Tracking and Trapping at Little Rock AFB

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jacob Barreiro
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  Hunting is part of American culture, extending back to the days when native tribes were scattered throughout the land. Even afterwards, when the first Anglo Saxons established colonies in the New World, hunting and trapping was a requirement for survival. In that age, people had to hunt for food, clothes and shelter. The tradition of hunting for sport and necessity has since evolved, but it's still rooted in the social practices of many places in America.

Hunting is definitely part of the culture in Arkansas said Tech. Sgt. James Crawford, a 189th Logistic Readiness Squadron traffic management assistant. While it may sound like a simple hobby, it's not something to be taken lightly. Before going hunting, people should understand the necessary safety precautions. Failure to do so could result in serious injury or death.

"The Arkansas game and fishing commission mandated that anyone born after Dec. 31, 1968, has to have completed a 10-hour hunter's education course," said Crawford.

In addition to being compliant with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Team Little Rock members interested in hunting on base should be aware of the specific rules for hunting on base, said James Popham, 19th Civil Engineer Squadron natural resources manager.

"The fall is a particularly good time to hunt here," said Popham. "The biggest hunting season on base is deer season, lasting October - February. The base offers briefings that cover the ground rules for hunting on base.

"We talk about hunting safety," said Popham. "I always tell the hunters that safety is the most important part of the program. The main purpose of the hunting program is to manage the deer herd. By managing the deer herd, we keep the population low enough so the deer don't eat themselves out of vegetation."

Crawford, who hunts deer with his wife, said he's has been teaching a hunter's education course, with his wife, for 10 years.

The class covers the scope of hunter protocol, including ethics, survival, knowledge of firearms, conservation, habitat management, tree-stand safety and fall restraints, said Crawford. The most important piece of safety advice for hunters of any stripe is to emphasize tree stand safety and utilizing a fall-restraint device.

"During the 2010-11 hunting season, there were 28 reported accidents or incidents in the state of Arkansas," said Crawford, an avid hunter. "Out of the 28 reported, 14 involved tree-stand falls or falling from an elevated platform. Most people on base are hunting out of an elevated platform, so they need to know how to be safe and how to use their equipment properly."

Injuries caused by these types of incidents are easily preventable by using the proper safety equipment, said Crawford.

"You're not going to get hurt if you use the right equipment," said Crawford. "A lot of old hunters say they've been climbing trees for 40 years, but I tell them it only takes one time. Really, the harnesses and equipment now is not an inconvenience, they're pretty comfortable, not like in years past."

In addition to knowing basic tree-stand safety, Crawford said that it's paramount for people to always be cautious with their equipment and cogent of their surroundings while hunting.

"Know your firearms; use muzzle control," said Crawford. "Always point your firearm in a safe direction; always be aware of what you're shooting at. I've hunted all my life. When you pull a firearm out to shoot at a deer, squirrel or turkey or whatever ... what is beyond that animal? What are you not seeing behind it? You need to be aware of not only the animal that you're shooting at but also what's behind it."

Hunters failing to be patient and knowledgeable of their surroundings run the risk of harming themselves or others, said Crawford.

"You always need to be aware of your surroundings while hunting," said the gamesman. "It's not as simple as shooting a deer and dragging it out. There's a lot that goes into hunting safety."

It's safety that's at the core of the base hunting regulations, which is in place to not only control the deer population, but to also support the Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard program, said Popham. The BASH program is meant to diminish the chances of a wayward fowl getting caught in the turbine of the planes. The hunting regulations on base also specifically forbids the use of rifles (rim fire or center fire), handguns of any caliber or buckshot shotguns. For more information on base hunting rules call 987-3681.

"We gives these briefings so people can be informed and safe while they enjoy hunting," said Popham.

Crawford said that he loves hunting and encourages others to enjoy it as well, although to do so safely.

"I'm serious about hunting," said the avid bow hunter. "Luckily, I've taught a lot of hunter-education classes. Nobody that I have ever taught has been involved in an accident, and I want to keep it that way. If I do my job right, and I get the information out there, then I know that I'm sending you ... your loved one out there and they have the knowledge to come back safe."