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
6:00 – Why Bear Encounters Are Hard to Quantify (And What That Tells Us)
10:00 – 2025 Season Changes: Earlier Opener & What to Expect This Fall
17:00 – Bait Heavy, Bait Often: How to Get Started Bear Hunting in Arkansas
24:00 – The Conservation Case for Bear Hunting Over Bait
27:30 – The First Fatal Bear Attack
34:00 – The Second Fatal Attack
39:00 – Bear Safety 101: What to Do If a Bear Approaches You
42:00 – Bear Spray, Firearms & the Rule of Thumb for Safe Distance
What is The Ozark Podcast?
In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker.
Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews
Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton
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PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
