Deer Season Arkansas 2023-2024 New Dates & Rules

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) is soon scheduled to announce the official deer season dates for 2023-2024. So, do you want to go on deer hunting in Arkansas and be ready to hunt for your next trophy buck? Understanding and following Arkansas’ hunting laws is crucial to a successful and legal hunt. Year-to-year and hunt-site-specific limitations apply. In Arkansas, deer shooting seasons and bag limits differ by unit. The unit where the hunt is performed is more important than the unit where the hunter stays for hunting purposes.

Planning, preparing, and being updated about the upcoming Arkansas deer season is essential for serious hunters. We’ll provide you with all the knowledge you need to make the most of your hunting trip in Arkansas in our in-depth guide.

Urban Archery Hunts

Registration for Urban Archery 2023-2024, which will enable certain Arkansans to shoot a limitless number of deer, has been made available by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Through unique urban archery hunts, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) works with several groups and property owners’ associations to mitigate wildlife damage from deer in urban areas. While assuring safe and ethical hunting procedures and considering the concerns of non-hunting citizens, these hunts attempt to decrease deer numbers in cities with such problems.

To participate, hunters must pass a proficiency test to demonstrate their bowhunting skills. The International Bowhunter Education Program, which may be completed by taking courses in other states, is a requirement for those who want to participate in urban bow hunts. Visit the Bowhunter Education page on the AGFC Bowhunters Association website for more details and to register for the 2023–24 urban archery deer hunts in places like Cherokee Village, Fairfield Bay, Heber Springs, Helena–West Helena, Horseshoe Bend, Russellville, Bull Shoals, Lakeview, and Hot Springs Village. For participation you may Contact the below:

NOTE: Bookmark this page and stay updated

Arkansas Deer Season 2023-2024

In Arkansas, there are 20 deer hunting zones with different hunting season dates and bag limits. The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission website provides detailed information on these hunting seasons and bag limits for each zone. Archery season, which allows hunters to use a bow and arrow to hunt deer, starts on September 24. Muzzleloader season, which allows hunters to use a type of firearm loaded through the muzzle of the barrel, begins on October 15. Modern firearm season, which allows hunters to use more modern firearms, starts on November 12. It should be noted that these are statewide opening dates and may not apply to all zones.

Find below the complete list of the latest zone-wise Deer hunting seasons.

Zone-1 Schedule-AR Deer Season

Bag limit

Note: The total bag limit for deer is five, with no more than two bucks.

General Regulation (Zone-1)

Dogs are not allowed in this deer shooting area. Regardless of how many points they have, the antlers of any deer may be taken. Deer that are too young to have antlers are called “buttons” and must be reported as such when verified, although they do not count against a hunter’s buck quota. Regulations for chronic wasting disease (CWD) also apply in this area.

Zone-2 Schedule-AR Deer Season

Bag limit

Note: The total bag limit for deer is five, with no more than two bucks.

General Regulation (Zone-2)

Dogs are not permitted in this designated deer shooting area. Regardless of how many points they have, the antlers of any deer may be taken. Deer that are too young to have antlers are called “buttons” and must be reported as such when verified, although they do not count against a hunter’s buck quota. It’s also worth noting that chronic wasting disease (CWD) laws are strictly enforced in this area.

In addition, deer in the region may have been collared or ear-tagged as part of ongoing research. Hunters are allowed to take these research deer, but they must tag and inspect them as needed and report their take to the proper number within 12 hours at 833-289-2469.

Zone-3 Schedule-AR Deer Season

Bag limit

Note: The total bag limit for deer is five, with no more than two bucks.

General Regulation (Zone-3)

Dogs are not permitted in this designated deer shooting area. Any points on a deer’s antlers may be taken in counties where CWD laws are in place (CWD). To be considered a legitimate buck in any other counties in this zone, the antlers must have at least three points on one side (a young male deer with no visible antlers).

A hunter’s buck limit does not include button bucks, but they must be registered as such during checking. Regulations regarding CWD are in effect in Baxter, Boone, Independence, Marion, and Randolph states.

Zone-4 Schedule-AR Deer Season

Inside CWD Management Zone Bag Limit

Note: The total bag limit for deer is three, with no more than two antlered bucks. These limits apply to portions of the zone inside the CWD Management Zone (Jackson and Randolph County).

Outside CWD Management Zone Bag Limit

Note: The total bag limit for deer is three, with no more than two bucks. These limits apply to portions of the zone outside of the CWD Management Zone.

Note: The total bag limit for deer is five, with no more than two bucks.

General Regulation (Zone-4)

It is prohibited to use dogs when shooting deer in this area. Any male deer outside the CWD Management Zone must be at least three years old and have a button buck (a young male deer without obvious antlers). Deer with any number of points on their antlers may be taken within the CWD Management Zone. There are further limitations on the use of modern firearms in this area.

If a hunter is inside the Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone, any button bucks they kill will not count against their buck quota, but if they are outside, they will. Regulations regarding chronic wasting disease (CWD) also apply in Jackson and Randolph County.

Zone-4A Schedule-AR Deer Season

Bag limit

Note: The total bag limit for deer is three, with no more than two bucks.

General Regulation (Zone-4A)

Bucks are male deer with three points or more on one side of their antlers or are young enough to be called “buttons” (male deer with no visible antlers). A hunter’s buck limit includes button bucks in this area. Dogs are not permitted in this designated deer shooting area.

Zone-5 Schedule-AR Deer Season

Bag limit

General Regulation (Zone-5)

The usage of dogs during deer seasons is prohibited in this area. Button bucks (young male deer with no visible antlers) and bucks with at least three points on one side of their antlers are acceptable. There are further limitations on the use of modern firearms in this area. It’s worth noting that hunters’ buck limits in this area include button bucks.

Zone-5A Schedule-AR Deer Season

Bag limit

Zone-6 Schedule-AR Deer Season

Bag limit

Note: The total bag limit for deer is five, with no more than two bucks.

General Regulation (Zone-6)

Between November 12 and December 4, 2022, dogs are allowed for deer shooting in this region. In counties with chronic wasting disease laws, there are no antler point limitations (CWD). In other counties in this zone, a legal buck must have three points on one side (a young male deer with no visible antlers). Buttons bucks aren’t included against the zone’s buck limit but must be reported. Crawford, Franklin, Independence, Johnson, Madison, Newton, Pope, Searcy, Stone, Van Buren, and Washington are affected. Due to research, collared or ear-tagged deer may be present. Hunters may take these research deer but must tag, monitor, and report their kills within 12 hours.

Zone-7 Schedule-AR Deer Season

Here is a table summarizing the bag limits for deer hunting in this zone:

Bag limit

Note: The total bag limit for deer is five, with no more than two bucks.

General Regulation (Zone-7)

Between November 12 and December 4, 2022, dogs are allowed for deer shooting in this region. In counties with chronic wasting disease laws, there are no antler point limitations (CWD). To be regarded as a legal buck in any other counties in this zone, the antlers must have at least three points on one side (a young male deer with no visible antlers). Buttons bucks aren’t included against the zone’s buck limit but must be reported. Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Pope, Scott, Sebastian, and Yell are CWD counties.

Zone-8 Schedule-AR Deer Season

Bag limit

Note: The total bag limit for deer is five, with no more than two bucks.

General Regulation(Zone-8)

Between November 12 and December 4, 2022, dogs are allowed for deer shooting in this region. In counties with chronic wasting disease laws, there are no antler point limitations (CWD). In other counties in this zone, a legal buck must have three points on one side (a young male deer with no visible antlers). Buttons bucks aren’t included against the zone’s buck limit but must be reported. Independence, Jackson, Johnson, Pope, and Van Buren are CWD counties.

Zone-9 Schedule-AR Deer Season

Bag limit

Note: Four deer are allowed to be taken, with no more than two bucks taken. Other regulations apply if you’re hunting within or outside the CWD Management Zone.

General Regulation (Zone-9)

Dogs may be used for deer hunting between November 12 and December 4, 2022. Within counties with chronic wasting disease laws, there are no limitations on deer antler points (CWD). In other counties in this zone, a legal buck must have three points on one side (a young male deer with no visible antlers). Buttons bucks are exempt from the zone’s buck limit but must be recorded during checking. CWD regulations apply to Independence, Jackson, Johnson, Pope, and Van Buren counties.

Zone-10 Schedule-AR Deer Season

Bag limit

Note: The total bag limit for deer is five, with no more than two bucks.

General Regulation(Zone-10)

Dogs may be used for deer hunting in this area between November 12 and December 4, 2022. Until it is a button buck, a deer cannot be legally taken for its antlers unless at least one side of its skull has three points (a young male deer with no visible antlers). However, a button buck does not count against a hunter’s buck quota and must be documented as such at check-in.

Zone-11 Schedule-AR Deer Season

Bag limit

Note: The total bag limit for deer is five, with no more than two bucks.

General Regulation (Zone-11)

Between November 12 and December 4, 2022, dogs are allowed for deer shooting in this region. In CWD counties, there are no limitations on deer antler points. In other counties in this zone, legal bucks must have three points on at least one side or be button bucks (young male deer with no visible antlers). Buttons bucks aren’t included against the zone’s buck limit but must be reported. Logan, Scott, Sebastian, and Yell are CWD counties.

Zone-12 Schedule-AR Deer Season

Bag limit

Note: A maximum of five deer (two bucks) may be taken in a day. This bag restriction remains in effect both within and outside of the CWD Management Zone. All legally taken deer within the CWD Management Zone must be antlerless; however, beyond the zone, both antlered and antlerless deer are fair game.

General Regulation (Zone-12)

Dog-assisted deer hunting is allowed from November 12 to December 18, 2022. Male deer must have three or more points on one side of their antlers to be lawfully taken outside the CWD Management Zone (young male deer with no visible antlers). Button bucks count against a hunter’s quota. Button bucks don’t count towards a hunter’s buck limit in the CWD Management Zone. CWD regulations impact Ashley, Bradley, and Union.

Zone-13 Schedule-AR Deer Season

Bag limit

Note: A maximum of five deer (two bucks) may be taken in a day. This bag limit includes all deer species, antlered and antlerless, shot with bows, muzzleloaders, and contemporary firearms.

General Regulation (Zone-13)

From November 12 through December 18, 2022, dog hunters are welcome in this deer hunting area. For males to be legally taken, they must either be button bucks (young male deer with no visible antlers) or have three points on one side of their rack. It is important to note that although button bucks are verified as antlerless deer, they do not contribute to the hunter’s buck quota in this area.

Zone-14 Schedule-AR Deer Season

Bag limit

Note: Four deer are allowed to be taken, with no more than two bucks taken. This bag limit includes all deer species, antlered and antlerless, shot with bows, muzzleloaders, and contemporary firearms.

General Regulation (Zone-14)

This deer hunting region allows dogs from November 12 to December 11, 2022. Males must be button bucks (young deer without antlers) or have three points on one side of their rack to be lawfully taken. The zone has a two-buck-per-hunter-per-year limit, and hunters must check button bucks like other antlerless deer. For ethical and sustainable hunting, only take legally harvested deer.

Zone-15 Schedule-AR Deer Season

Bag limit

In this zone, hunters are allowed to harvest a maximum of four deer, including no more than two bucks.

General Regulation (Zone-15)

Deer hunting with dogs is permitted in this area between November 12 and December 11, 2022. Hunters should study the rules and boundaries of this area thoroughly to guarantee a lawful and secure hunting trip. There is a minimum need for three points on one side of the rack for a buck to be considered legal. It is important to note that button bucks count toward a hunter’s buck quota.

Zone-16 Schedule-AR Deer Season

Bag limit

Note:  A hunter can harvest up to four deer, but no more than two can be bucks.

General Regulation (Zone-16)

Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited in this area. A hunter’s buck limit includes immature male deer known as button bucks that have not yet grown their horns. The minimum allowable inside spread for a buck is 15 inches, while the minimum permitted for the main beam is 18 inches. Hunters should study these rules carefully to engage in a lawful and ethical pursuit of the game.

Zone-16A Schedule-AR Deer Season

Bag limit

Four deer, including no more than two bucks, are legal to hunt in areas outside the CWD Management Zone:

Within the CWD Management Zone (Ashley County), there should be a total of four deer, no more than two of which should have antlers:

Note:  

• Remember that this bag restriction permits a total of four deer, including no more than two bucks, and hunters may use any number and kind of legal hunting weapons to accomplish this.

General Regulation (Zone-16A)

From November 12 through December 28, 2022, dogs may hunt deer in the CWD Management Zone. A buck’s antlers must be at least 15 inches inside spread or 18 inches main beam outside of the CWD Management Zone. Outside the CWD Management Zone, button bucks contribute toward a hunter’s buck quota. Ashley County shoots deer like other CWD counties.

Zone-17 Schedule-AR Deer Season

Bag limit

General Regulation (Zone-17)

Deer hunting with dogs is permitted in this area between November 12 and December 28, 2022. In this area, button bucks may be taken as part of the hunter’s buck quota. Deer with an inner spread of 15 inches or the main beam of 18 inches or more are considered legitimate bucks in most areas. Bag limits and other hunting guidelines may vary by region, so hunters must research the local laws and regulations before heading out.

Note:To get the most up-to-date and accurate information about hunting season dates and bag limits in your specific hunting zone, it is recommended to consult the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission website or speak with a local hunting authority.

AR Deer Hunting Licenses

Requirements

• Any hunter 16 or older must have a license. This hunting license must be worn and shown to state authorities upon request.

• Arkansas has resident and nonresident hunting licenses. A resident license requires 60 days of state residency. Full-time residents in another state may get resident licenses.

• Arkansas offers disabled hunting licenses. Completely handicapped people may get these licenses. You still need permits and stamps to hunt, even if these licenses are cheaper.

• A hunting license may be acquired online or in person. If you hunt regularly, you may have your license automatically renewed, so you never hunt without one.

Deer Hunting Licenses

• Combination Sportsman’s License holders may hunt anything, even deer. Six deer tags and two turkey tags are included.

• You may shoot deer and other fur-bearing animals with a Resident Sportsman’s License. This license includes six deer tags.

• Resident Wildlife Conservation Licenses save money but only contain one deer tag. You must acquire additional deer tags.

• Free WMA General Use Permits are required to hunt on any WMA.

• Most nonresident permits are time-limited and cost extra.

• Most of these categories give lifelong licenses. They never die.

Deer Hunting License Fees

Resident Sportsman’s License (RS)

General WMA Hunter Use Permit (WMP)

Nonresident Annual All-Game Hunting License (NBG)

For entire hunting license fees and details you may read our article ‘Arkansas hunting Season‘.

Deer Harvesting & Tagging in Arkansas

Here are some key points to consider when reporting and tagging deer in Arkansas:

• Report the deer as soon as possible after the hunt through the state’s website, phone line, or mobile app.

• Alternatively, you can fill out the deer tag on your license and attach it to the antler or ear of the deer.

• The tag must be filled out legibly and in ink and remain with the deer at all times until it is at its final storage point.

• If the deer is quartered, a new tag must be made for each part, and the head must remain with the other portions of the deer.

• Check the deer using the mobile app, phone line, or website within 12 hours of the harvest, and record the number on your game tag.

• Do not remove any evidence of the deer’s sex.

Deer Hunting Regulations in AR

• Natural deer urine or lures containing natural components should not be used.

• Only hunting between the hours of daybreak and dusk.

• The usage of artificial lights on roads, streets, or highways is prohibited.

• Any animal taken by someone else must have a signed letter with identifying details.

• Prohibiting swimming deer hunting and forcing deer into water.

• Baiting of deer is generally prohibited, save in CWD management zones on private property.

• All consumable meat must be used properly, and anything of commercial worth must be kept.

• Landowner authorization is required before hunting on their private property.

• Requiring permission from anybody residing within 150 yards of the hunting area.

Contacts

Address

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

2 Natural Resources Drive

Little Rock, Arkansas 72205

Phone Number

833-345-0325

FAQs related to Arkansas Deer Season

Dates & Regulations Source: AGFC Arkansas

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John Lewis

John Lewis, the passionate founder of HuntingSeasons.org, is committed to promoting responsible hunting and a profound love for the wilderness. With years of expertise, his platform serves as a reliable guide for hunting enthusiasts, advocating ethical practices and nature preservation.

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