State sports briefs

Friday, September 27, 2013

OUTDOORS AGFC to allow decoys in slough boats

Waterfowl hunters on Dave Donaldson Black River Wildlife Management Area will be allowed to leave their decoys in slough boats. The new regulation was approved during Thursday’s meeting of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission held in Springdale.

The boats will be allowed at designated sites marked with yellow posts and signs. The decoys must be labeled with the hunter’s vehicle license number. Decoys and slough boats will be allowed overnight at the designated sites beginning on opening day of waterfowl season. The boats and decoys must be removed seven days after the last day of the regular waterfowl season.

In other business, the Commission:

Heard a proposal on new boating regulations on wildlife management areas.

Received an update on wildlife officer enforcement activities in northwest Arkansas.

Approved a budget increase of $43,200 to the City of Bryant for a wildlife recreation facility grant.

Heard an update on activities, in Northwest Arkansas, by the AGFC’s fisheries division.

Approved a budget increase of $78,000 to improve a primitive boat ramp, add a parking area and pave a half-mile of road leading to the Wing Access on the Fourche La Fave River in Yell County.

Received an overview of habitat improvement and woodland restoration efforts in the Ozark Highlands and Boston Mountains.

Discussed a proposal for primate restrictions that would coincide with new state regulations that were approved by the legislature.

Heard a proposal on new boating regulations on wildlife management areas. The proposed regulation is designed to address unsafe boating issues by assessing points to boating violations.

Approved a budget increase of $247,618 from the U.S. Department of Interior to complete state wildlife grant projects.

Approved the AGFC’s easement management role on just less than 278 acres in the Cache River Bayou DeView Watershed Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. The Nature Conservancy is purchasing the conservation easement.

SOFTBALL UCA adds assistant

Central Arkansas Coach David Kuhn has hired Jenna Smart as the new pitching coach.

Smart joins the Central Arkansas softball program after one season at Missouri Southern State University. In her lone season at MSSU, the Lions went 26-24 with a team ERA of 3.35, a noticeable improvement over their 16-35 finish and 6.16 team ERA in 2012.

Smart began her college coaching career at her alma mater, Delta State, serving as a graduate assistant under a pair of head coaches. In 2008, Smart joined Kuhn’s coaching staff, helping lead the Lady Statesmen to a 33-26 record and a 3.46 ERA. In 2009, Smart was a member of Coach Casey Bourgoyne’s staff, helping Delta State finish 27-24 with an ERA of 2.92.

Sports, Pages 24 on 09/27/2013