Arkansas Hunting Seasons 2023-2024 [Updated Schedule]

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The Arkansas Hunting Seasons 2023–2024 provides an exciting chance for experienced hunters to enjoy the thrill of the hunt. The season covers several game species, including bear, elk, turkey, and deer, with the possibility of changing the start and end dates and the bag limits dependent on the harvest’s success and other variables. To hunt in Arkansas, one must first get a hunting license or permit, the price of which varies based on the season, the kind of hunting, and the applicant’s place of residence.

Private land hunting is an option in Arkansas in addition to public hunting grounds. In mid- and southern Arkansas, there are six hunting zones, giving avid hunters a variety of possibilities to indulge their love.

To ensure a successful and satisfying hunting experience, be educated and up-to-date on the most recent information on the hunting seasons in Arkansas. Prepare to embrace Arkansas’ unique challenges and rewards as you immerse yourself in the excitement of the hunt.

Arkansas Hunting Seasons 2023-2024

We aimed to create the most straightforward guide possible regarding the 2022–2023 hunting seasons in Arkansas. Discover the start and end dates for each season, discover the rules and bag limitations, comprehend the licensing requirements, and have access to useful resources.

Arkansas Hunting Seasons
Arkansas Hunting Seasons

Arkansas Deer Seasons

AGFC Deer Season is divided into many zones , each having its own season dates. These hunting seasons include archery, muzzleloader, and modern gun hunts, with regional variations. Additionally, within a particular time period, dogs are allowed for deer hunting, and rules establish the minimum number of antler points for authorized bucks. August marks the start of the deer shooting season, and the AGFC provides detailed information on licenses, permits, and related fees.

In general, Arkansas deer hunting season typically occur in the fall and winter months. For complete zone wise details on deer season you may read our Deer hunting season guide in Arkansas.

Arkansas Deer ZoneTypeHunting Season Dates
Zone 1ArcherySept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024
Zone 1MuzzleloaderOct. 21-29, 2023 and Dec. 9-11, 2023
Zone 1Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun HuntDec. 29-31, 2023
Zone 1Special Youth Modern Gun HuntNov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024
Zone 1Modern GunNov. 11-Dec. 3, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023
Zone 2ArcherySept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024
Zone 2MuzzleloaderOct. 21-29, 2023 and Dec. 9-11, 2023
Zone 2Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun HuntDec. 29-31, 2023
Zone 2Special Youth Modern Gun HuntNov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024
Zone 2Modern GunNov. 11-Dec. 3, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023
Zone 3ArcherySept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024
Zone 3MuzzleloaderOct. 21-29, 2023 and Dec. 9-11, 2023
Zone 3Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun HuntDec. 29-31, 2023
Zone 3Special Youth Modern Gun HuntNov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024
Zone 3Modern GunNov. 11-Dec. 3, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023
Zone 4ArcherySept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024
Zone 4MuzzleloaderClosed
Zone 4Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun HuntDec. 29-31, 2023
Zone 4Special Youth Modern Gun HuntNov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024
Zone 4Modern GunNov. 11-19, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023
Zone 4AArcherySept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024
Zone 4AMuzzleloaderOct. 21-29, 2023 and Dec. 16-18, 2023
Zone 4APrivate Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun HuntDec. 29-31, 2023
Zone 4ASpecial Youth Modern Gun HuntNov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024
Zone 4AModern GunNov. 11-Dec. 10, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023
Zone 5AArcherySept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024
Zone 5AMuzzleloaderOct. 21-29, 2023 and Dec. 16-18, 2023
Zone 5APrivate Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun HuntDec. 29-31, 2023
Zone 5ASpecial Youth Modern Gun HuntNov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024
Zone 5AModern GunNov. 11-Dec. 10, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023
Zone 6ArcherySept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024
Zone 6MuzzleloaderOct. 21-29, 2023 and Dec. 9-11, 2023
Zone 6Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun HuntDec. 29-31, 2023
Zone 6Special Youth Modern Gun HuntNov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024
Zone 6Modern GunNov. 11-Dec. 3, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023
Zone 7ArcherySept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024
Zone 7MuzzleloaderOct. 21-29, 2023 and Dec. 9-11, 2023
Zone 7Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun HuntDec. 29-31, 2023
Zone 7Special Youth Modern Gun HuntNov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024
Zone 7Modern GunNov. 11-Dec. 3, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023
Zone 8ArcherySept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024
Zone 8MuzzleloaderOct. 21-29, 2023 and Dec. 9-11, 2023
Zone 8Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun HuntDec. 29-31, 2023
Zone 8Special Youth Modern Gun HuntNov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024
Zone 8Modern GunNov. 11-Dec. 3, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023
Zone 9ArcherySept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024
Zone 9MuzzleloaderOct. 21-29, 2023
Zone 9Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun HuntDec. 29-31, 2023
Zone 9Special Youth Modern Gun HuntNov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024
Zone 9Modern GunNov. 11-Dec. 17, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023
Zone 10ArcherySept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024
Zone 10MuzzleloaderOct. 21-29, 2023 and Dec. 9-11, 2023
Zone 10Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun HuntDec. 29-31, 2023
Zone 10Special Youth Modern Gun HuntNov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024
Zone 10Modern GunNov. 11-Dec. 3, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023
Zone 11ArcherySept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024
Zone 11MuzzleloaderOct. 21-29, 2023 and Dec. 9-11, 2023
Zone 11Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun HuntDec. 29-31, 2023
Zone 11Special Youth Modern Gun HuntNov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024
Zone 11Modern GunNov. 11-Dec. 3, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023
Zone 12ArcherySept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024
Zone 12MuzzleloaderOct. 21-29, 2023
Zone 12Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun HuntDec. 29-31, 2023
Zone 12Special Youth Modern Gun HuntNov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024
Zone 12Modern GunNov. 11-Dec. 17, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023
Zone 13ArcherySept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024
Zone 13MuzzleloaderOct. 21-29, 2023
Zone 13Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun HuntDec. 29-31, 2023
Zone 13Special Youth Modern Gun HuntNov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024
Zone 13Modern GunNov. 11-Dec. 17, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023
Zone 14ArcherySept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024
Zone 14MuzzleloaderOct. 21-29, 2023 and Dec. 16-18, 2023
Zone 14Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun HuntDec. 29-31, 2023
Zone 14Special Youth Modern Gun HuntNov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024
Zone 14Modern GunNov. 11-Dec. 10, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023
Zone 15ArcherySept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024
Zone 15MuzzleloaderOct. 21-29, 2023 and Dec. 16-18, 2023
Zone 15Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun HuntDec. 29-31, 2023
Zone 15Special Youth Modern Gun HuntNov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024
Zone 15Modern GunNov. 11-Dec. 10, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023
Zone 16ArcherySept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024
Zone 16MuzzleloaderOct. 21-29, 2023
Zone 16Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun HuntDec. 29-31, 2023
Zone 16Special Youth Modern Gun HuntNov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024
Zone 16Modern GunNov. 11-Dec. 28, 2023
Zone 16AArcherySept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024
Zone 16AMuzzleloaderOct. 21-29, 2023
Zone 16APrivate Land Antlerless Only Modern Gun Deer HuntDec. 29-31, 2023
Zone 16ASpecial Youth Modern Gun HuntNov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024
Zone 16AModern GunNov. 11-Dec. 28, 2023
Zone 17ArcherySept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024
Zone 17MuzzleloaderOct. 21-29, 2023
Zone 17Private Land Antlerless Only Modern Gun Deer HuntDec. 29-31, 2023
Zone 17Special Youth Modern Gun HuntNov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024
Zone 17Modern GunNov. 11-Dec. 28, 2023

Note: Deer hunting with dogs is permitted from Nov. 11-Dec. 3, 2023

Elk Season

Core Elk Management ZoneHunting TypeHunting Dates
By Drawn Permit Only
Public LandYouth HuntsOct. 7-8 and Oct. 28-29, 2023
Public LandRegular Elk Hunts (youth eligible)Oct. 2-6 and Oct. 30-Nov. 3, 2023
By Private Land Elk Permit Only
Private LandYouth Hunts (antlerless elk only)Oct. 7-8 and Oct. 28-29, 2023
Private LandRegular Elk Hunts (youth eligible)Oct. 2-6 and Oct. 30-Nov. 3, 2023

Core Elk Management Zone

All public and private lands in the counties of Boone, Carroll, Madison, Newton, and Searcy

  • Legal guns allow you to shoot elk outside the Core Elk Management Zone during the deer hunting season.
  • Applications for Elk Hunting Permits are Accepted Now (May 1-June 1).

Bear Season

AR Bear ZoneHunting MethodSeason Dates
Zone 1ArcherySept. 13-Nov. 30, 2023
Zone 1MuzzleloaderOct. 21-29, 2023
Zone 1Special Youth Modern Gun Bear HuntNov. 4-5, 2023
Zone 1Modern GunNov. 11-30, 2023 (closes earlier if quota is reached)
Zone 2ArcherySept. 13-Nov. 30, 2023
Zone 2MuzzleloaderOct. 21-29, 2023
Zone 2Special Youth Modern Gun Bear HuntNov. 4-5, 2023
Zone 2Modern GunNov. 11-30, 2023
Zone 3ArcheryClosed
Zone 3MuzzleloaderClosed
Zone 3Special Youth Modern Gun Bear HuntClosed
Zone 3Modern GunDec. 9-15, 2023 (closes earlier if quota is reached)
Zone 4ArcheryClosed
Zone 4MuzzleloaderClosed
Zone 4Special Youth Modern Gun Bear HuntClosed
Zone 4Modern GunDec. 9-15, 2023 (closes earlier if quota is reached)
Zone 5ArcheryClosed
Zone 5MuzzleloaderClosed
Zone 5Special Youth Modern Gun Bear HuntClosed
Zone 5Modern GunNov. 25-Dec. 3, 2023 (closes earlier if quota is reached)
Zone 5AArcheryClosed
Zone 5AMuzzleloaderClosed
Zone 5ASpecial Youth Modern Gun Bear HuntClosed
Zone 5AModern GunNov. 18-Dec. 3, 2023 (closes earlier if quota is reached)

Bear Bag Limits

Bear ZoneStatewide Bag LimitArchery QuotaMuzzleloader QuotaModern Gun QuotaSeason End Date
Zone 1One bear, either sex400 bears50 bears50 bearsNov. 30 or quota
Zone 2One bear, either sex----
Zone 3One bear, either sex--5 bearsDec. 15 or quota
Zone 4One bear, either sex--25 bearsDec. 15 or quota
Zone 5One bear, either sex--10 bearsDec. 3 or quota
Zone 5AOne bear, either sex--5 bearsDec. 3 or quota

Note: To verify the harvest count, hunters must phone 833-345-0398 the evening before the hunt.

Hogs Season

Arkansas Hogs SeasonsHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateNote
Feral Hogs (Private)Saturday-January 1, 2023Saturday-December 31, 2023There is no closed season There is no limit
Feral Hogs (Public Firearm)1-Oct8-JanThere is no limit It may be used for any rifle deer, bear, or elk hunt For exact season information, see the deer, elk, and bear gun seasons
Feral Hogs (Public Archery)1-Nov31-DecThere is no limit

Alligator

AR Alligator Management ZoneHunting MethodHunting Dates
Zone 1 and 3Public Land (Drawn Permit)Sept. 15-18, 2023
Zone 1 and 3Public Land (Drawn Permit)Sept. 22-25, 2023
Zone 1, 2, and 3Private Land (Permit Only)Sept. 15-18, 2023
Zone 1, 2, and 3Private Land (Permit Only)Sept. 22-25, 2023

Small Game Season

Squirrel Season

Squirrel SeasonHunting DatesDaily LimitPossession Limit
Statewide (Dogs allowed)May 15, 2023-Feb. 29, 20241248

Rabbit Season

Rabbit SeasonHunting DatesDaily LimitPossession Limit
StatewideSept. 1, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024816

Quail Season

Quail SeasonHunting DatesDaily LimitPossession Limit
Northern Bobwhite Season (Statewide)Nov. 1, 2023-Feb. 5, 2024612

Arkansas Turkey Season

SpeciesSeason DatesDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
TurkeyZones 1 and 2: April 6-71 (jake allowed)2 (including 1 jake)
TurkeyZone 1: April 15-231 (no jake)2 (including 1 jake)
TurkeyZone 2: April 15-May 52 (no jakes)2 (including 1 jake)

Furbearer Hunting Season

Furbearer Hunting SeasonSeason DatesDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
BadgerStatewide hunting: closed--
Spotted SkunkStatewide hunting: closed--
WeaselStatewide hunting: closed--
BeaverStatewide, Sept. 1, 2023 - March 31, 2024UnlimitedUnlimited
NutriaStatewide, Sept. 1, 2023 - March 31, 2024UnlimitedUnlimited
BobcatSept. 1, 2023 - Feb. 29, 20242Unlimited
CoyoteJan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2023UnlimitedUnlimited
Gray FoxSept. 1, 2023 - Feb. 29, 20242-
Red FoxSept. 1, 2023 - Feb. 29, 20242-
MuskratSept. 1, 2023 - Feb. 29, 2024--
MinkSept. 1, 2023 - Feb. 29, 2024--
OpossumJan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2023UnlimitedUnlimited
RaccoonJan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2023UnlimitedUnlimited
Striped SkunkJan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2023UnlimitedUnlimited
River OtterNov. 12, 2023 - Feb. 29, 20242Unlimited

Furbearer Trapping Season Dates

Furbearer Trapping SeasonSeason DatesDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
Furbearers (excluding beaver, coyote and nutria)Nov. 12, 2023 - Feb. 29, 2024UnlimitedUnlimited
BeaverNov. 12, 2023 - March 31, 2024UnlimitedUnlimited
NutriaNov. 12, 2023 - March 31, 2024UnlimitedUnlimited
CoyoteAug. 1, 2023 - March 31, 2024UnlimitedUnlimited

Migratory Bird Season

Before being permitted to shoot ducks, geese, doves, coots, woodcocks, snipe, rail, or gallinules in Arkansas, people who are 16 years of age or higher and desire to acquire a hunting pass from the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission must register with the Harvest Information Program (HIP). The HIP register is meant to allow the Commission to oversee and control these species’ shootings and ensure that morally and sustainably responsible hunting methods are used.

It is a requirement for obtaining a hunting licence that you register for HIP. You can do this in person at any Commission location or www.agfc.com website. By encouraging ethical shooting methods that don’t damage the birds’ population, this rule aims to protect these species for future years. The Commission can sustain healthy populations of these species for leisure and biological reasons by tracing and watching shooting activities.

Early Migratory Bird Seasons

SpeciesSeason DatesDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
Virginia Rail, SoraSept. 9-Nov. 17, 20232575 (combined)
Common, Purple GallinuleSept. 1-Nov. 9, 20231545
Wilson's SnipeNov. 1, 2023-Feb. 15, 2024824
WoodcockNov. 4-Dec. 18, 202339

Dove Season

SpeciesSeason DatesDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
Mourning DoveSept. 2-Oct. 22, 20231545
White-Winged DoveSept. 2-Oct. 22, 20231545
Mourning DoveDec. 8, 2023-Jan. 15, 20241545
White-Winged DoveDec. 8, 2023-Jan. 15, 20241545
Eurasian Collared-DoveStatewide: Sept. 2, 2023-Jan. 15, 2024No limitNo limit

Crow Season

SpeciesSeason DatesDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
Crow (Statewide-Open Thursdays through Mondays only)Sept. 1, 2023-Feb. 19, 2024No limitNo limit

Waterfowl Season

Teal Season
AR Teal SeasonHunting Season DatesDaily LimitPossession Limit
Special Early Teal SeasonSept. 15-30, 2023618
Ducks, Coots & Merganser Season
SpeciesSeason DatesDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
DuckNov. 18-26, 20236 (Species limits apply)18 (3 times daily bag limit)
DuckDec. 9-23, 20236 (Species limits apply)18 (3 times daily bag limit)
DuckDec. 27, 2023-Jan. 31, 20246 (Species limits apply)18 (3 times daily bag limit)
CootNov. 18-26, 20231545 (3 times daily bag limit)
CootDec. 9-23, 20231545 (3 times daily bag limit)
CootDec. 27, 2023-Jan. 31, 20241545 (3 times daily bag limit)
MerganserNov. 18-26, 20235 (including up to 2 hooded mergansers)15 (3 times daily bag limit)
MerganserDec. 9-23, 20235 (including up to 2 hooded mergansers)15 (3 times daily bag limit)
MerganserDec. 27, 2023-Jan. 31, 20245 (including up to 2 hooded mergansers)15 (3 times daily bag limit)
Youth Waterfowl Season
Youth Waterfowl SeasonHunting Season DatesNote
Special Youth Waterfowl HuntDec. 2, 2023 and Feb. 3, 2024Ducks, geese, coots, and mergansers may be harvested on these days by youth 15 and under.
Military and Veteran Hunt
Military and Veteran HuntHunting Season DatesNote
Special Active Duty Military and Veteran HuntFeb. 3, 2024Veterans and current service military personnel may collect ducks, geese, coots, and mergansers on this day.
Goose Season

Arkansas has two geese hunting seasons: normal and light goose conservation order. From November through January, Canada, snow, and Ross’s geese may be hunted everyday. Snow, blue, and Ross’s geese have no bag or possession limitations under the light goose conservation order from February to April.

Canada Goose Season
SpeciesSeason DatesDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
Canada GooseSept 1-Oct 15, 2023515
Canada GooseNov 18-26, 202326
Canada GooseDec 9-23, 202326
Canada GooseDec 27, 2023-Jan 31, 202426
White-fronted Goose Season
SpeciesSeason DatesDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
White-fronted GooseOct. 28-Nov. 10, 202339
White-fronted GooseNov. 18-26, 202339
White-fronted GooseDec. 9-23, 202339
White-fronted GooseDec. 27, 2023-Jan. 31, 202339
Snow, Blue and Ross’s Goose
SpeciesSeason DatesDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
Snow, Blue, Ross's GooseOct. 28-Nov. 10, 202320No possession limit
Snow, Blue, Ross's GooseNov. 18-26, 202320No possession limit
Snow, Blue, Ross's GooseDec. 9-23, 202320No possession limit
Snow, Blue, Ross's GooseDec. 27, 2023-Jan. 31, 202420No possession limit
Light Goose Conservation Order
SpeciesSeason DatesDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
Snow, Blue, Ross's GooseFeb. 1-2, 2024NoneNo possession limit
Snow, Blue, Ross's GooseFeb. 5-April 25, 2024NoneNo possession limit
Arkansas Hunting Season Schedule and Date
Arkansas Hunting Season Schedule and Dates Timeline

Migratory Bird Regulations

  • Hunting for teal is permissible all day, but shooting for other species is only allowed an hour before sunrise until dusk.
  • Due to marshy areas, waterfowl shooting is prohibited in some Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). The Dave Donaldson Black River and George H. Dunklin Jr. Bayou Meto WMAs have a noon departure time, while all other duck shooting areas have a 1:00 p.m. departure time.
  • Between November 1 and February 15, visitors are not permitted in designated regions of bird roosting places.
  • Ducks are restricted to six per day and 18 per week.
  • The daily weight limit for coots is 15, with a maximum of three times that amount permitted in custody at any given time.
  • Mergansers can be kept in captivity for up to three times as long as they are given up to five times daily.
  • For some species, bag and ownership restrictions have been implemented to guarantee ethical shooting methods and long-term population protection.

*** According to the laws, only those 15 years of age or younger, veterans, and current military people are permitted to shoot ducks, geese, coots, and mergansers. A guide of at least 21 must accompany anyone under 18 who has yet to finish a hunting education training. Supervisors cannot remove the called-in animals, including ducks, geese, coots, and mergansers.

These animals have the same firing opportunity and weight restrictions as the regular hunting season. Hunting is permitted on WMAs from 30 minutes before dawn until sundown. All shooters should take the time to become acquainted with these guidelines before going shooting because they must be aware of them. These laws have been created to ensure healthy and moral shooting practises and safeguard these species for future years.

Note: Please visit www.reportband.gov if you kill a migrating bird that has been banded.

Arkansas Hunting License Fees

Arkansas hunting license prices vary by residence and type. Residents pay $25 for a hunting license, while non-residents pay $300. A $1,000 lifetime sportsman’s license and $500 new lifetime license are available in Arkansas. Non-resident deer hunting permits range from $75 to $225, depending on length and quantity of tags, giving state hunters several alternatives.

License TypesFees
Combination Sportsman’s License (CS)$35.50
Resident (Sportsman’s License) (RS)$25.00
Resident (Wildlife Conservation License) (HNT)$10.50
General WMA Hunter Use Permit (WMP)Free
Resident (Trapper’s Permit) (TP)Free
Resident (Hunting Guide License) (GLH)$25.00
Resident (Special Hunting Guide License) (GLS)$150.00
Deferred Hunter Education License (DHE)Free
NonResident (Annual All Game Hunting License) (NBG)$350.00
NonResident (5-Day All Game Hunting License) (AG5)$180.00
NonResident (3-Day All Game Hunting License) (AG3)$125.00
NonResident (1-Day All Game Hunting License) (AG1)$55.00
NonResident (Annual Small Game Hunting License) (NRH)$110.00
NonResident (5-Day Small Game Hunting License) (SG5)$70.00
NonResident (Trapper’s Permit) (NFT)$125.00
NonResident (Hunting Guide License) (GNH)$450.00
Arkansas Waterfowl Stamp - Resident ) (DSR)$7.00
Arkansas Waterfowl Stamp - NonResident) (DSN)$35.00
Non-Resident (5-Day WMA Waterfowl Permit) (NW5)$30.50
Harvest Information Program Registration (HIP)Free
Federal Duck Stamp$25.00
65 Plus Lifetime Hunting License (Application)$25.00
65 Plus Lifetime Combination License (Application)$35.50
Nonexpiring Lifetime Resident (Hunting and Fishing Sportsman’s Permit (Application)$1,000.00
Resident (3-Year Disability Hunting License (RDH) (Application)$25.00
Mobility Impairment Access Permit (Application)Free

Buy a License

• Toll Free phone 800-364-4263 (Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)

• Visit www.agfc.com or download the AGFC mobile app.

AGFC new online hunting license system 2023

AGFC new online hunting license systemDetails
Launching InitiativesThe New hunting mobile app and enhanced online license portal are being released by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC).
Online Licensing PortalThe primary web page for buying licenses will resemble earlier online licensing systems, but with more streamlined user customizations. These adjustments include adjusting license listings in accordance with user location, age, and recent license purchases.
Language InclusivityThe new system intends to be more inclusive, and by the end of the year, both English and Spanish will be offered for the user interface.
Smartphone App RelaunchThe mobile app for AGFC will be updated and re-released to work better with modern devices. Hunters will be able to check on deer and turkeys without a mobile phone signal. Users must uninstall the previous app and install the new one from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. To guarantee correct license information, the same account that was used on the website must be used.
Tag Activation and CheckingThe amount of tags per license that may be used during hunting seasons will be activated. Before their hunts, hunters may connect onto the app to confirm their tags. Even without a mobile service, the app's tag locations may be used to locate deer, bears, or turkeys. The data will be delivered as soon as the phone receives a data signal again. Verification is provided via the electronic tag evidence on the phone.
Convenience and Paper TagsAlthough paper tags may still be utilized until reaching mobile phone coverage, the app makes checking deer easier. With the help of the app, hunters can swiftly examine their deer and bring it home to enjoy.

Arkansas Hunting Contacts

Phone number:

  • 501-223-6300   
  • 800-364-4263 (toll-free)

Address:

  • 2 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205

Important Arkansas Hunting Season Links.

About Arkansas Hunting.

Wildlife control and environmental protection are given top priority in Arkansas. Hunting is therefore prohibited at specific periods of the year when creatures are breeding. The state makes a concerted effort to maintain the land’s and creatures’ welfare to protect the people in the coming years. Large game creatures like crocodiles, elks, bears, deer, and lesser game like bunnies, rodents, and quails can be found in the state. Shooting is permitted in several wildlife control zones throughout the state, and licenses can be acquired for nothing or at a low fee. The shooting experience in Arkansas is distinct and memorable, making it an excellent location for hunting enthusiasts.

2023-2024 Arkansas Hunting Seasons Regulations

  • Hunters and their partners must cover at least 400 square inches of their upper body in hunter orange, chartreuse, or fiery camouflage.
  • In the CWD control zone, feeding any untamed creatures is forbidden.
  • As required, forage areas can be used.
  • Only muzzleloaders and arrows are permitted hunting tools during the muzzleloader deer and bear seasons.
  • Small wild creatures can be hunted with air rifles.

For complete regulations you may review the Arkansas eregulations website

Often Asked Questions on Arkansas Hunting Seasons

When is Arkansas's deer season?

The 2023-2024 Arkansas deer hunting season is split into zones with specified dates for archery, muzzleloader, private land antlerless-only modern gun hunts, special youth modern gun hunts, and modern gun hunts. All zones participate in archery from September 23, 2023, until February 29, 2024. Muzzleloader and recent gun seasons vary by zone, usually between October and December, with occasional December and January dates. Private land antlerless-only and special young modern rifle hunts also have zone-specific dates. Hunters should check the zone’s laws and dates for correct deer hunting season information in Arkansas.

In Arkansas, is it legal to bait deer?

Baiting deer in Arkansas is location-specific. Hunters may utilize feeding plots and bait on private land outside the CWD Management Zone. Feeding plots, which attract deer year-round, may be planted with deer-friendly plants. In the CWD Management Zone, baiting and feeding deer are forbidden. To stay legal, hunters must know the local rules.

When does the Arkansas bow season begin?

The bow hunting season in Arkansas starts on September 23, 2023, and lasts through February 29, 2024, in most zones. However, it is important to remember that different hunting seasons could apply based on the state’s deer hunting zone.

When does Arkansas' deer season end?

In Arkansas, the deer season varies depending on the hunting technique and zone. In all zones, the archery season lasts from September 23, 2023, to February 29, 2024. In most zones, muzzleloader season runs from October 21–29, 2023, and December 9–11, 2023. The modern gun season typically lasts from November 11 through the beginning of December, with certain zones having extra days in late December. On some occasions, there are also designated youth hunts and modern rifle hunts on private property exclusively.

What is Arkansas' deer harvest limit?

Arkansas hunters may take five deer every season, with two males. Muzzleloaders, contemporary guns, and bowhunting are permitted. The quantity of antlerless deer taken depends on the weapon. Modern weapons and muzzleloaders can take three antlerless deer, whereas archery can take five. These rules regulate the deer population and support hunting. To comply with local laws, hunters must learn them.

2 thoughts on “Arkansas Hunting Seasons 2023-2024 [Updated Schedule]”

  1. I have a question. I m song research and was wonderin what th rules were for using dogs for hinting foxes in AR . Where could iind the history of it?
    Thank you I; advance for your help

    Reply
    • • Raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and pen-raised quail may be temporarily held captive for dog training or authorized field trials by individuals or groups with the agreement of the AGFC head of wildlife management.

      • Participants in a pursuit for fun or dog training may only carry killing tools that are lawful to use at the time and location of the chase (if no legal season is available, no killing tools may be carried).

      • April 1–May 15 are restricted dates for using dogs to hunt wild animals for fun, with the following exceptions: From April 1 through May 15, hunting is permitted inside fox and coyote cages, during authorized field tests, and nighttime chasing (from 60 minutes after sunset to 60 minutes before dawn).

      • When dogs are not allowed during a firearms deer season, it is forbidden to chase coyotes and foxes for fun.

      • Dogs may not be utilized to pursue animals during the springtime juvenile turkey hunt from 60 minutes before dawn to 60 minutes after dusk.

      • Only in deer zones where dogs are permitted to be used for deer hunting during the current rifle deer seasons may dogs be used to pursue deer for training reasons from 30 minutes before dawn to 30 minutes after sunset from October 1 through December 31.

      *Please confirm the above on AGFC website before pursuing.

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