Ep. 234 - Spencer Daniels - Bear Seasons Reg Changes for 2026 + Last Year's Fatal Bear Attacks Explained

Arkansas Game & Fish Bear Program Coordinator Spencer Daniels sits down to address the two fatal black bear attacks that shocked the state last year (the first recorded fatalities in over 100 years) and what we've learned from them.

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He walks through both incidents with honesty and care, explains the brain lesion findings from the necropsy, and gives every hunter, hiker, and camper in bear country a clear safety playbook for what to do if things go sideways.

Beyond the attacks, Spencer breaks down the 2026 season changes — including the earlier opener, what to expect from the population, and why bear hunting over bait is actually one of the most ethical conservation tools Arkansas has.

Whether you're a seasoned bear hunter or just love being in the Ozark woods, this one's essential listening before you step into the timber.

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0:00 – WARNING: Why We're Covering the Bear Attacks

2:30 – Arkansas Bear Population Update