Arkansas requires all hunters to follow specific state laws that cover licensing, season dates, weapon restrictions, and safety rules. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission sets and enforces hunting regulations across the state, and violations can result in fines, license suspension, and even criminal charges. You need to understand these laws before heading into the field.
The state divides its territory into 19 different deer hunting zones, each with its own rules and bag limits. Season dates vary by zone and species, and what you can hunt with depends on the specific season and location. Public land access spans over 3 million acres, but each area comes with distinct requirements you must follow.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about hunting legally in Arkansas. You’ll learn what licenses and permits you need, when you can hunt different game species, where you’re allowed to hunt, and what safety gear and practices the law requires. Understanding these regulations helps you avoid penalties and ensures your hunting trips stay legal and successful.
Arkansas Hunting License And Permit Requirements
You need a valid Arkansas hunting license before you hunt any wildlife in the state. The type of license you purchase depends on what you plan to hunt and whether you are a resident or nonresident.
Resident License Options
If you live in Arkansas, you have several choices. The Resident Sportsman’s License costs $25.00 and lets you hunt all game species during open seasons. This license includes six deer tags and two turkey tags.
The Combination Sportsman’s License costs $35.50 and adds fishing rights to your hunting privileges. You can also choose the Resident Wildlife Conservation License for $10.50, which covers small game and one deer.
Nonresident License Options
Nonresidents pay higher fees for hunting privileges. The Nonresident Annual All Game Hunting License costs $410.00 and includes six deer tags. Shorter options are available, like the 5-Day Deer Hunting License for $225.00 or the 3-Day Deer Hunting License for $175.00.
Additional Permits You May Need
Some species require extra permits beyond your base hunting license. You need a turkey tag to hunt turkey during open season. Bear, elk, and alligator hunting each require separate permits.
Waterfowl hunters must have an Arkansas Waterfowl Stamp, a Federal Duck Stamp, and HIP registration. The General WMA Hunter Use Permit is free and required if you plan to hunt on Wildlife Management Areas.
All licenses expire on June 30 each year. You must carry your physical license with you while hunting.
Season Dates And Game Regulations In Arkansas
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission sets specific dates and rules for each game species to hunt in Arkansas. These dates change from year to year based on wildlife population levels and conservation needs.
Major Game Species and Their Seasons
Deer hunting typically runs from early fall through late winter. You can hunt during archery season, modern gun season, and muzzleloader season. Each season has different dates depending on which zone you hunt in.
Turkey season splits into spring and fall periods. Spring turkey season usually starts in April and offers the longest hunting window. Fall turkey season is shorter and has stricter bag limits.
Waterfowl seasons follow federal guidelines and typically run from November through January. Duck and goose hunters must check both state and federal regulations before heading out.
Key Regulations to Follow
The AGFC requires you to obtain proper licenses and permits before you hunt. Bag limits vary by species and change annually. For example, deer hunters face antler restrictions in certain zones to protect younger bucks.
You must wear hunter orange during gun seasons for deer and bear. This safety requirement helps prevent accidents in the field.
Alligator hunting requires a special permit through a lottery system. This season runs for a limited time in September in designated areas only.
Season dates and bag limits appear in the annual guidebook. Check these regulations each year before your hunt since rules and dates shift based on current wildlife management goals.
Land Access And Hunting Zones In Arkansas
Arkansas divides the state into 19 different deer hunting zones, each with specific rules and season dates. You need to know which zone you plan to hunt in because regulations vary between areas.
The zones are numbered from 1 to 17, with some zones having subdivisions like 16A. Each zone has different bag limits and season dates based on deer population and habitat conditions.
Public Land Access
You can hunt on over 3 million acres of public land in Arkansas. This includes:
- Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
- National forests
- National refuges
- State-owned properties
Before you hunt on any public land, check the specific regulations and maps for that WMA. Each area may have unique rules about methods, seasons, and bag limits.
Private Land Rules
You must have written permission from the landowner to hunt on private property. Keep this permission with you while hunting. Some private lands may have different rules than surrounding public areas, but you still need to follow state bag limits and season dates.
Finding Your Zone
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission provides maps showing all hunting zones. You can find these maps on their website or in the printed hunting guidebook. GPS coordinates and county boundaries help you identify which zone you’re in while hunting.
Remember that zone boundaries may follow roads, rivers, or county lines. Always verify your exact location before hunting.
Safety Requirements And Prohibited Practices In Arkansas
Arkansas requires all hunters to wear hunter orange in specific situations. You must display at least 400 square inches of unbroken hunter orange on your chest and back. A hunter orange hat or cap counts as 100 square inches toward this requirement.
You cannot hunt from or across a public road. This means you cannot shoot at wildlife while standing on a roadway or fire across it to reach game on the other side. Arkansas Game Wardens have broad authority to enforce these rules and can search your vehicle and equipment.
Prohibited hunting practices include:
- Hunting while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
- Using artificial light to locate or take game animals
- Hunting from a moving vehicle
- Wasting game meat after a successful harvest
- Trespassing on private property without permission
- Using bait to attract deer in most areas
You must immediately tag any deer or turkey you harvest. The tag stays with the animal until you process it or reach your home. Transporting untagged game is illegal.
Night hunting is prohibited for most species. You cannot hunt big game between official sunset and sunrise times. Some exceptions exist for specific predator species with proper permits.
You need landowner permission before hunting on private property. Written permission is recommended to avoid potential hunting violations that carry both civil and criminal penalties. Always carry your hunting license and any required permits while in the field.
