Media
Ducks Unlimited Podcast
In this episode, Dr. Jerad Henson welcomes Ich Stewart, founder of the Public Timber Project, to share how a group of Arkansas duck hunters turned frustration into action. What started with a simple boat ramp cleanup has grown into a multi-state grassroots conservation movement giving public land hunters a voice, building community, and addressing issues like access, habitat pressure, and hunting culture. From partnering with researchers and agencies to mentoring new hunters, the Public Timber Project is reshaping how waterfowlers care for the resource and each other.
The Standard Sportsman
https://www.thestandardsportsman.com/podcast/episode/7c43fe82/ich-stewart-the-public-timber-project
What does picking up trash at a public boat ramp have to do with reshaping the future of duck hunting? Arkansas hunter Ich Stewart joins the show to break down the rise of The Public Timber Project and how a simple cleanup effort became a movement, where it’s headed next, and a few big announcements that go far beyond trash bags and parking lots.
The guys also dive into a candid conversation about public-land hunting culture, the “us-versus-everybody” mindset, and what it will take to build a healthier, more united community in the woods and on the water.
Rolling Thunder Podcast Episode 169: The Public Timber Project
This week we had the privilege to sit down with Ich Stewart and Blakley Cobb with The Public Timber project. These guys are part of a team that is doing their best to unite the public land hunters of Arkansas and make the experience better for everyone who steps foot on public ground. With some cool stuff underway and some big plans for the future – take a listen and get to know a little bit more about the project and what they are hoping to accomplish. If you haven’t already, check them out on instagram @thepublictimberproject or shoot them an email at publictimberproject@gmail.com
Duck Season Somewhere Episode 588: Taking Ownership in Arkansas Public Land Hunting:
https://getducks.libsyn.com/ep-588-taking-ownership-in-arkansas-public-land-hunting
“Shut up and show up,” says Ich Stewart in explaining his old school approach to taking ownership in Arkansas’ fabled public land hunting resource. Starting way back in the days his mentors lived off the land but were thankful, we then race headlong through pitch black woods, our light beam bouncing on hot topics—unruly crowds, unprecedented disturbances, embarrassing fist fights, kill culture versus “owning the ducks”, finding quietness in the madness, modern versus old school ethos, mentorship—finally arriving to an emerging grassroots movement called The Public Timber Project (@thepublictimberproject) that’s taking personal ownership—a sorta skin-in-the-game vested interest—in Arkansas public lands. Don’t like where Arkansas public land duck hunting is today? Do something. Take ownership. Listen to this episode for inspiration.
Grassroots: Arkansas Hunters Lead Efforts to Protect Public Lands & Waterfowl
From boat ramp restorations to “Dead Hens” stickers, hunters across Arkansas are proving conservation starts with those in the blind.