Hunting Seasons in Arkansas
Your Guide to Dates and Regulations
This Article is Part of Our Hunting Seasons Guide for All 50 US States
Arkansas offers a broad spectrum of hunting seasons to both local and visiting hunters, providing a rich hunting experience unparalleled in its variety. The state is recognized for its world-class waterfowl hunts and is equally famous for its deer hunting in the autumn months. Unique to Arkansas, hunters have the opportunity to pursue an array of game within its borders, including the chance to hunt alligators and elk.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission establishes specific hunting seasons and limits by zone, ensuring sustainable wildlife management and conservation. Hunters must abide by these regulations, which include season dates, bag limits, and hunting methods. For deer hunting, specific season dates range from as early as September for archery to the end of February the following year. Comprehensive regulations are in place to prevent overharvesting and to maintain healthy wildlife populations for future generations.
Overview of Arkansas Hunting Seasons
Arkansas offers a diverse array of hunting experiences, providing season-specific opportunities for various game species. Regulations ensure sustainable wildlife populations and promote safety among hunters.
General Season Dates
Deer Hunting:
Zones 1-9:
Antlerless Deer: Specific dates within the season
Zone 10:
Either Antlered or Antlerless Deer: Open during the entire season
Special Regulations:
Youth Only Hunt: November 4-5, 2023
Christmas Holiday Hunt: December 26-28, 2023
Small Game:
Species such as bobcat, coyote, and fox have specific season dates which hunters should verify on the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission website.
Hunting License Requirements
Resident Requirements:
Additional permits may be required for certain game or during special hunts
Non-Resident Requirements:
Non-residents must obtain the appropriate hunting license for the species they intend to hunt.
Proof of hunter education is required for all hunters born after 1968.
Licenses can be purchased online or at authorized dealers. All hunters must adhere to the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission's regulations.
Deer Hunting in Arkansas
Deer hunting in Arkansas offers diverse opportunities for hunters, with specific seasons and regulations depending on the zone. Statewide bag limits and zone-specific restrictions aim to sustain a healthy deer population while providing ample hunting.
Deer Season Dates
Archery:
Starts: September 23, 2023
Ends: February 28, 2024
Muzzleloader:
Starts: October 15, 2023
Ends: December 1, 2023
Modern Gun:
Starts: November 12, 2023
Ends: December 25, 2023
These dates ensure that hunters can target deer during distinct phases of their annual cycle, across various hunting zones in Arkansas.
Deer Zone Regulations
Deer zone regulations in Arkansas are established by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) to manage deer populations effectively. Certain zones may have restrictions on the use of dogs during deer hunts, while some may have no antler-point restrictions. Hunters must be aware that Wildlife Management Areas may have different regulations compared to private land.
Antlered Bucks and Bag Limits
The statewide zone bag limit for deer, including antlerless deer, is set to manage deer populations sustainably. Hunters can harvest a specific number of deer based on the zone's limit, including:
Two antlered bucks during statewide seasons
Additional antlerless deer may be legal for harvest based on zone-specific rules
For youth hunters (ages 6 to 15), any buck harvested does not have to adhere to antler size or point restrictions. Hunters should refer to the AGFC for the precise bag limits in their specific deer zone.
Arkansas deer season is designed to provide clear, regulated, and ethically managed hunting opportunities, contributing to the conservation of the state's deer population while supporting the hunting tradition.
Small Game Hunting
Small game hunting in Arkansas offers an abundant array of species, with specific seasons and regulations designed to manage wildlife populations and provide hunters with sustainable opportunities. This section covers essential details for those interested in hunting squirrel, rabbit, and quail (What wine goes well with quail?).
Squirrel and Rabbit Seasons
In Arkansas, hunters can pursue both squirrel and rabbit during designated seasons. Squirrel season typically starts in May and runs through the end of February, allowing hunters to use dogs for tracking. For rabbits, the season usually aligns with squirrel season dates, providing ample opportunity to hunt these species.
Squirrel Hunting Dates: May 15, 2023 - Feb. 29, 2024
Daily Bag Limit: 12
Possession Limit: 48
Rabbit Hunting Dates: Usually concurrent with squirrel season
Bag and Possession Limits: (Confirm with the latest Arkansas Game & Fish Commission regulations)
It's important for hunters to be aware that hunting squirrels with rifles or handguns larger than a .22 caliber rimfire or with muzzleloaders larger than .40 caliber is not allowed unless during an open modern gun or muzzleloading deer, bear, or coyote season.
Quail Hunting
Quail hunting in Arkansas is characterized by its own set of dates and regulations to protect the populations and ensure future generations can enjoy this challenging sport.
Quail Hunting Dates: Typically falls from late fall to early spring (Confirm exact dates with the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission)
Daily Bag Limit: (Specify according to AGFC regulations)
Possession Limit: (Specify according to AGFC regulations)
Quail hunting regulations are subject to change to reflect the conditions of quail populations, and hunters must adhere to these regulations, including proper licenses and permits.
For all small game hunting in Arkansas, it is crucial for hunters to confirm the specific hunting regulations before heading out into the field. This includes current season dates, bag limits, legal hunting hours, and any area-specific rules that may apply.
Turkey Hunting
In Arkansas, turkey hunting is a seasonal activity regulated to balance sport and conservation. This section provides detailed information regarding turkey season dates, bag limits, and legal restrictions designed to ensure sustainable turkey populations and a high-quality hunting experience.
Turkey Season Overview
The turkey season in Arkansas is established with specific dates that hunters must observe. For the 2024 season, turkey hunting dates are as follows:
Zone 1: April 15-23, 2024
Zone 2: April 15-May 5, 2024
Youth Hunt: The dedicated turkey hunt for young hunters is typically set before the regular season. It provides an excellent opportunity for experienced hunters to mentor the next generation.
During the turkey season, the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission (AGFC) manages public hunting opportunities and may implement a random drawing system to distribute hunting permits, especially in popular wildlife management areas.
Bag Limits and Restrictions
Arkansas upholds a set of bag limits and restrictions to control the turkey harvest and maintain a robust population:
Statewide Bag Limit: Hunters are limited to two legal turkeys per season, and all harvested turkeys must be checked online.
Youth Limitation: Hunters aged 6 to 15 may harvest one jake as part of their two-bird limit.
It's important to note that these regulations are in place to balance the turkey population with hunter opportunity while preventing overharvesting. Hunters should always refer to the AGFC's latest guidelines for the most current and detailed information.
Waterfowl and Bird Seasons
Hunters in Arkansas must be informed of the specific dates and bag limits for waterfowl and other bird species during their respective seasons. Ensuring compliance with regulations is crucial for both legal hunting and conservation efforts.
Duck and Geese Regulations
Duck (What wine goes well with duck?) Season: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) establishes specific dates for duck hunting season, which typically include several split segments to manage hunting pressure and preserve waterfowl populations. For the 2023-24 season, one of these segments includes a special provision allowing active duty military and veterans to hunt ducks, geese, coots, and mergansers on February 3, 2024.
Bag Limits: Hunters need to adhere to daily bag limits that the AGFC sets. This includes restrictions on the number of specific species that can be harvested in a single day to prevent overharvesting and maintain healthy populations.
Quail and Other Bird Species
Quail Season: Similar to waterfowl, quail hunting in Arkansas is governed by season dates and bag limits. The AGFC provides these regulations to help maintain sustainable quail populations and ensure the future of quail hunting traditions.
Regulations for Other Birds: In addition to quail, Arkansas has specific seasons for various migratory birds. Hunters over the age of 16 are required to carry proof of their Arkansas Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration when hunting these species, which include doves, coots, woodcock, snipe, rails, and gallinules.
Big Game Hunting Besides Deer
Arkansas offers diversity in its big game hunting opportunities, extending well beyond its well-known deer seasons. Hunters can find robust guidance for bear and elk seasons, including specific dates, weaponry regulations, and zone-specific details that ensure a responsible and regulated hunting experience.
Bear Seasons and Regulations
Bear Hunting in Arkansas is subject to defined seasons and regulations that ensure the sustainability of bear populations. Hunters should be aware that:
Archery Hunts for Bear usually begin in late September to early October.
Muzzleloader Season for bear hunting generally opens on October 21.
Bear hunting is zone-dependent, and specific rules apply to different areas of the state.
It's mandatory for hunters to keep abreast of annual adjustments and to check with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for the latest regulations.
Elk Hunting
The Elk Hunting season in Arkansas is a much-anticipated event and is typically administered via a limited quota draw system. Important considerations for elk hunters are as follows:
Hunting occurs in select zones and often coincides with the elk rutting season for optimal hunting conditions.
Various Weapon Seasons exist, with specific periods allocated for archery, muzzleloader, and modern gun use.
All potential elk hunters must apply for a permit, as the number of permits issued is limited to manage elk herd sustainability effectively.
Predator and Furbearer Seasons
In Arkansas, hunters and trappers must adhere to specific seasons and regulations for the management of predator and furbearer species. The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission sets these dates and guidelines to ensure sustainable practices.
Coyote and Alligator Details
Coyotes may be hunted throughout the year without a bag limit. Hunters can use various methods including firearms and archery; however, it is important to verify if any local regulations pertain to specific hunting methods.
Alligators are subject to a closely regulated season, typically occurring in September. Alligator hunting is permitted by permit only, which are issued via an annual drawing. Hunters must adhere to the assigned zones and capture methods stipulated within their permit.
Trapping Laws
When it comes to trapping furbearers such as coyotes, Arkansas implements specific regulations to promote ethical and humane practices. Trappers are required to check their traps daily and follow all guidelines for bait identification and trap setup. The trapping season aligns with other furbearer seasons, and individuals must complete a mandatory trapper education program before trapping furbearers in the state. Trapping permits are valid from July 1 through June 30 annually, and snares must be used in accordance with the state's trapping codes.
Specialty Hunts and Regulations
Arkansas offers specific hunting opportunities designed to encourage youth participation and accommodate hunters with disabilities. These specialty hunts are subject to distinct regulations to ensure safety and conservation.
Youth and Handicapped Hunts
Arkansas Game & Fish Commission (AGFC) sets aside special dates for Youth-Only Hunts to introduce new generations to hunting traditions. For instance, the Special Youth Modern Gun Hunt typically occurs on select dates such as November 4-5, 2023, as well as in early January. During these times, young hunters under the age of 16 and handicapped hunters get the chance to hunt deer before the regular season opens for all, offering them a less pressured hunting environment.
Youth-Only Hunt Dates:
November 4-5, 2023
January 6-7, 2024
Eligible Participants:
Hunters under 16 years of age
Hunters with disabilities
WMA-Specific Rules
Arkansas's Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) each have a unique set of rules tailored to their specific environments and wildlife populations.
Private Land Antlerless-Only Modern Gun Hunt: Certain private lands allow antlerless deer hunting to manage populations. These hunts are scheduled from December 29-31, 2023.
WMAs Restrictions: These areas may include no dogs allowed for deer hunting and, depending on the WMA, can have restrictions such as no antler-point requirements.
WMA-Specific Regulations May Include:
Antler-point restrictions
Baiting regulations
Limits on the number of hunters
Hunters should consult the AGFC's regulations for specific WMAs to ensure compliance with all local rules and contribute to a sustainable hunting experience in Arkansas.
Conservation and Wildlife Management
Managing wildlife populations and their habitats ensures the sustainability of Arkansas's rich hunting traditions. The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission (AGFC) plays a central role in these conservation efforts, frequently adjusting regulations to respond to ecological needs and maintain the balance of the state’s natural resources.
CWD Management Zone
In response to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), which affects deer and elk, the AGFC has established a CWD Management Zone. This zone encompasses areas where CWD has been detected and dictates specific hunting regulations to minimize the disease's spread. For example, within the zone, restrictions on the movement of harvested deer and deer carcasses help limit CWD proliferation. The AGFC also conducts regular testing and provides free CWD tests for hunter-harvested deer to monitor the disease closely.
Protected Species and Ethical Hunting
Arkansas has identified protected species that are crucial to the ecological balance and prohibits hunting them to preserve biodiversity. Ethical hunting is integral to conservation and wildlife management; it includes adherence to season dates, bag limits, and following guidelines for humane harvesting of animals. The AGFC is responsible for setting these regulations, which are enforced for the well-being of the wildlife populations and their habitats. Additionally, hunters are encouraged to practice fair chase principles and be mindful stewards of the state's natural resources.
Wildlife management areas (WMAs) are pivotal in conservation efforts, providing habitats for various species and places where hunting is regulated to ensure the sustainable use of the Natural State's wildlife resources.
Hawaii's diverse hunting regulations are tailored to each island, considering the local ecosystems and game populations. Visitors and residents need to follow pertinent guidelines to ensure a lawful and sustainable hunting experience.
Lanai Hunting Information
In Lanai, hunters can find opportunities to hunt Black Tail Deer. The island permits hunting methods to be limited by specific regions or units, therefore it is critical to check the current regulations before planning a hunting trip.
Maui Hunting Information
On Maui, the hunting of wild sheep is a regulated activity, with specific areas designated for hunting at certain times of the year. Detailed maps and seasonal information are provided by the Division of Forestry and Wildlife.
Kauai Hunting Information
The Island of Kauai offers hunting seasons for various game. Each area may have distinct regulations, which are essential for hunters to follow for conservation and safety purposes.
Molokai Hunting Information
Molokai's hunting regulations often specify dates and allowable hunting methods for certain units or regions on the island. This ensures hunter compliance with legal standards and resource management.
Oahu Hunting Information
On Oahu, public hunting areas are maintained with rules focusing on hunter safety and environmental considerations. These regulations are designed to provide a balance between outdoor recreational opportunities and the conservation of natural resources.
