A free 10-hour hunter education class hosted by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will start bright and early at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Hunt Family Nature Center in Springdale. The class is open to anyone age 8 and older and is especially important for those born on or after Jan. 1, 1969, as state law requires completion of a hunter education safety course before hunting in Arkansas.
The course covers essential safety practices, including the proper use of tree stands, a common spot for hunters that can be hazardous if used incorrectly. The commission aims to reduce accidents by providing hands-on instruction, teaching participants how to safely climb up and down, secure harnesses, and maintain balance while in the stand. This training ensures both experienced hunters and newcomers can enjoy the outdoors confidently and safely.
Parents looking to introduce kids to hunting have a valuable opportunity here. The class’s minimum age of 8 allows families to start the dialogue about ethical hunting, outdoor survival skills, and respect for Arkansas’s wildlife early on. For busy families, the 10-hour format is manageable over a weekend or spread across multiple days, depending on the nature center’s schedule. The Hunt Family Nature Center, located in Springdale, provides a hands-on learning environment just right for this kind of practical instruction.
To register, call the nature center at (833) 356-0847. There is no fee for the course, making it accessible for all interested hunters, especially youth.
Safe and Fun Trails in Bentonville with Ozark Hill Hikers
In addition to hunting safety, Northwest Arkansas offers low-key outdoor opportunities perfect for families looking for a Saturday walk or a way to stretch their legs on the weekend. On Aug. 26, the Ozark Hill Hikers invite walkers of all levels to a group walk in Bentonville. Registration runs from 8:30 to 9 a.m. at Casey’s convenience store, located at 100 SE J St.
For a $4 fee, participants can join a short drive to the starting point of the hike and select either a 5- or 10-kilometer route. These trails follow the clear waters of Coler Creek, pass the iconic Singing Bridge, and thread by the Airship Cafe, a well-known local spot. The mix of urban and natural scenery offers a relaxed vibe that’s perfect for families with kids or individuals looking to explore a new walking trail.
Joining the Ozark Hill Hikers offers more than just a walk. Membership is $12 annually, prorated to $1 per month for the remainder of the year, giving local walkers access to regular hikes and the chance to connect with others who enjoy Northwest Arkansas’s landscape.
Both the hunter education course and the Ozark Hill Hikers’ walk highlight easy ways families and individuals can engage with the outdoors safely and enjoyably. Hunters learn critical survival skills and safety protocols, while walkers get an approachable chance to experience Bentonville’s natural beauty on well-maintained trails.
Whether you’re gearing up for hunting season or want to spend quality family time on local trails, these events offer valuable learning and enjoyment with minimal commitment. The Hunt Family Nature Center’s course directly supports safer hunting practices in the region, and the Ozark Hill Hikers walk invites participants to connect with local nature without strenuous effort.
In Northwest Arkansas, outdoor activities continue to build on community health and wellness, encouraging everyone from youth to adults to get out and get moving, whether in a tree stand or ambling along a creekside trail.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
