Who We Are

In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, unregulated hunting and widespread habitat loss pushed many native species – including deer, elk, black bear, mountain lion, and wild turkey – to the brink of extinction. This urgent need for conservation gave rise to the founding of state wildlife federations, including Arkansas Wildlife Federation (AWF) in 1936.

For nearly a century, AWF has played a critical role in shaping policies to protect Arkansas wildlife and their habitats. AWF was incorporated “for the conservation of wildlife and the benefit thereof to the citizens of Arkansas.” 

In 1944, AWF led the way for the passage of Amendment 35, creating an autonomous statewide wildlife agency. Amendment 35 gave the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, which was created in 1915, autonomy from the state legislature and enabled wildlife regulations to be enforceable on a statewide basis. It also gave wildlife officers full police authority to issue citations and make arrests, protecting Arkansas wildlife.

In June of 1946, to engage its growing membership as well as government officials and partners in its efforts, AWF began publishing the bimonthly Arkansas Out of Doors newspaper. The newspaper evolved into a magazine that is still published today.

As threats to clean water, clean air, and critical habitats increased, AWF expanded its efforts. Advocating the establishment of National Wildlife Refuges in the state, standing against the damming of the Buffalo River (the nation’s first designated national river), fighting for passage of the 1/8th-Cent Conservation Sales Tax, and establishing more wildlife-friendly agricultural and forestry practices were among the victories AWF helped secure throughout the 20th century.

Today, AWF continues this legacy, advocating at the local, state, and federal levels to ensure a thriving future for Arkansas wildlife.