AUGUSTA – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has implemented new procedures for quota hunts on two of is wildlife refuges. The new measures affect the Cache River and Bald Knob national wildlife refuges in eastern Arkansas.

The hunt dates are Nov. 8-11 and Nov. 14-16 for the Cache River NWR, and Nov. 8-9 for the Bald Knob NWR. The quota permits will be available on a first come, first serve basis with 2,000 permits available for Cache River and 250 permits for Bald Knob NWR.

Permit request must be sent first class through the U.S. Postal Service. Applications sent priority mail, overnight mail or through carriers such as FedEx will not be accepted. In-person applications will also not be accepted. Requests must be postmarked between Aug. 1 and Aug. 31. Permits will be issued in the order the requests are received using postmarks or until all permits have been issued, whichever comes first.

Include your full name (first, middle, last), mailing address and telephone number of the applicant and the refuge you are requesting (Cache River or Bald Knob). The Cache River quota hunt covers all 7 days of the hunt; only one application is required. Unclear or incomplete applications will be returned. Send a money order or cashier’s check for $12.50. No personal checks, cash or credit cards.

Groups of up to five hunters can also apply for the permits. Applications must include the full names (first, middle, last), and each individual mailing address and individual telephone numbers for each person in the group application. Send one money order for the group request. The cost will be $12.50 for each applicant.

Applications should be mailed to: Central Arkansas Refuges, 26320 Highway 33 South, Augusta, AR 72006

Permits are non-transferable and non-refundable. For questions or further assistance, call Karen at (870) 347-2614 extension 21 or email karen_graves [at] fws [dot] gov.