Looking maybe to move to Arkansas. Advise on best areas for deer hunting,turkey, and bass fishing. Thanks, Gary.

You'll get quite a few opinions.  For big bucks, the farms in East Arkansas.  North central AR for turkey and good bass fishing is found in lakes all over the state.  If you like rugged scenery and trout fishing, North-central AR, near the Buffalo and White rivers.

That sounds very good. Is good public hunting areas found in the farming areas of East Ark. I know here in Il private ground is pretty much locked down. And deer numbers in our area are very low due to disease and very liberal tags.

Some decent public hunting in East AR, but you'll have to pay up to get on the good private ground.  There is lots of public land in AR -- most of it is in North and Western AR.  The good news is that AR is a relatively small state, so just about wherever you move to, you'll be within an hour or two of some really good hunting.

Great info gentlemen thank you very much. Gary.

There are pockets of great turkey hunting throughout the state. Much of the state has had poor hatches/poult recruitment for several years, but it seems to be on the upswing. Public land is plentiful, big deer are not. Outstanding fishing can be had throughout the state. From bluegills to blue cats. I hope you find the Natural State to your liking.

Chris

Oklahoma is close too  

Thanks Chris, had my heart set on Kentucky but so much flooding in that state. Also with Arkansas you have Missouri to the north and Texas to the south. I also love to hunt coyotes and bobcats. So Arkansas looking better and better. I am retired but not my wife, she is a nurse so would also need a hospital close by. We want to get out of Il, for a lot of reasons. Thanks again, Gary.

Yes Mike, that to!  

Mountain Home is a sweet little town, you could setup shop and probably stay plenty busy. The Ozarks are awesome and theres a lot going on for outdoor activities

What part of Ark. are you moving to?

You mean you want to leave the land of the giants!? isn't there a 150" buck behind every other tree? LOL! Just kiddin, yeh AR sounds like a sportsmans paradise. Ducks, bass, deer, turkey, hogs, you name it. Best of all, Bull Shoals lake! Snatch em in that place. Plus, it's the south, the south is the soul of this country, you will love it!

Don't forget about bear hunting!!  

Some pretty thick woods in those hills!!

Have fun!!!   And by the way.....it's close to Oklahoma!!!!  (I think someone else mentioned that).

Tons of opportunity through out the state. Lots of public land. I live in the North east but hunt all over the state. Central arkansas has sone really good deer hunting.

catman1: Not really sure yet as I am weighing all options. Want to be in best area for big bucks as deer hunting is my priority. But other things will factor in as well, I am in love with God's great outdoors and enjoy all it has to offer, but want to be in an area that fits as many of our needs and wants as possible. This will be our last move so want to be sure of all things. Or darned close anyways.

I have a place in Conway.  It is about 8 miles to the eastern edge of the Ouachita Mtns and about 15 miles to the edge of the Ozarks. Lots of archery only WMAs and NWRs close. Warm water fishing as well as cool and cold. Only about 45 miles to trophy trout rivers.  Good smallmouth.  Can get to farm country WMAs pretty easy too.

Archers Advantage, in Little Rock, has the largest selection of trad gear i have ever seen in a archery shop. Close to many good 3D shoots.  Rick Welch shooting school. Central Arkansas is great due to the proximity of whatever you want to chase.  There are many places for your wife to choose from as far as career options.  Gary, when you get here feel free to PM me and I would be glad to point you toward some places I know.

Chris

I really appreciate all the wonderful information you guys have given me. Tradgangers are definitely  top drawer and are always ready to assist one another in what ever way they can. Thanks again, Gary.      
And thanks Chris, I will definitely keep that in mind.

I love Arkansas...planning a bear hunt there this fall....

Beautiful place..really nice people...might live there myself one day.

If you want delta farmland live on the east side...if you want mountains with fog in the morning and stunningly beautiful views go live on the west side...