Arkansas Hunting Season Dates, Game Species, and Regulations

Arkansas’s hunting seasons beckon with an array of opportunities, blending tradition with the thrill of the chase. This guide is your roadmap to a fulfilling hunt, balancing the excitement of pursuit with conservation principles.

In this article, you will learn:

• The schedule and regulations for Arkansas’s hunting seasons, including deer hunting, turkey, and waterfowl.
• More information about deer hunting
• Quick info for other major game species
• Links to the government sites for Arkansas hunting licenses, permits, and information

Make this hunting season both successful and sustainable.

Major Arkansas Hunting Season Dates, Species, and Bag Limits

Game Animal	2024-2025 Season Dates	2025-2026 Season Dates	Bag Limit	License Required
Deer (Archery)	Sept. 28, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025	Sept. 27, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026	5 deer total, no more than 2 bucks	Resident Sportsman License or Nonresident Annual All-Game License
Deer (Modern Gun)	Nov. 9 – Dec. 1, 2024 and Dec. 26-28, 2024 (Zones 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11)	Nov. 8 – Nov. 30, 2025*	Varies by zone	Resident Sportsman License or Nonresident Annual All-Game License
Turkey	April 21 – May 11, 2025 (Zone 2)	April 20 – May 10, 2026*	2 legal turkeys, no jakes	Resident Sportsman License or Nonresident Annual All-Game License
Duck	Nov. 23 – Dec. 2, 2024 Dec. 10-23, 2024 Dec. 27, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025	Nov. 22 – Dec. 1, 2025* Dec. 9-22, 2025* Dec. 27, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026*	Daily: 6 ducks Possession: 18 ducks	Resident Sportsman License or Nonresident Annual All-Game License
Bear (Archery, Zones 1 and 2)	Sept. 18 – Nov. 30, 2024	Sept. 17 – Nov. 30, 2025*	1 bear of either sex	Resident Sportsman License or Nonresident Annual All-Game License
Quail	Nov. 1, 2024 – Feb. 1, 2025	Nov. 1, 2025 – Feb. 1, 2026*	6 per day	Resident Sportsman License or Nonresident Annual All-Game License
Rabbit	Sept. 1, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025	Sept. 1, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026*	Daily: 8 Possession: 16	Resident Sportsman License or Nonresident Annual All-Game License
Squirrel	May 15, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025	May 15, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026	Daily: 12 Possession: 48	Resident Wildlife Conservation License, WMA General Use permit (if on public land)
Dove	Sept. 7 – Oct. 27, 2024 and Dec. 8, 2024 – Jan. 15, 2025	Sept. 6 – Oct. 26, 2025 and Dec. 7, 2025 – Jan. 15, 2026*	Daily: 15 Possession: 45	Arkansas hunting license and HIP registration (16 and old

Arkansas Hunting License Types, Costs, and Limits

Arkansas regulates hunting to support wildlife populations, protect hunters, and provide equal access to hunting. Hunters in the state must know these rules.

License Name	Cost	Species Covered	Expiration Date	Additional Information
Resident Sportsman’s License	$25	All game species	June 30	Includes 6 deer tags and 2 turkey tags
Resident Wildlife Conservation License	$10.50	Fur-bearers, migratory birds, quail, rabbit, squirrel, and one deer	June 30	Includes 1 deer tag
Non-Resident Annual All-Game License	$410	All game species including bear	June 30	Includes 6 deer tags and 2 turkey tags
Non-Resident 5-Day License	$225	2 deer	5 days from purchase	–
Non-Resident 3-Day Deer License	$175	1 deer	3 days from purchase	–
Non-Resident 1-Day Deer License	$100	1 deer	1 day from purchase	–
Non-Resident Annual Small Game License	$110	Small game species	June 30	–
Non-Resident 5-Day Small Game License	$80	Small game species	5 days from purchase	–
Resident 65 Plus Lifetime License	$25	All game species	Non-Expiring	Includes 6 deer tags and 2 turkey tags
Resident Sportsman’s Lifetime Combination License and Permit	$1,000	All game species, fishing, trout, and waterfowl	Non-Expiring	Comprehensive lifetime license

Hunting Licenses

All individuals who hunt in Arkansas are required to obtain a license. The type needed can vary based on several factors:

• Residency: Residents and non-residents must purchase different licenses, with non-residents typically paying higher fees.
• Age: Young hunters and seniors may be eligible for discounted or even free licenses.
• Specific Game: Some game animals, like deer and turkey, require additional tags or permits.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) offers several ways to purchase licenses. You can buy a hunting license directly through AGFC, or online, by phone, or at licensed retailers throughout the state.

Proof of hunter education is required for all hunters born on or after January 1, 1969, to obtain a license.

Hunter Education

Arkansas places a strong emphasis on hunter education for safety and conservation. The hunter education program covers topics such as:

• Firearms safety and handling
• Wildlife management principles
• Ethical and responsible hunting
• Survival and first aid

Completion of a hunter education course is mandatory for most hunters, and the AGFC offers both in-person and online options to fulfill this requirement.

Where to Hunt in Arkansas

Arkansas offers a wealth of hunting opportunities on both private and public land. Whether you’re looking for a hunting lease, a property to purchase, or a public area to explore, the state has options to suit every hunter’s needs. Hunting Locator connects hunters with the perfect hunting spots, providing resources for leases, sales, and public land access.

Arkansas Hunting Land for Lease

Leasing private land for hunting in Arkansas is a popular option for hunters seeking exclusive access to prime game-rich areas. Hunting leases provide a chance to hunt on managed properties, often offering greater privacy and better game management compared to public land. Whether you’re interested in short-term leases during peak seasons or long-term agreements, there’s something for everyone.

Hunting Locator plays a key role in connecting hunters to landowners, making it easy to find hunting leases across the state. Explore the latest listings and secure your ideal lease today by visiting Arkansas hunting leases.

Arkansas Hunting Land for Sale

For those looking to make a long-term investment, Arkansas has an array of hunting properties for sale. These properties often feature diverse habitats, from Ozark Mountains forests to river valley wetlands, providing excellent opportunities for hunting deer, turkey, ducks, and more.

Hunting Locator serves as an online marketplace where buyers can explore listings tailored to hunting needs. With detailed property descriptions and easy-to-navigate categories, finding the perfect hunting property has never been simpler. Start your search for Arkansas hunting land for sale.

Arkansas Public Hunting Land

Arkansas boasts a variety of public hunting lands, including wildlife management areas (WMAs) and national forests. These lands provide hunters with affordable and accessible options to pursue game without the need for private leases or ownership. Public hunting areas are well-distributed across the state, offering opportunities to hunt deer, turkey, ducks, and other game species.

For an overview of available public hunting land and to locate your next hunting spot, visit our Arkansas public hunting land page.

Arkansas Deer Hunting

Arkansas offers a rich diversity of deer hunting opportunities, making it a favourite destination for hunters across the Natural State. With its mix of Ozark Mountains, river valleys, and managed lands, deer hunting is more than just a pastime—it’s a way of life. Hunters have access to both public and private land, with regulations designed to preserve healthy wildlife populations. Whether you’re chasing big bucks in Yell Counties or tracking through Van Buren Counties, Arkansas has something for everyone.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) regulations are in place in specific areas, including CWD counties, to protect deer populations. For hunters exploring portions inside these management zones, special rules apply, so always check local guidelines.

Bowhunting Season

Bowhunting is a cherished tradition in Arkansas, offering a quieter, more strategic approach to deer hunting. The season spans months, typically from late September through February, providing ample opportunities to harvest deer, including five antlerless or two bucks. Hunters can target everything from button bucks, which count as antlerless, to trophy-sized big bucks.

Whether you’re in the core elk management zone or other counties, bowhunting on private land allows for flexibility and the chance to connect with nature. Keep in mind that ongoing research sometimes means encountering collared deer, which are legal to harvest with proper reporting.

Modern Gun Deer Season

The Modern Gun Deer Season is the most popular hunting period in Arkansas, attracting hunters to the river valleys and beyond. Spanning from November to late December, it offers a chance to harvest five deer in most zones, with a mix of two antlerless and two bucks. In some areas, hunters may also harvest three antlerless or one doe, depending on local restrictions.

In certain areas like Jackson County, Union Counties, and Ashley County, regulations vary based on whether you’re hunting in portions inside CWD management zones. Hunters in Van Buren and Washington Counties also benefit from abundant wildlife and scenic landscapes.

Antler Point Restrictions

To maintain a healthy deer population and improve buck quality, Arkansas enforces antler point restrictions in many zones. Hunters must ensure legal bucks have at least three points on one side of their rack, although some zones, like those in CWD counties, relax these restrictions.

For those targeting big bucks in the Ozark Mountains or other counties, understanding these rules is critical. Button bucks count as antlerless in all zones but may have special bag limit rules depending on the zone. Always review the zone notes for updated information before heading out.

Deer Zone Map and Info

Arkansas has 17 different deer hunting zones. While there is some variety, many of the regulations are the same. Still, it’s important to check the area you are hunting in so you know which are the zone legal bucks and which ones could get your in trouble.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the different zones and their information:

Arkansas features 17 deer hunting zones, each with specific regulations, season dates, and bag limits.

Key Season Dates (General Overview)

• Archery Season: Late September through the end of February.
• Early Buck Archery: A short window in early September.
• Alternative Firearms (Muzzleloader): Typically mid-October and December.
• Modern Gun Season: Starts in early November, with a break and resu
• mes during late December.
• Special Youth Hunts: First weekend of November and early January.
• Christmas Holiday Hunt: December 26–28 (statewide except certain WMAs).

Bag Limits Across Zones

• General Limit:
  • 3–5 deer per season, depending on the zone.
  • Maximum of two antlered bucks per hunter, even if this is muzzleloaders and modern gun combined
• Antlerless Deer:
  • Limits vary but generally include up to 5 with archery and 2–3 with firearms.
• Button Bucks:
  • Often counted as antlerless but do not always apply to the buck limit.
• Special Considerations:
  • Collared or ear-tagged deer are occasionally present and are legal to harvest with specific reporting requirements. Check research deer and report them to avoid any issues.

Common Regulations

• No Hunting with Dogs: Except in specific zones and only during modern gun season.
• Antler Restrictions:
  • Legal bucks often require a minimum point count or size criteria to count as antlered bucks (e.g., 15-inch spread or 18-inch beam in some zones).
  • Some areas (e.g., CWD zones) have no antler restrictions.
• Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Regulations:
  • A CWD management zone is found in several counties across multiple zones, requiring specific handling and reporting.

Special Zone Highlights

• CWD Zones:
  • Found in zones such as 4, 5, 6, 9, and others. Inside these areas, restrictions are relaxed to mitigate the disease’s impact.
• Zones with Unique Limits:
  • Zones like 16 and 17 may impose additional antler size restrictions outside the CWD areas.
• Youth and Holiday Hunts:
  • Statewide accessibility, providing extra opportunities for the young hunter’s buck limit.

Tips for Hunters

• Always verify county-specific regulations, especially regarding CWD areas.
• Review the zone-specific bag limits before planning a hunt.
• Check for restrictions on whether dogs allowed or special modern gun rules where applicable.

This is just an overview. We get into more specific details in our Arkansas Deer Hunting blog with information about each zone. You can also check out the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission resources for precise zone information.

Other Arkansas Game Species

Arkansas offers an abundance of game species beyond deer, attracting hunters with its diverse wildlife and challenging hunting seasons. From the excitement of pursuing waterfowl in the Natural State’s wetlands to the springtime thrill of turkey hunting, there’s something for everyone. Each species has unique regulations, so knowing the specifics is essential before heading out. Below are some of the most popular game species and their highlights.

Turkey Hunting

Turkey hunting in Arkansas is a popular springtime activity, offering hunters the chance to pursue wild turkeys in scenic areas like the Ozark Mountains and river valleys. The season prioritizes the harvest of mature birds to ensure population health.

• Season Dates: Mid-April to early May, with specific dates depending on the zone.
• Bag Limit: Two legal turkeys; jakes are excluded.
• Licenses Required: Hunters need a Resident Sportsman License or Nonresident Annual All-Game License.

Duck Hunting

Arkansas is renowned for its exceptional duck hunting, drawing enthusiasts to hunt waterfowl from across the country. The state’s wetlands provide ideal habitats for mallards, teal, Ross’s goose, and more.

• Season Dates: Segmented from late November through late January.
• Bag Limit: Daily limit of six ducks; possession limit of 18 ducks.
• Hunting Locations: The river valleys and managed wetlands are prime hunting areas.

Bear Hunting

Arkansas offers limited but thrilling opportunities for bear hunting, focusing on sustainable population management in designated zones.

• Season Dates: Mid-September through late November (archery only).
• Bag Limit: One bear of either sex per hunter.
• Hunting Locations: Popular areas include Washington Counties and Van Buren Counties.
• Licenses Required: A Resident Sportsman License or Nonresident Annual All-Game License is required.

Quail Hunting

Though quail populations have declined in some regions, Arkansas still offers opportunities for hunting these fast-flying game birds.

• Season Dates: Late fall through winter, with exact dates varying annually.
• Bag Limit: Limits typically allow a modest daily harvest to support population recovery.
• Hunting Locations: Quail are most often found on managed private land and some public hunting areas.

Rabbit Hunting

Rabbit hunting is a fun, accessible activity for hunters of all ages in Arkansas. Cottontails and swamp rabbits are the primary targets.

• Season Dates: Open season year-round in most zones.
• Bag Limit: Generous daily and possession limits ensure plenty of action.
• Hunting Locations: Rabbits thrive in fields, hedgerows, and wooded areas across the state.

Squirrel Hunting

Squirrel hunting is a classic Arkansas pastime, ideal for introducing young hunters to the sport. Gray and fox squirrels are abundant.

• Season Dates: Year-round in most areas.
• Bag Limit: Daily and possession limits allow for a sustainable harvest.
• Hunting Locations: Woodlands, particularly near mast-producing trees, are prime spots.

Dove Hunting

Dove hunting kicks off the fall hunting season in Arkansas, with hunters taking to fields in pursuit of mourning doves and white-winged doves.

• Season Dates: Begins in early September, with additional opportunities later in the season.
• Bag Limit: Daily limits ensure a fair distribution of the harvest.
• Hunting Locations: Agricultural fields and open areas are hotspots for dove hunting.

Alligator Hunting

Alligator hunting in Arkansas is a unique and highly regulated activity, offering hunters a rare opportunity to pursue these large reptiles.

• Season Dates: Held in September, typically over two weekends.
• Bag Limit: One alligator per permit holder; must be at least four feet long.
• Hunting Locations: Public land hunting occurs in AMZ 1 and 3, while private land opportunities include AMZ 1, 2, and 3.
• Licenses Required: Hunters need an Alligator Permit in addition to a standard hunting license. Permits are awarded through a lottery system.

Other Resources

We do our best to give you the most recent and helpful information for hunting in Arkansas. But we’re not the government (thank goodness!). So, you should probably check in on the AGFC and make sure you are doing the right thing.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) is the primary authority for hunting-related information, licenses, education, permits, and tags in Arkansas. Their official website provides comprehensive resources for hunters, including up-to-date regulations, season dates, and licensing requirements. The AGFC website is the most reliable source for Arkansas hunting information and should be consulted regularly as regulations and dates may change annually. Here are the key links to official AGFC resources for Arkansas hunters:

• Hunting Overview: https://www.agfc.com/hunting/
• Hunting Licenses: https://ar-licensing.s3licensing.com/
• Hunter Education: https://www.agfc.com/education/hunter-education/
• Where to Hunt: https://www.agfc.com/en/hunting/where-hunt/
• Deer Hunting Information: https://www.agfc.com/en/hunting/big-game/deer/

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Hunting in Arkansas is a privilege that comes with the responsibility to respect the land, wildlife, and fellow hunters. By embracing the principles outlined in this guide, hunters can enjoy the bounty and beauty of Arkansas’s natural landscapes while ensuring these resources remain vibrant for generations to come.

Let’s continue to honor the heritage of hunting in Arkansas by promoting ethical practices, conservation, and a spirit of camaraderie among all who venture into the great outdoors.