LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is stepping down next year.

Director Jeff Crow said Tuesday he will step down effective on Feb. 28 from the position he has held since July 1, 2016.

Commission Chairman Steve Cook says Crow was instrumental in the agency's response to the announcement that chronic wasting disease had been found in Arkansas's elk and deer herds and that his leadership during the agency's efforts to upgrade its pay plan was invaluable.

Crow worked as a wildlife officer for the agency from 1986 to 1996 before accepting a position with...