – District 52
Belleville, AR – May 14, 2025 — Kristain Thompson, a longtime resident of Yell County, proudly announces his candidacy for Arkansas State Representative in District 52. Thompson currently lives with his family on his wife Tori’s family farm in Belleville and is committed to serving the rural communities that have shaped his life and values.
“With roots in this district and a strong commitment to public service, I’m running to represent the values that make our communities strong: faith, family, freedom, and fiscal responsibility,” said Thompson. “I was raised on a farm and understand firsthand the challenges and values that define rural life. District 52 deserves a representative who will fight for better schools, stronger rural economies, and the preservation of our way of life. I’m excited to hit the road, meet folks from every corner of the district, and listen to what matters most to you.”
Thompson is a two-time graduate of Arkansas Tech University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration. He brings years of experience in higher education and community service. His background has equipped him with the skills to navigate complex policy issues and the determination to deliver results for Arkansans.
His campaign will focus on:
- Supporting agriculture and rural infrastructure
- Expanding workforce development and educational opportunities
- Defending constitutional rights and public safety
- Promoting transparency and accountability in government
As a husband, father, and faith-led leader, Thompson is dedicated to shaping a future where families can thrive, businesses can grow, and the next generation can succeed without leaving home to find opportunity.
“I believe in our people, our potential, and our future. Together, we can make District 52 stronger than ever.”
About Kristain Thompson
Kristain Thompson lives in Belleville with his wife, Tori, and their two children, Taylor and Bradley. A graduate of Arkansas Tech University, he played football for the Wonder Boys and earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. He now serves as Director of NCAA Compliance at ATU, supporting student-athletes and upholding the integrity of college athletics. Thompson is currently completing his second term as President of the ATU Staff Senate where he works with the university administration to expand staff opportunities. He and his family are proud members of Jesus Name Church in Plainview.
Mike Jones Announces Candidacy for State Representative, District 52
Mike Jones has officially announced his candidacy for State Representative for Arkansas House District 52, entering the Republican Primary set for March 3, 2026. District 52 encompasses Scott and Yell Counties, along with a portion of Sebastian County. The seat is currently held by Marcus Richmond, who is not seeking re-election.
In his announcement, Jones expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to serve the district.
“I am excited about running for State Representative and being a voice for our district at the Capitol in Little Rock,”Jones said. “I am a pro-life Christian, a proud supporter of our gun rights and believe in private property rights. I know we need access to good healthcare, educational opportunities that include vocational training, and economic growth. I am looking forward to visiting with people and finding out what they feel are the important issues impacting our communities.”
Jones brings deep ties to the region and a background rooted in agriculture. He operates a cow/calf farm and a row crop operation spanning Yell and Pope Counties. He is a lifetime member of the Arkansas Gun Owners Association and the American Quarter Horse Association. His community involvement also includes memberships in the Yell County Wildlife Federation, Delta Waterfowl, and the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association.
Family and faith play a central role in Jones’ life. He has three children and two grandchildren. His oldest son, Colton, works alongside him in the family’s ranching operation. His son Zeke is set to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy this fall, while his daughter Lalou is currently a student at Dardanelle Middle School. Jones is an active member of First Baptist Church of Dardanelle.
For more information on Mike Jones and his campaign, visit www.mikejonesforstaterep.com.