The Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie in Stuttgart inducted the 2023 class into the Arkansas Waterfowler Hall of Fame at a sold out event May 23.
This year’s ceremony honored Otis McCullum, Joe Mosby, Jody Pagan and John Stephens, according to a news release.
A reception began at 6 p.m. featuring live music from Cam and Dusty Shelton with drinks provided by Flyway Brewing Co. and 107 Liquor. This was followed by a meal of farm raised duck breast with blackberry barbecue sauce, Arkansas rice au gratin and fresh green beans prepared by Chef Jamie McAfee and his team.
Emcee Matt Mosler and auctioneer Kent Cullum entertained the guests in between watching short videos portraying the lives of the honorees.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Event proceeds benefit the Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie in Stuttgart, which houses the Arkansas Waterfowler Hall of Fame.
The event was made possible by Presenting Sponsor Five Oaks Ag Research & Education Center founded by George Dunklin; Gold Sponsor Nestle Purina; Bronze Sponsors Lile Real Estate, Mack’s Prairie Wings, Sissy’s Log Cabin; Table Sponsors AgHeritage, Arkansas Game & Fish Foundation, Arkansas Rice, Banded, Ducks Unlimited, Cadence Bank, Charles Long, Hyden, Miron & Fast PLLC, Drake Waterfowl, EcoSystems Protection Service, Famers & Merchants Bank, Greenway Equipment, Prairie Implement, RNT Calls, Wilkerson Jewelers and Western Foods.
The event was organized by committee members Chairman Jim Ronquest, Brent Birch, Greg Churan, Anne Marie Doramus, George Dunklin, Lee Ann Blackwell-Hoskyn and Gar Lile.
The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to help preserve the traditions and history of Arkansas duck hunting. The program promotes the art of the hunt and the science of waterfowl management to future generations by honoring those individuals from the past and present who have contributed to Arkansas’ duck hunting heritage and habitat, according to the release. Details: waterfowlerhof.com.