Greenhead presents the 2021 Executive Q&A featuring a slate of executives sharing the moments, tips, guns and gadgets that have made their time in the field special.
Jeremy Sparks
Chief Innovation Officer, Central Arkansas Water
Commander, 153rd Force Support Squadron, Air National Guard
Number of days you hunt a season? As many as I can — yet never enough. On average 10-12 days, plus a few goose hunts here and there.
Where do you hunt? These days I primarily hunt with friends in Monroe, Phillips and Arkansas counties. My favorite spot is near Holly Grove — it’s good hunting with longtime family friends. While most of my hunts are on private land, I’ve had some banner hunts at WMAs and with guide services.
Club name? I’m not a member of a club but am involved with High Plains Waterfowl. HPW is a Christian-based, nonprofit out of St. Charles which aims to provide fellowship through the duck hunting experience while also sharing the hope of Christ. It is such a family friendly environment, open to hunters of all skill levels. My twins and I have made awesome memories and great friends over the years of being involved with High Plains.
What kind of gun do you use? Benelli Vinci
Favorite duck call? This is a tough one because all my duck calls have a story or special meaning. If I had to pick just one, it would be my RNT Alpha 2 (Cocobolo) that Mr. Butch [Richenback] set up for me when I was home on military leave many years ago.
Fields, reservoir or timber? Timber is my favorite, but I’m not picky.
Rainy, nasty or bluebird sky? All the above
Favorite hunting story/memory? My favorite memories are from hunts that our twins have been a part of too. Jude likes duck hunting, but Jett is eaten up with it. Their first ducks certainly stand out. Jett was 9 — we were standing in some flooded timber near Humnoke when he shot his first — a greenhead flying about 20 yards overhead. Jude was 10 — we were hunting with a family friend in a blind near Holly Grove when he shot a gadwall drake over a sweet little honey hole. Those were two unforgettable days. Both ducks are now mounted and their Arkansas Game and Fish Commission “My First Duck Certificate” is proudly displayed in the twins’ bedroom.
What got you into hunting? Family. I spent my early childhood years in Marvell. Dad was an avid wildlife/nature photographer and my two older brothers loved hunting. Back then, Dad was a member of a small duck club in Saint Charles. We spent a lot of our days riding back roads, sitting in duck blinds and enjoying the Delta. Those years certainly laid the foundation for my love of duck hunting. However, when I entered active duty following 9/11, I didn’t hunt that much. But as time passed, I found myself being drawn back to the things of my youth. So, for the last 10-12 years I’ve been more into duck hunting than ever before and the more Jett and Jude enjoy it, the more I do too.
What is your most unusual “must have” in the duck blind? Whistle Pops, with enough to share. I can promise you one thing, if we hunt together, you will be offered a Whistle Pop. My wife, Jamie, is always on the lookout for Whistle Pops and buys them by the case when she finds them. Everyone knows we’ll be packing in Whistle Pops.
Where is your go-to spot for breakfast/meals on a hunting weekend? We always make our way back to the Double Quick in Marvell for some of Mrs. Sue’s almost famous fried fish and a little hot sauce.
Which Arkansas executive calls ducks the best? That’s a tough one but they are all better than me.
