When the much-awaited duck season of 2023 arrives in Arkansas, prepare for a thrilling waterfowl hunting adventure. Hunting ducks in varied and beautiful terrain is a great opportunity provided by Arkansas, a state known for its many wetlands and ideal habitat. Arkansas is a prominent location for waterfowl enthusiasts looking for unique experiences in the marshes and flooded woods because of its historic hunting traditions and excellent weather. Prepare your equipment, refine your calling techniques, and prepare for Arkansas duck season’s excitement when flocks of migratory ducks fill the sky.
Arkansas duck season 2023
| Species | Hunting Start Dates | Hunting End Dates | Daily Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Early Teal | Sept. 15, 2023 | Sept. 30, 2023 | 6 | 18 |
| Duck, Coot, and Merganser | Nov. 18, 2023 | Nov. 26, 2023 | 6 | 3 times the daily bag limit |
| Dec. 9, 2023 | Dec. 23, 2023 | |||
| Dec. 27, 2023 | Jan. 31, 2024 | |||
| Special Youth Waterfowl Hunt | Dec. 2, 2023 | Dec. 2, 2023 | Same as regular duck and goose seasons | Same as regular duck and goose seasons |
| Feb. 3, 2024 | Feb. 3, 2024 | |||
| Special Active Duty Military and Veteran Hunt | Feb. 3, 2024 | Feb. 3, 2024 | Same as regular duck and goose seasons | Same as regular duck and goose seasons |
| Canada Goose | Sept. 1, 2023 | Oct. 15, 2023 | 5 | 15 |
| Canada Goose | Nov. 18, 2023 | Nov. 26, 2023 | 2 | 6 |
| Dec. 9, 2023 | Dec. 23, 2023 | |||
| Dec. 27, 2023 | Jan. 31, 2024 | |||
| White-fronted Goose | Oct. 28, 2023 | Nov. 10, 2023 | 3 | 9 |
| Nov. 18, 2023 | Nov. 26, 2023 | |||
| Dec. 9, 2023 | Dec. 23, 2023 | |||
| Dec. 27, 2023 | Jan. 31, 2024 | |||
| Snow, Blue, and Ross’s Goose | Oct. 28, 2023 | Nov. 10, 2023 | 20 | No possession limit |
| Nov. 18, 2023 | Nov. 26, 2023 | |||
| Dec. 9, 2023 | Dec. 23, 2023J | |||
| Dec. 27, 2023 | Jan. 31, 2024 | |||
| Light Goose Conservation Order (Snow, Blue, and Ross’s) | Feb. 1, 2024 | Feb. 2, 2024 | None | None |
| Feb. 5, 2024 | 45407 |
Arkansas Duck Hunting Licenses
In Arkansas, there are many duck hunting permits that each have their price. The most popular forms of duck hunting permits, together with their costs, are listed below:
| AR License/Stamp | Resident Fees | Nonresident Fees | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Annual Hunting License | $35.50 | $410 | Allows hunting all game animals, including ducks. |
| Non-Resident Annual Hunting License | N/A | $410 | Allows hunting all game animals, including ducks. |
| Resident Youth Hunting License | $5.00 | $25.00 | For youth residents (15 years old or younger) to hunt all game animals, including ducks. |
| Non-Resident Youth Hunting License | N/A | $25.00 | For youth non-residents (15 years old or younger) to hunt all game animals, including ducks. |
| Resident Waterfowl Stamp | $7.00 | N/A | Required for all residents to hunt waterfowl, including ducks. |
| Non-Resident Waterfowl Stamp | N/A | $50.00 | Required for all non-residents to hunt waterfowl, including ducks. |
| HIP (Harvest Information Program) Registration | Free | Free | Required for all hunters, regardless of residency. |
| Federal Duck Stamp | N/A | $25.00 | Required for hunting waterfowl on federal lands. |
Regulations for Duck Hunting in Arkansas
- All WMAs need a free annual WMA General Use Permit for Arkansas hunting and trapping. Permits may be obtained online or by calling the regional office.
- Waterfowl hunters and guides are fined for guiding on WMAs, PUAs, and national wildlife refuges.
- Duck hunting starts 30 minutes before sunrise and ends at noon, except as specified on pages 45–62.
- WMA waterfowl hunting ends at midday from November 19, 2022, until January 30, 2023. The Youth and Special Active Duty Military and Veteran Waterfowl Hunts on WMAs are from 30 minutes before dawn to sunset on January 31, 2023, December 3, 2022, and February 4, 2023.
- Waterfowl hunters must abandon water-inundated areas or natural or constructed water courses by 1 p.m. between November 19, 2022, and January 30, 2023. After 6:30 p.m., hunting in certain areas is forbidden.
- Waterfowl decoys, dog stands, and platforms may be put out on WMAs, particular use zones, wildlife demonstration areas, and river channels. Boats in staging sites must be occupied and cannot be left overnight, except for Dave Donaldson Black River WMA slough boat access spots.
- Chainsaws, handsaws, hatchets, axes, weed trimmers, string trimmers, and other cutting equipment are prohibited on Commission-owned WMAs, save for sleeping in designated campsites and trappers using hatchets during trapping season. Chemical defoliants are prohibited.
- Duck blinds made of metal, wood, wire, nylon, or other materials must be removed or destroyed daily after shooting hours. This law applies to all WMAs, including those with rivers.
- WMA/NWR waterfowl hunting. Under-15s may hunt waterfowl on December 3, 2022, and February 4, 2023. Youth may hunt without shotshell restrictions from 30 minutes before sunrise to sundown. This hunt requires no nonresident permission.
- Active duty military and veterans may shoot waterfowl on December 4 and February 5. Waterfowl hunters may use any shotshell on WMAs and NWRs from 30 minutes before sunrise until sundown. This hunt requires no nonresident permission.
- Simulated wing movement decoys are forbidden during the early teal season and special young waterfowl hunts. Decoys shouldn’t have electrical or moving components, move, splash, or make ripples. The exception is manually manipulated “jerk strings” that imitate movement.
- Individuals must observe permanent duck blind removal and hunting regulations. All WMAs, including river channels within their boundaries, must remove or destroy their blinds daily after shooting hours.
- Waterfowl hunting for under-15s is allowed from 30 minutes from dawn to sunset in WMAs and NWRs on December 3, 2022, and February 4, 2023. No shot shell cap.
- On December 4, 2021, and February 5, 2022, active-duty military and veterans may hunt on WMAs and NWRs from 30 minutes before sunrise until dusk. No shot shell cap.
- Only hunting knives, pocketknives, pocket saws, campers in authorized camping places, and trappers using hatchets during trapping season are allowed in Commission-owned WMAs. Weed trimmers, chainsaws, and axes are also banned.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Arkansas Duck Hunting Season start and end in 2023?
In 2023, the Arkansas Duck Hunting Season will have three distinct parts for ducks, coots, and mergansers. With a daily bag restriction of six and a possession limit equal to three times the daily bag limit, it will start on November 18, 2023, and last until November 26, 2023. The second part begins on December 9, 2023, and ends on December 23, 2023. The last part will occur between December 27, 2023, and January 31, 2024. For detailed information and future revisions, hunters should consult the official hunting rules published by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
How many ducks can I harvest during the Arkansas Duck Hunting Season?
For ducks, coots, and mergansers, the daily bag limit is six, and the possession restriction is three times the daily bag limit. Hunters should abide by these rules and seek clarification or amendments from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
What hunting licenses and permits do I need in Arkansas to go duck hunting?
In Arkansas, depending on the hunting locale, a current hunting license, a state waterfowl stamp, and sometimes a federal duck stamp are required to hunt ducks. Hunters may also need to sign up with the Harvest Information Program (HIP). Reviewing the precise licensing specifications and rules that the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission have established for the current year is essential.
Can nonresidents hunt ducks in Arkansas?
Yes, duck hunting is permitted in Arkansas for nonresidents. They must, however, get the necessary hunting permits and stamps from the state. For eligibility to hunt ducks in Arkansas, nonresidents should review the state’s unique licensing requirements and rules.
Are there any exceptional youth hunting opportunities during the Arkansas Duck Hunting Season?
During the duck season, Arkansas provides unique opportunities for young hunters. These junior hunts provide unique hunting opportunities for young hunters ages 15 and under. The official hunting regulations and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website both include the precise dates and rules for young hunts.
Can I hunt ducks on public lands in Arkansas?
Yes, duck hunting is allowed on specific public properties in Arkansas. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission manage numerous wildlife management areas (WMAs) and other public hunting sites where duck hunting is permitted. It is crucial to get informed about the particular guidelines and requirements for each location and any extra permissions or limitations that could be necessary.
Dates & Regulations Source: AGFC Arkansas
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