For nearly 30 years, Arkansans in Arkansas elk country have gathered in Jasper to celebrate the return of the state's largest mammal to the Ozark Plateau at the Buffalo River Elk Festival. The capstone of that event is the announcement of the lucky applicants who landed public land elk hunting permits for the fall. And if you didn't get a chance to apply in May, you still have a chance, thanks to three permits reserved for an on-site drawing held only for those in attendance.
Registration for this year's on-site elk hunting permit drawing will be open at the Little Buffalo River Visitors' Center in Jasper from 1-4 p.m. Friday, June 26, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 27. Applicants must have a valid Arkansas Resident Sportsman's License to register. Only Arkansas residents may apply, and anyone with 18 or more violation points is ineligible. The drawing for these permits will take place on the festival's center stage at 5 p.m. Saturday, and winners must be present to claim their tag.
The on-site draw is a separate drawing from the online applicants. Hunters who have already applied online may also apply for these tags to increase their chance of drawing.
The permits may be the "draw" to the festival for many people, but a slate of family-friendly activities will keep everyone entertained throughout the two-day celebration. In addition to food vendors, the American Legion Hut will host a pancake breakfast Saturday morning, and the Premier Dutch Oven Cookoff will take place at Opie's Hillbilly Hangout Saturday as well. Other features of the Elk Festival include a variety of bluegrass, country and folk music, the Arkansas State Elk Calling Contest, a kids' fishing derby from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, free hourly raffles and the annual "Running with the Elk" 5K for those frisky enough to join in at 7 a.m. Saturday morning.
Visit www.buffaloriverelkfestival.com for more information on the Buffalo River Elk Festival and a complete schedule of events.
Visit www.agfc.com/elk for more information on elk in Arkansas and details of the fall elk hunting season.