The Vickers Group, LLC ®  

Information - Frequently Asked Questions

Waterfowl Hunts -

What is included in the price of a waterfowl hunt?
Our hunting packages include transportation, from a rendezvous point, to and from our blinds on private land in Craighead or Jackson County, a guide to operate equipment and call birds, a dog (or guide) to retrieve game, a variety of stationary and motorized (usually swimming) decoys (spinning wing decoys are outlawed in Arkansas), and snacks (sometimes breakfast - depending on the blind used).  When it is cold we provide propane heaters or charcoal buckets for warmth. 

How (or where) can I purchase a hunting license and duck stamps?
We have a secure link on our web site (https://www.ark.org/agfc/license/) to the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission On-line Licensing site.  You can HIP register, purchase your trip license and waterfowl stamps with a credit card.

How long are your waterfowl hunts?
Our hunts begin 30 minutes before sunrise and end at 10:00 a.m. or when we limit out (we always stop when your limit is harvested regardless of the time of day).  We do not hunt in the afternoons for conservations purposes.

What are your hunting locations?
We have 3 fields at the Craighead and Greene county line and a permanent tree blind in Village Creek (Jackson county) - all on private property. Our tracts include flooded rice and soybean fields, flooded hardwoods: Cypress and Tupelo timber.  In our fields we use permanent blinds, above ground blinds with 'fastgrass' camouflage and flip panels, and mummy blinds (layout boats).  In Village Creek we hunt from permanent (timber) blinds.  Our goal is to have numerous properties available in hopes of best accessing birds.

Do you guarantee that we will get ducks (or other waterfowl)?
While a limited number of outfitters release and hunt pen-raised ducks, we hunt for ducks, geese, and migratory waterfowl that is raised, lives, and is flying freely in the wild.  Numerous factors beyond our control impact the successful harvesting of waterfowl, including weather conditions, flock migration, the will of God, and good marksmanship.  While we cannot guarantee birds, we do have numerous tracts of hunting land available to provide you a greater opportunity for accessing waterfowl during your hunt.  If we could guarantee birds our prices would be much, much higher.

What is your experience and how long have you been in business?
I've been going on duck hunts in Arkansas since I was 4 year old, and have hunted and called ducks proficiently since I was 11 (39+ years).  I have a guide who placed second in the world champion duck calling regional finals and has been hunting and calling ducks most of his life (30+ years).  I have two other guides who are in their 50's, are more experienced, and equally qualified as callers.  We organized our (Arkansas) company and changed our name to The Vickers Group in 2002 but were established in Missouri as Vickers Enterprises in 1986.  We've been hunting, and taking people hunting, for many years. 

Do you provide shotguns or any hunting equipment?  What do I need to bring?
All personal hunting equipment, including shotguns, shells, clothing, boots, hats, gloves, etc. are the responsibility of the hunter.  We do have a spare shotgun in the rare event someone in your party experiences a firearm failure.  We provide the field, blinds, decoys, and transportation from the rendezvous point to the blind by SUV, ATV or boat.  License, HIP registration, guns, shells, personal clothing, boots, and waterfowl stamps are needed and the responsibility of the hunter.

May I bring my retriever?
Yes.  We have retrievers, but well trained waterfowl retrievers are always welcome, although you must inform us of your intent to bring a dog when you schedule your hunt and we will leave our retriever at home.  Please leave pups or untrained dogs at home.  You must arrange for your dog's lodging.

Trout Fishing Trips -

What is provided?  What do I need to bring?
We can provide transportation from Jonesboro to the river or you can meet us there.  We provide a licensed and experienced trout guide, boat (when used), bait, fillet knife and board, and heaters in winter.  You need to bring your rods, special bait you want, tackle and flies (hooks, sinkers, etc.), waders, extra shore shoes/boots, hat, sun screen, and clothing. 

Lodging -

Is lodging available?
While lodging is not provided in the price of the hunt or trip, an ample number of affordable hotels/motels are available locally.  Currently retrievers are not allowed at the Holiday Inn Express.  Motel 6 does allow retrievers and they charge no extra for the dogs.  Check our page at (http://www.vickersgroup.com/jonesborohotels.htm for a list of hotels/motels in Jonesboro.  (Hotel prices are subject to change - we are not responsible for price quotes).