This Arkansas black bear guide gives residents and nonresidents the 2026 dates, costs, and rules in one place. It also covers the hardest part of a bear hunt, which is securing quality ground before a quota closes your zone. Hunting Locator is a hunting access platform, and we wrote this guide to help you plan.
It covers:
- Zone-by-zone 2026 season dates and how quotas can close a zone early.
- Licenses, tags, and permits, including the full $710 nonresident cost breakdown.
- Where to hunt: public land, private leases and land for sale through Hunting Locator, and guided options, plus tips and gear.
Start with the quick overview, then move to the details for your zone.
Arkansas Black Bear Season Quick Overview
Arkansas has two modern gun bear windows in 2026: November 14–30 for Zones 1 and 2, and December 19–25 for Zones 3, 4, 5, and 5A. Dates are set by zone, so decide where you’ll hunt first.
Quotas matter as much as dates. Each zone has a harvest cap. Once hunters reach it, the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission (AGFC) closes that zone, even if the calendar says the season is still open.
| Season | Zones | Dates | Bag Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modern gun | 1 and 2 | Nov 14–30, 2026 | 1 bear, either sex, per season | Closes early if the zone quota is reached |
| Modern gun | 3, 4, 5, 5A | Dec 19–25, 2026 | 1 bear, either sex, per season | Closes early if the zone quota is reached |
| Archery, alternative firearms, youth | Varies | Varies by zone; verify with AGFC | Counts toward the same 1-bear limit | Confirm dates and quotas on the AGFC bear page |
Verify before you go: Zone boundaries, quota status, and method-specific dates can change. Confirm everything on the AGFC black bear hunting page or in the AGFC app before every hunt.
License requirements:
- Residents: a free Resident Bear Tag on top of a valid Sportsman or Combination license.
- Resident youth: a free Youth Tag.
- Nonresidents: the $410 Nonresident Annual All-Game License plus the $300 Nonresident Bear Permit, for $710 total.
- Nonresident youth: reduced or youth-specific pricing per AGFC.
- Hunter education: required for many hunters based on birth year, so confirm your requirement with AGFC.
For the wider calendar, see our full statewide season calendar. Because zones can close early, it makes sense to line up ground now. You can browse Arkansas hunting leases to start.
Arkansas Black Bear Hunting Seasons
Bear and deer gun seasons overlap in Arkansas, and the same resident Sportsman’s License covers both. If you’re already planning your Arkansas deer season dates, adding a bear tag takes little extra effort.
The state’s bear population recovered from near loss by the 1950s, and today’s regulated seasons exist to keep it healthy. The breakdown below is organized by zone so you can plan around your own ground.
Zones 1 and 2 Modern Gun Season: November 14–30, 2026
The Zones 1 and 2 modern gun season runs November 14–30, 2026. It can close early if the zone quota is reached, so don’t count on all 17 days.
In November, bears are shifting from soft mast to acorns, which makes oak ridges and other hard mast areas worth scouting. The season also overlaps with deer season, so you may already be in the woods.
Check your zone status daily: Before each hunt, check zone status with AGFC at agfc.com or in the AGFC app.
The Ozark and Ouachita regions are the core of Arkansas bear range. Confirm zone boundaries on AGFC maps rather than assuming which county falls where.
Zones 3, 4, 5, and 5A Modern Gun Season: December 19–25, 2026
Zones 3, 4, 5, and 5A open December 19–25, 2026. The window is only seven days, and it also closes early if the quota is reached.
The hunt falls over Christmas week, so settle family and travel plans early. Waiting until the week itself can leave you short on lodging and access.
Nonresidents have some flexibility. If a November hunt leaves your tag unfilled, you may be able to plan a December trip, as long as the season is still legal. The bag limit is one bear per season in total. Treat this as planning logic, not a guarantee, and verify zone status with AGFC first.
Archery, Alternative Firearms, and Youth Opportunities
Archery, alternative firearm, and youth hunts have their own dates and quotas, which vary by zone. Confirm current archery, muzzleloader and alternative firearm, and youth dates on the AGFC bear page before you hunt.
Youth hunters have an easy way in: the resident Youth Tag is free, and nonresident youth pricing follows AGFC guidelines.
Arkansas Black Bear Licenses and Permits
Residents pay nothing extra for the bear tag. Nonresidents pay $710 for the license and permit combined.
Arkansas Hunting Licenses
| License or Permit | Who | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Sportsman or Combination License | Residents | Confirm current price with AGFC | Required base license |
| Resident Bear Tag | Residents | Free | 1 bear, either sex |
| Resident Youth Tag | Resident youth | Free | Verify youth requirements with AGFC |
| Nonresident Annual All-Game License | Nonresidents | $410.00 | Required base license |
| Nonresident Bear Permit (NRB) | Nonresidents | $300 | Must be paired with the All-Game License |
| Nonresident youth | Nonresident youth | Youth pricing per AGFC | Confirm current pricing with AGFC |
Hunter education requirements depend on your birth year, so verify yours with AGFC. Carry proof of your license and tag in the field, and ask AGFC whether digital proof in the AGFC app is accepted. The Arkansas resident bear tag listing confirms that the tag allows the harvest of 1 bear in addition to a hunting license.
Arkansas Bear Hunting Permits and Check-In
Residents carry one bear tag. Nonresidents need one Nonresident Bear Permit. The bag limit is one bear of either sex per season. You can buy licenses at agfc.com, through the AGFC app, or from license dealers.
Nonresidents should follow these steps:
- Confirm your hunter education requirement with AGFC before you buy.
- Buy the Nonresident Annual All-Game License ($410).
- Add the Nonresident Bear Permit ($300).
- Carry proof of your license and permit while hunting.
- Check your zone status the morning you hunt.
- Check in your bear after harvest.
Check your bear before moving it, or as soon as possible, through the AGFC app, agfc.com, or 833-289-2469. AGFC’s guidance calls for check-in within 12 hours, and you should keep your confirmation number. AGFC may also request a premolar or hair sample after harvest, so follow the instructions in your check-in confirmation.
Where to Hunt Black Bear in Arkansas
There are three ways to get into bear country: public land, private land through a lease or purchase, and guided hunts. Each suits a different hunter, budget, and timeline.
Best Public Lands for Arkansas Black Bear
Arkansas has plenty of public ground. These are the places to start:
- Ozark National Forest: a large public block in northern Arkansas bear country.
- Ouachita National Forest: major public bear habitat in western and central Arkansas.
- Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): each has its own rules, permits, and sometimes special hunts, so verify details with AGFC.
Public land has trade-offs. Opening-week pressure is real, and busy areas can speed up a quota closure. Baiting rules also differ between public and private land, so check AGFC regulations before you settle on a method.
Private Land Hunting with Hunting Locator
Short windows, hunting pressure, and quota closures are why many bear hunters look beyond public land. Private ground offers lower pressure, more time on stand, and a say in how the property is managed.
Read a lease agreement closely before you sign. Look for:
- Stand rules, such as limits on screw-in steps.
- ATV use limits.
- Restrictions on cutting trails or vegetation.
- Which game is permitted: bear, deer, hog, or turkey.
- Liability and insurance terms.
- Whether baiting is allowed, both by the landowner and under AGFC rules.
Many Arkansas properties also carry hog pressure, which adds value to a multi-species lease. Our guide to Arkansas feral hog hunting has more.
Here is a sample of what Hunting Locator’s Arkansas listings have featured. Availability changes, so check the live page for current details:
- 80 acres in the Ozarks, listed at $4,500 per year.
- 320 acres in Searcy County, listed at $4,700 per year.
- 120 acres, listed at $3,600 per year.
- Mixed hardwood, pine, and creek habitat on several properties, with annual and short-term options on some.
- A hunt club membership listing for hunters who prefer shared ground.
Hunting Locator connects you directly with Arkansas landowners who lease or sell hunting land. You can search by state, game type, and acreage, then contact owners directly. Start with Arkansas hunting leases and land for sale. If you’re planning a first youth hunt, private ground tends to be calmer, and the resident Youth Tag is free.
Guided Bear Hunts in Arkansas
A guided hunt suits nonresidents who lack land or time to scout. A good guide handles local knowledge, access, and logistics, though you still buy your own license and permit.
When comparing guides, ask about:
- Zone and quota awareness: their plan if your zone closes early.
- Ground type: private or public land methods.
- Baiting legality: whether their methods for their ground comply with AGFC rules.
- Lodging and meals: what’s included.
- Meat and trophy care: how they handle your bear after harvest.
- Licensing responsibility: you buy your own license and bear permit.
To compare options, search Hunting Locator hunt listings for short-term and outfitted opportunities.
Arkansas Black Bear Hunting Tips
Preparation makes the difference between a filled tag and a long, quiet sit. The right gear helps too, and the Hunting Locator store stocks items for bear country.
- Follow the acorns: Bears shift from soft mast to hard mast in late fall. Hunt oak ridges and mast crops where food is concentrated.
- Scout with trail cameras: Confirm mast and bear sign before your window opens so you hunt where bears actually are.
- Use the rifle you trust: Deer-capable choices like the .270 and .30-06 are popular, paired with good low-light optics. Verify legal methods with AGFC.
- Wear blaze orange: Follow AGFC requirements during gun seasons.
- Get elevated: A tree stand or saddle over a travel corridor improves your view and your odds.
- Double up during deer season: Seasons overlap, so plan your Arkansas deer hunt alongside your bear hunt.
- Think beyond one season: A lease can also cover spring birds, so check Arkansas turkey season.
- Watch your zone daily: A quota can close a zone overnight, so check status each morning.
- Plan meat care: Bring a quality knife, bone saw, game bags, and a cooler plan. Cook bear meat thoroughly.
More Resources from Hunting Locator
These guides cover the seasons and species we track, so you can plan your whole Arkansas year in one place.
Plan Your Arkansas Season
- Arkansas hunting season: the statewide calendar for every species.
- Arkansas black bear hunting season: bookmark this guide for in-season updates.
- Arkansas deer hunting season: dates and tips for the season that overlaps with bear.
Big Game
- Arkansas elk hunting season: rules and details for the state’s elk herd.
- Arkansas feral hog hunting season: a good add-on for lease hunters.
- Arkansas alligator hunting season: a specialty hunt.
Birds and Small Game
- Arkansas turkey hunting season: spring gobbler info.
- Arkansas waterfowl hunting season: duck and goose dates.
- Arkansas migratory bird hunting season: dove and other migratory species.
- Arkansas small game hunting season: squirrel, rabbit, and more.
Find Land and Gear
- Arkansas hunting leases: private land available for lease or sale.
- Hunting Locator: leases, outfitters, and guides nationwide.
- Hunting Locator store: gear for your next hunt.
FAQ
When is Arkansas black bear season in 2026?
Zones 1–2 modern gun runs November 14–30. Zones 3, 4, 5, and 5A run December 19–25. Both close early if the quota is reached. Other methods vary, so verify with AGFC.
Is the Arkansas resident bear tag free?
Yes. It requires a valid resident license, such as Sportsman or Combination. The Youth Tag is also free.
How much does a nonresident bear hunt cost in Arkansas?
The Nonresident Annual All-Game License is $410 and the Nonresident Bear Permit is $300, for $710 total. Nonresident youth pricing is set by AGFC.
What is the bag limit for black bear in Arkansas?
The limit is one bear of either sex per season.
Can a zone close early in Arkansas?
Yes. Each zone has a harvest quota, and AGFC closes the zone once hunters reach it, even if the calendar shows days remaining. Check zone status with AGFC every morning before you hunt.
How do I check in a bear I bagged in Arkansas?
Check it before moving it, or as soon as possible. Use the AGFC app, agfc.com, or 833-289-2469, within 12 hours. Follow any premolar or hair sample instructions in your confirmation.
Can youth hunt black bear in Arkansas?
Yes. The resident Youth Tag is free. Nonresident youth pricing and youth season dates come from AGFC, so confirm both before you plan.
Can I hunt black bear on private land or leases?
Yes, and many hunters prefer it for lower pressure and more time on stand. Hunting Locator lists Arkansas private land for lease or sale, and the Arkansas leases page shows what’s available.
Is baiting legal for hunting black bear in Arkansas?
Rules differ between private and public land, and they can change. Check current AGFC regulations before you plan your method, and ask your landowner or guide about their policy too.
The Final Shot
Know your zone and dates, watch the quota, and pair the right tag with your license: free for residents, $710 for nonresidents. Check in your bear through AGFC, and secure your ground early. For anything regulatory, AGFC has the final word.
If you want ground lined up for this season, browse Arkansas hunting leases on Hunting Locator and contact landowners directly.
