LITTLE ROCK — Big bucks and big fun go together like deer camp and tall tales. Don’t miss your chance to share the excitement of Arkansas deer season with the next generation of hunters at this year’s Arkansas Big Buck Classic, Jan. 26-28. The Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation’s extremely popular Kids Zone will be in full force at the Arts and Crafts Building of the Arkansas State Fairgrounds and will be open during the entire event, and everyone is welcome to join in on the fun.
Tyler Lawrence, director of events and programming for the AGFF, says the Kids Zone has been a hit since it was introduced in 2020.
“There have always been things for kids to do at the event, but they were scattered around the fairgrounds,” Lawrence said. “Combining them under one roof was just a great way to focus on the next generation of hunters and anglers and really make them feel welcome to the conservation community.”
The Kids Zone, which is sponsored by Thacha Hunting Gear will have plenty of excitement for younger attendees of the Big Buck Classic. The AGFF will host a hoverball archery station where kids can take turns trying to shoot a ping pong ball out of midair, and the Arkansas Bowhunters Association will set up a separate archery booth to help youngsters improve their archery skills. Another station will feature a bowfishing simulator to give the kids a feel of what it’s like to chase big fish with bow and arrow. The National Wild Turkey Federation also will host an inflatable BB gun range.
“The centerpiece of the Kid’s Zone is always the trout-fishing pool,” Lawrence said. “Young anglers can chase after rainbow trout right there on the fairgrounds thanks to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Spring River State Fish Hatchery.”
The Foundation also will hold a drawing at the end of the event for one lucky attendee to receive a $1,000 lifetime hunting and fishing license thanks to Academy Sports and Outdoors. Attendees 17 and under can apply at the Kids Zone in person throughout the event and the winner will be notified after the doors close Jan. 28.
Hunters from across Arkansas are encouraged to bring the antlers from deer harvested during the last two seasons to have them scored and entered into the competition. Categories for archery, crossbow, muzzleloader and modern gun all offer prizes. Special youth and ladies divisions also offer additional prizes for women and children.
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.
Visit www.bigbuckclassic.com for more information on events.
