Holly Treat of Bella Vista harvested a trophy buck with antlers still in velvet during the early buck-only archery deer season held statewide from August 29 to 31. Treat’s personal best buck came on August 31 in Benton County, marking a proud moment for the outdoor education teacher at Bentonville High School.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission sets this early archery season to give bowhunters a chance at deer with antlers in velvet, a distinctive stage before the antlers fully harden. It offers a unique experience compared to the main hunting season, encouraging hunters to learn about deer behavior and the changing seasons in a hands-on way.
Treat’s buck, photographed with broad, velvety antlers, reflects the kind of specimen the early season aims to provide. The soft velvet covering indicates the antlers were still growing, making it a trophy many hunters seek but seldom find. This early season, limited to just a few days, gives hunters a brief window to test their skills in the evolving late summer wildlife environment.
As an outdoor education teacher, Treat brings a depth of experience and passion for nature that goes beyond the hunt. Her role at Bentonville High School involves helping students connect with the outdoors, teaching respect for wildlife, and sharing knowledge about Arkansas’s diverse habitats. For families considering trips that blend learning with outdoor activity, Treat’s success highlights how engaging in local wildlife and conservation can be both rewarding and educational.
The early buck-only archery season is well suited for hunters who want a challenge within a short timeframe, and it offers an opportunity to connect with nature before the busy fall hunting seasons begin. Kids and families tagging along can learn about local wildlife patterns, archery skills, and natural cycles in the Ozarks’ backwoods settings.
While this season was brief, marking a win for Treat inspires and reminds local hunters of the special opportunities available in Benton County this time of year. She encourages others to take advantage of smaller, focused seasons that emphasize skill, patience, and respect for the animals.
Families planning weekend outings might consider exploring Arkansas’s public lands soon, perhaps pairing a hike or wildlife watch with lessons on deer biology and conservation ethics. Even if archery gear isn’t in the mix, these early hunts signal the change in seasons and prime the region for fall outdoor activities.
For more stories about local outdoor education, hunting seasons, and family-friendly nature tips, see our coverage of teachers working for Bentonville School District and upcoming opportunities in Northwest Arkansas. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a family looking to build memories on nearby trails, early velvet buck season puts a fine point on summer’s end and the call to get outside before cooler weather sets in.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
