MARIANNA, Ark. — For most hunters, being able to capture a deer with archery tackle, a muzzleloader, and a modern gun is quite an accomplishment. However, accomplishing all three in the same year is the mark of a truly dedicated deer hunter.
Charleen Parten of Marianna, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday, has managed this impressive feat not once, but 20 times in her hunting career!
Parten’s grandson Daniel sent several images of his grandmother to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to show off the special skills she used over the years to put food on the table and inspire young hunters in the family.
Parten earned her first Triple Trophy during the 1992-93 deer season when the total deer harvest for the state was around 122,000.
According to the deer camp wall where her Triple Trophy certificates are lined up, she followed it up two years after that and again a few years later before going on a tear of five years in a row from 1999-2004 and an even more impressive nine-year streak from 2009-2018.
While records can't officially confirm whether Parten has the most Triple Trophy awards for any hunter or female, her accomplishment is still worthy of recognition.
“I tell all my friends that this little lady has more deer harvests under her belt than a lot of the folks you see out there giving lessons and making videos,” said Daniel proudly. “She didn’t get a Triple Trophy this season due to a broken arm, but maybe next deer season she’ll be back at it.”
Charleen wasn't alone on these hunting trips though— Daniel said that his grandfather Lowell was always by her side at hunting camp.
“He was actually the one who would submit her name for the Triple Trophy awards,” he explained. “He was probably even more proud of her accomplishments in the woods than his own.”
Anyone who has successfully harvested a deer with a modern gun, muzzleloader, and archery tackle in the same season qualifies for the Arkansas Triple Trophy Award.
It was initially created in 1984 to promote archery and muzzleloader seasons in the state and help shift public perception around harvesting female deer.
At one point, deer populations grew so thin that harvesting does was prohibited. However, as the deer population recovered, it was required to shoot a balanced number of does and bucks in order to maintain healthy herds.
The deer may be claimed during any season open for that weapon type. Applications must be received by April 10, 2024, online here. If your application is approved, you’ll receive a special patch and certificate.
Visit the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's website for more information about the Triple Trophy Award and how to apply for deer season.