The third annual Big Squirrel Challenge is returning this weekend, from Friday, Jan. 12 to Saturday, Jan. 13, and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission invites all hunters to get out into the woods with a buddy and bring in the largest squirrels they can find for a chance to win awards and bragging rights.
“AGFC Education Division staff started the Big Squirrel Challenge in May of 2021 at J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozarks Highland Nature Center,” Eric Maynard, interim chief of education for the AGFC, said in the announcement. “It was so popular that we expanded it to a statewide event with 12 locations for people to weigh in their squirrels and win a prize.”
Teams or individuals can hunt during legal shooting hours between noon, Jan. 12, and noon, Jan. 13 to harvest the three largest squirrels they can find. Both the use of hunting dogs and still hunting are permitted. Though only the three largest squirrels will be weighed, hunters are allowed to take up to their legal limit of 12 per person.
“We have different categories for youth teams and adults,” Maynard said. “A youth team can consist of two youths or one youth and an adult mentor. We also have a category for fox squirrels (which typically weigh a little more) and a category for mixed bag and/or gray squirrels.”
Squirrels must be brought to a weigh-in location by 1 p.m. on Jan. 12. Squirrels are weighed skin-on and field-dressed, and winners are announced at 1:30 p.m. All squirrels will be returned to their hunters after weighing. First and second place winners receive medals, and the top teams in the state will be announced in a press release on Jan. 15 and will receive additional prizes, including a Umarex air rifle.
Though hunting with a partner is encouraged, individual teams are welcomed. No registration or entry fees are required, simply bring your take to a weigh-in location.
For a full list of rules and weigh-in locations, click here.
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