LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Deer season is a vital part of Arkansas’ billion dollar hunting industry, and early indications show that this season may be even better than the last.  

Early indicators come from all around, but individuals within the industry have said the signs of success are showing early. 

Traci Berry has been serving venison sausage for the last 25 years at the restaurant ‘The Buck Stops Here,’ on Highway 107 in Jacksonville.  

Berry said the numbers for this year’s bow and muzzle-loader season, even despite some uncharacteristically warm weather,  are already looking as though they could be stronger than last year.  

“It has still been hot, but our numbers are almost double than this time last year,” Berry said. 

Brad Carner is head of the Arkansas Game and Fish Wildlife Division, and he said that hunting season continues to make money for the Natural State, as the sale of hunting licenses is consistently strong in the state.  

Last season’s sales of hunting licenses were good, and more than 200,000 deer were harvested, Carner said.  

Muzzle-loader season lasts through Oct. 29, and conventional deer hunting season begins Nov. 11.  You can find more information about hunting licenses and practices on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website.