The Natural State delivers when it comes to bobwhite quail, fox and gray squirrels, plus both cottontail and swamp rabbits. And here’s the thing – the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has streamlined things this year, making it easier than ever to get out there and hunt.
Whether you’re checking dates for your home state hunts, planning your first Arkansas adventure, or just getting started with small game hunting, this guide has everything you need. We’ve pulled together the essential info straight from AGFC so you can focus on what matters: getting in the woods.
Here’s what we’re covering in this Arkansas small game guide:
- Season dates, bag limits, and the rules that actually matter
- License costs for residents and visitors (spoiler: non-residents, brace yourself)
- Where to hunt, from public WMAs to finding your own private spot
Let’s jump into the dates and limits you need to know.
Quick Overview
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission calls the shots on all season dates and bag limits. AGFC simplified regulations for 2026, which means less confusion and more time hunting.
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobwhite Quail | Nov 1, 2026 – Feb 14, 2027 | $6.00 | 12 |
| Squirrel (Fox & Gray) | Nov 1, 2026 – Feb 14, 2027 | $12.00 | — |
| Cottontail Rabbit | Nov 1, 2026 – Feb 1, 2027 | $8 | 16 |
| Swamp Rabbit | Nov 1, 2026 – Dec 14, 2027 | $8.00 | 16 |
Small game hunting opportunities are everywhere in Arkansas. This season represents prime time for both locals and out-of-state hunters looking for action.
The basics every small game hunter needs:
- Valid Arkansas hunting license if you’re 16 or older
- Hunter education certificate for anyone born after December 31, 1968
- Non-residents need to buy their license before hunting (no exceptions)
- Some WMAs require special permits
Quick tip: Free Deferred Hunter Education Code can substitute for hunter education if you’re 16+ and hunting with proper supervision.
Arkansas Small Game Hunting Seasons
Arkansas splits into 19 deer hunting zones, and some regulations change between areas. Always double-check your specific zone before heading out.
Bobwhite Quail Season
Arkansas quail season runs November 1, 2026 through February 14, 2027. Daily bag limit is 6 birds, possession limit is 12.
The southwest Arkansas pine hills offer prime quail habitat, along with select management areas throughout the state. Arkansas’s managed grasslands and edge cover create perfect conditions for healthy quail populations.
Weapon restrictions: Rifles and handguns limited to .22 caliber rimfire or smaller for small game. Most hunters stick with shotguns for quail anyway.
Squirrel Season (Fox & Gray)
Squirrel season runs November 1, 2026 through February 14, 2027 with a 12-squirrel daily bag limit.
Arkansas’s hardwood forests are squirrel paradise. The Ozark mountains and river bottom timber produce massive oak and hickory crops that keep squirrel populations thriving. You’ll find both fox and gray squirrels throughout these areas.
Dog hunting note: Some zones allow dogs during specific periods, others ban them completely. Check your zone rules before bringing dogs.
Rabbit Season
Arkansas manages two rabbit species with different closing dates:
- Cottontail Rabbit: November 1, 2026 – February 1, 2027
- Swamp Rabbit: November 1, 2026 – December 14, 2027
Both species have an 8-rabbit daily bag limit and 16-rabbit possession limit. Cottontails love brushy fence rows and field edges statewide. Swamp rabbits stick to bottomland areas and wetland edges. The shorter swamp rabbit season reflects different management goals for this species.
Arkansas Small Game Licenses and Permits
Arkansas offers multiple license options. You can buy them online through AGFC or at license agents across the state.
Arkansas Hunting Licenses
Everyone 16 and older needs a license. Pricing depends on where you live.
| License Type | Residency | Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Combination License (CS) | Resident | ~$35.50 | Hunting and fishing |
| Resident Sportsman’s License | Resident | $25.00 | All game species, 6 deer tags, 2 turkey tags |
| 65 Plus Annual Combination (PAC) | Resident 65+ | $5 | Full hunting and fishing |
| Non-Resident Annual Hunting (NBG) | Non-Resident | ~$410 | Annual hunting, 6 deer tags |
| Non-Resident 5-Day License | Non-Resident | $225 | 5-day hunting, 2 deer tags |
| Non-Resident 3-Day License | Non-Resident | $175 | 3-day hunting, 1 deer tag |
| Non-Resident 1-Day License | Non-Resident | $100 | Single day hunting, 1 deer tag |
Reality check: Arkansas ranks among the most expensive states for non-resident hunters. That $410 annual license compares to Missouri’s $77 and Tennessee’s $305. For shorter trips, the 3-day and 5-day options make more financial sense.
Arkansas Hunting Permits
Hunter education is mandatory for anyone born after 1968. But there’s a workaround: the free Deferred Hunter Education Code (DHE).
DHE gives you flexibility:
- Get it from any license agent, by phone, or online
- Must have a valid Arkansas hunting license while hunting
- Hunt under direct supervision of a licensed hunter who’s at least 21 and either hunter education certified or born on or before December 31, 1968
Traditional hunter education involves 10 hours of classroom and hands-on training. Available online and in-person.
Kids under 16 can hunt without hunter education as long as they’re supervised by someone 21 or older. Some WMAs require additional permits beyond your basic hunting license.
Arkansas Small Game: Where to Hunt
Arkansas gives you options – tons of public land or private lease opportunities for small game hunting.
Best Public Lands
Arkansas has over 3.2 million acres of public land, including more than 100 Wildlife Management Areas covering 3,195,875 acres.
Top public land picks for small game:
- Ozark National Forest – 1.2 million acres of hardwood heaven for squirrel hunting in the northwest mountains
- Ouachita National Forest – 1.8 million acres across west-central Arkansas with everything you need
- Gene Rush WMA – Solid quail habitat in southwest Arkansas pine country
- Bayou Meto WMA – Bottomland hardwoods perfect for swamp rabbit and squirrel
- Rick Evans Grandview Prairie WMA – Managed grasslands where quail populations thrive
WMA rules vary. Some require check-in/check-out, others restrict hunting methods. All public lands welcome non-resident license holders.
Guided Hunts
Guided hunts make sense if you’re new to Arkansas or want the full experience. Arkansas guides specialize in quail hunts, especially in the southwestern pine regions where professional outfitters provide trained dogs and local knowledge.
Guided hunts with dog work dramatically improve your quail hunting success. Book well ahead – quality guides fill up months before prime hunting periods.
Private Land Hunting
Most of Arkansas’s best hunting areas are leased or privately owned. Finding good private land access takes time and effort, especially if you’ve lost a lease or you’re hunting Arkansas for the first time.
Hunting Locator’s Arkansas lease listings connect you directly with landowners who have verified properties available for lease. No more weekend door-knocking or scrolling through sketchy classifieds. Browse verified Arkansas properties filtered by size, game type, and location. Looking for a seasonal quail lease in the pine hills? Year-round squirrel access in the Ozarks? Our platform cuts through the frustration of finding your next hunting spot.
Small Game Hunting Tips
These proven strategies work across Arkansas for all small game species and hunting situations.
- Scout Before Season – Visit hunting areas early to find active feeding spots, travel routes, and roosting sites. Fresh tracks, droppings, and feeding sign tell you where animals are right now.
- Hunt Weather Changes – Small game gets active before weather fronts move through. Plan hunts around barometric pressure drops and skip hunting during heavy rain when animals hole up.
- Focus on Prime Time – First and last light are feeding time. Position yourself near food sources like oak groves, crop fields, or brushy edges during these golden hours.
- Make Clean Shots – Use proper shot placement and appropriate ammunition. Head shots on squirrels preserve meat; center body shots on rabbits and quail ensure quick, clean kills.
- Work Dogs Smart – Where legal, trained dogs change everything. Keep control of your dogs and learn their working patterns so you can position for shots.
- Hunt the Edges – Focus where different cover types meet. Fence rows, field margins, and creek bottoms concentrate small game activity and create natural highways.
More Resources from Hunting Locator
Get the most out of Arkansas hunting with these Hunting Locator resources:
- Arkansas Hunting Season Guide – Complete breakdown of all Arkansas seasons
- Arkansas Deer Hunting Season – Your guide to Arkansas big game hunting
- Arkansas Waterfowl Season – Duck and goose hunting in the Mississippi Flyway
- Arkansas Turkey Season – Spring and fall turkey strategies
- Arkansas Black Bear Season – Limited draw bear hunting opportunities
- Arkansas Elk Season – Exclusive Buffalo National River area hunts
- Arkansas Feral Hog Season – Year-round invasive species hunting
- Arkansas Hunting Leases – Browse private land opportunities statewide
FAQ
When does Arkansas small game season start in 2026?
Arkansas small game season kicks off November 1, 2026 for bobwhite quail, fox and gray squirrels, cottontail rabbits, and swamp rabbits. All seasons start the same day, but end dates vary by species.
How much does a non-resident Arkansas hunting license cost?
Non-residents pay $410 for annual licenses, or choose short-stay options: $225 for 5 days, $175 for 3 days, or $100 for one day. Short-term licenses work great for quick hunting trips.
Do I need hunter education to hunt small game in Arkansas?
Anyone born after 1968 needs hunter education to hunt in Arkansas. But the free Deferred Hunter Education Code (DHE) substitutes for hunter education if you’re 16+ and hunting under proper supervision.
What are the bag limits for Arkansas small game?
Daily limits: 6 bobwhite quail (12 possession), 12 squirrels, 8 cottontail rabbits (16 possession), and 8 swamp rabbits (16 possession). These limits apply statewide and come from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Can non-residents hunt on Arkansas public land?
Absolutely. All Arkansas public lands including Wildlife Management Areas and National Forests welcome non-resident license holders. Arkansas provides more than 100 Wildlife Management Areas covering 3,195,875 acres of public hunting access.
Where can I find private land to hunt in Arkansas?
Hunting Locator’s Arkansas lease listings connect you with verified private properties available for lease. Our platform eliminates the guesswork of finding quality private land through direct landowner connections.
The Final Shot
Arkansas’s 2026-2027 small game season delivers everything you want – from pine hill quail to Ozark hardwood squirrels. With streamlined regulations, healthy game populations, and massive public land access, the Natural State has something for every small game hunter.
Whether you’re planning weekend hunts close to home or organizing a multi-day out-of-state adventure, success starts with knowing the rules, getting proper licenses, and finding good hunting ground. The dates are set, the limits are clear, and the opportunities are out there waiting.
Ready to lock down your Arkansas hunting access? Browse verified hunting leases across Arkansas and connect directly with landowners who get what you’re after. Your next Arkansas small game hunting story starts with finding the right place to make it happen.
