March 11, 1915

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) was created when Act 124 was signed by Governor George Washington Hays after lengthy debate in the legislature. By 1911, game populations had been declining across the country, and Arkansas was one of seven states that had no conservation agency. The AGFC was born in response. The AGFC manages wildlife and natural habitat and sets hunting, fishing, and trapping regulations. It works with public, private, local, state, and federal groups to enhance conservation efforts and educate the public about the importance of healthy wildlife populations and their habitats. AGFC also publishes the bimonthly Arkansas Wildlife magazine, which began as Arkansas Game and Fish in 1967 but changed its name in 1992.