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 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 Zone | Type | Hunting Season Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Archery | Sept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024 |
| Zone 1 | Muzzleloader | Oct. 21-29, 2023 and Dec. 9-11, 2023 |
| Zone 1 | Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun Hunt | Dec. 29-31, 2023 |
| Zone 1 | Special Youth Modern Gun Hunt | Nov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024 |
| Zone 1 | Modern Gun | Nov. 11-Dec. 3, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023 |
| Zone 2 | Archery | Sept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024 |
| Zone 2 | Muzzleloader | Oct. 21-29, 2023 and Dec. 9-11, 2023 |
| Zone 2 | Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun Hunt | Dec. 29-31, 2023 |
| Zone 2 | Special Youth Modern Gun Hunt | Nov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024 |
| Zone 2 | Modern Gun | Nov. 11-Dec. 3, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023 |
| Zone 3 | Archery | Sept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024 |
| Zone 3 | Muzzleloader | Oct. 21-29, 2023 and Dec. 9-11, 2023 |
| Zone 3 | Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun Hunt | Dec. 29-31, 2023 |
| Zone 3 | Special Youth Modern Gun Hunt | Nov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024 |
| Zone 3 | Modern Gun | Nov. 11-Dec. 3, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023 |
| Zone 4 | Archery | Sept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024 |
| Zone 4 | Muzzleloader | Closed |
| Zone 4 | Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun Hunt | Dec. 29-31, 2023 |
| Zone 4 | Special Youth Modern Gun Hunt | Nov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024 |
| Zone 4 | Modern Gun | Nov. 11-19, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023 |
| Zone 4A | Archery | Sept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024 |
| Zone 4A | Muzzleloader | Oct. 21-29, 2023 and Dec. 16-18, 2023 |
| Zone 4A | Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun Hunt | Dec. 29-31, 2023 |
| Zone 4A | Special Youth Modern Gun Hunt | Nov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024 |
| Zone 4A | Modern Gun | Nov. 11-Dec. 10, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023 |
| Zone 5A | Archery | Sept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024 |
| Zone 5A | Muzzleloader | Oct. 21-29, 2023 and Dec. 16-18, 2023 |
| Zone 5A | Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun Hunt | Dec. 29-31, 2023 |
| Zone 5A | Special Youth Modern Gun Hunt | Nov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024 |
| Zone 5A | Modern Gun | Nov. 11-Dec. 10, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023 |
| Zone 6 | Archery | Sept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024 |
| Zone 6 | Muzzleloader | Oct. 21-29, 2023 and Dec. 9-11, 2023 |
| Zone 6 | Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun Hunt | Dec. 29-31, 2023 |
| Zone 6 | Special Youth Modern Gun Hunt | Nov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024 |
| Zone 6 | Modern Gun | Nov. 11-Dec. 3, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023 |
| Zone 7 | Archery | Sept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024 |
| Zone 7 | Muzzleloader | Oct. 21-29, 2023 and Dec. 9-11, 2023 |
| Zone 7 | Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun Hunt | Dec. 29-31, 2023 |
| Zone 7 | Special Youth Modern Gun Hunt | Nov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024 |
| Zone 7 | Modern Gun | Nov. 11-Dec. 3, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023 |
| Zone 8 | Archery | Sept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024 |
| Zone 8 | Muzzleloader | Oct. 21-29, 2023 and Dec. 9-11, 2023 |
| Zone 8 | Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun Hunt | Dec. 29-31, 2023 |
| Zone 8 | Special Youth Modern Gun Hunt | Nov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024 |
| Zone 8 | Modern Gun | Nov. 11-Dec. 3, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023 |
| Zone 9 | Archery | Sept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024 |
| Zone 9 | Muzzleloader | Oct. 21-29, 2023 |
| Zone 9 | Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun Hunt | Dec. 29-31, 2023 |
| Zone 9 | Special Youth Modern Gun Hunt | Nov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024 |
| Zone 9 | Modern Gun | Nov. 11-Dec. 17, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023 |
| Zone 10 | Archery | Sept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024 |
| Zone 10 | Muzzleloader | Oct. 21-29, 2023 and Dec. 9-11, 2023 |
| Zone 10 | Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun Hunt | Dec. 29-31, 2023 |
| Zone 10 | Special Youth Modern Gun Hunt | Nov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024 |
| Zone 10 | Modern Gun | Nov. 11-Dec. 3, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023 |
| Zone 11 | Archery | Sept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024 |
| Zone 11 | Muzzleloader | Oct. 21-29, 2023 and Dec. 9-11, 2023 |
| Zone 11 | Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun Hunt | Dec. 29-31, 2023 |
| Zone 11 | Special Youth Modern Gun Hunt | Nov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024 |
| Zone 11 | Modern Gun | Nov. 11-Dec. 3, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023 |
| Zone 12 | Archery | Sept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024 |
| Zone 12 | Muzzleloader | Oct. 21-29, 2023 |
| Zone 12 | Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun Hunt | Dec. 29-31, 2023 |
| Zone 12 | Special Youth Modern Gun Hunt | Nov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024 |
| Zone 12 | Modern Gun | Nov. 11-Dec. 17, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023 |
| Zone 13 | Archery | Sept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024 |
| Zone 13 | Muzzleloader | Oct. 21-29, 2023 |
| Zone 13 | Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun Hunt | Dec. 29-31, 2023 |
| Zone 13 | Special Youth Modern Gun Hunt | Nov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024 |
| Zone 13 | Modern Gun | Nov. 11-Dec. 17, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023 |
| Zone 14 | Archery | Sept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024 |
| Zone 14 | Muzzleloader | Oct. 21-29, 2023 and Dec. 16-18, 2023 |
| Zone 14 | Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun Hunt | Dec. 29-31, 2023 |
| Zone 14 | Special Youth Modern Gun Hunt | Nov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024 |
| Zone 14 | Modern Gun | Nov. 11-Dec. 10, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023 |
| Zone 15 | Archery | Sept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024 |
| Zone 15 | Muzzleloader | Oct. 21-29, 2023 and Dec. 16-18, 2023 |
| Zone 15 | Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun Hunt | Dec. 29-31, 2023 |
| Zone 15 | Special Youth Modern Gun Hunt | Nov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024 |
| Zone 15 | Modern Gun | Nov. 11-Dec. 10, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023 |
| Zone 16 | Archery | Sept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024 |
| Zone 16 | Muzzleloader | Oct. 21-29, 2023 |
| Zone 16 | Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun Hunt | Dec. 29-31, 2023 |
| Zone 16 | Special Youth Modern Gun Hunt | Nov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024 |
| Zone 16 | Modern Gun | Nov. 11-Dec. 28, 2023 |
| Zone 16A | Archery | Sept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024 |
| Zone 16A | Muzzleloader | Oct. 21-29, 2023 |
| Zone 16A | Private Land Antlerless Only Modern Gun Deer Hunt | Dec. 29-31, 2023 |
| Zone 16A | Special Youth Modern Gun Hunt | Nov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024 |
| Zone 16A | Modern Gun | Nov. 11-Dec. 28, 2023 |
| Zone 17 | Archery | Sept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024 |
| Zone 17 | Muzzleloader | Oct. 21-29, 2023 |
| Zone 17 | Private Land Antlerless Only Modern Gun Deer Hunt | Dec. 29-31, 2023 |
| Zone 17 | Special Youth Modern Gun Hunt | Nov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024 |
| Zone 17 | Modern Gun | Nov. 11-Dec. 28, 2023 |
Note: Deer hunting with dogs is permitted from Nov. 11-Dec. 3, 2023
Elk Season
| Core Elk Management Zone | Hunting Type | Hunting Dates |
|---|---|---|
| By Drawn Permit Only | ||
| Public Land | Youth Hunts | Oct. 7-8 and Oct. 28-29, 2023 |
| Public Land | Regular Elk Hunts (youth eligible) | Oct. 2-6 and Oct. 30-Nov. 3, 2023 |
| By Private Land Elk Permit Only | ||
| Private Land | Youth Hunts (antlerless elk only) | Oct. 7-8 and Oct. 28-29, 2023 |
| Private Land | Regular 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 Zone | Hunting Method | Season Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Archery | Sept. 13-Nov. 30, 2023 |
| Zone 1 | Muzzleloader | Oct. 21-29, 2023 |
| Zone 1 | Special Youth Modern Gun Bear Hunt | Nov. 4-5, 2023 |
| Zone 1 | Modern Gun | Nov. 11-30, 2023 (closes earlier if quota is reached) |
| Zone 2 | Archery | Sept. 13-Nov. 30, 2023 |
| Zone 2 | Muzzleloader | Oct. 21-29, 2023 |
| Zone 2 | Special Youth Modern Gun Bear Hunt | Nov. 4-5, 2023 |
| Zone 2 | Modern Gun | Nov. 11-30, 2023 |
| Zone 3 | Archery | Closed |
| Zone 3 | Muzzleloader | Closed |
| Zone 3 | Special Youth Modern Gun Bear Hunt | Closed |
| Zone 3 | Modern Gun | Dec. 9-15, 2023 (closes earlier if quota is reached) |
| Zone 4 | Archery | Closed |
| Zone 4 | Muzzleloader | Closed |
| Zone 4 | Special Youth Modern Gun Bear Hunt | Closed |
| Zone 4 | Modern Gun | Dec. 9-15, 2023 (closes earlier if quota is reached) |
| Zone 5 | Archery | Closed |
| Zone 5 | Muzzleloader | Closed |
| Zone 5 | Special Youth Modern Gun Bear Hunt | Closed |
| Zone 5 | Modern Gun | Nov. 25-Dec. 3, 2023 (closes earlier if quota is reached) |
| Zone 5A | Archery | Closed |
| Zone 5A | Muzzleloader | Closed |
| Zone 5A | Special Youth Modern Gun Bear Hunt | Closed |
| Zone 5A | Modern Gun | Nov. 18-Dec. 3, 2023 (closes earlier if quota is reached) |
Bear Bag Limits
| Bear Zone | Statewide Bag Limit | Archery Quota | Muzzleloader Quota | Modern Gun Quota | Season End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | One bear, either sex | 400 bears | 50 bears | 50 bears | Nov. 30 or quota |
| Zone 2 | One bear, either sex | - | - | - | - |
| Zone 3 | One bear, either sex | - | - | 5 bears | Dec. 15 or quota |
| Zone 4 | One bear, either sex | - | - | 25 bears | Dec. 15 or quota |
| Zone 5 | One bear, either sex | - | - | 10 bears | Dec. 3 or quota |
| Zone 5A | One bear, either sex | - | - | 5 bears | Dec. 3 or quota |
Note: To verify the harvest count, hunters must phone 833-345-0398 the evening before the hunt.
Hogs Season
| Arkansas Hogs Seasons | Hunting Season-Start Date | Hunting Season-End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feral Hogs (Private) | Saturday-January 1, 2023 | Saturday-December 31, 2023 | There is no closed season There is no limit |
| Feral Hogs (Public Firearm) | 1-Oct | 8-Jan | There 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-Nov | 31-Dec | There is no limit |
Alligator
| AR Alligator Management Zone | Hunting Method | Hunting Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 and 3 | Public Land (Drawn Permit) | Sept. 15-18, 2023 |
| Zone 1 and 3 | Public Land (Drawn Permit) | Sept. 22-25, 2023 |
| Zone 1, 2, and 3 | Private Land (Permit Only) | Sept. 15-18, 2023 |
| Zone 1, 2, and 3 | Private Land (Permit Only) | Sept. 22-25, 2023 |
Small Game Season
Squirrel Season
| Squirrel Season | Hunting Dates | Daily Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide (Dogs allowed) | May 15, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024 | 12 | 48 |
Rabbit Season
| Rabbit Season | Hunting Dates | Daily Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | Sept. 1, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024 | 8 | 16 |
Quail Season
| Quail Season | Hunting Dates | Daily Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Bobwhite Season (Statewide) | Nov. 1, 2023-Feb. 5, 2024 | 6 | 12 |
Arkansas Turkey Season
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | Zones 1 and 2: April 6-7 | 1 (jake allowed) | 2 (including 1 jake) |
| Turkey | Zone 1: April 15-23 | 1 (no jake) | 2 (including 1 jake) |
| Turkey | Zone 2: April 15-May 5 | 2 (no jakes) | 2 (including 1 jake) |
Furbearer Hunting Season
| Furbearer Hunting Season | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Badger | Statewide hunting: closed | - | - |
| Spotted Skunk | Statewide hunting: closed | - | - |
| Weasel | Statewide hunting: closed | - | - |
| Beaver | Statewide, Sept. 1, 2023 - March 31, 2024 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Nutria | Statewide, Sept. 1, 2023 - March 31, 2024 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Bobcat | Sept. 1, 2023 - Feb. 29, 2024 | 2 | Unlimited |
| Coyote | Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2023 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Gray Fox | Sept. 1, 2023 - Feb. 29, 2024 | 2 | - |
| Red Fox | Sept. 1, 2023 - Feb. 29, 2024 | 2 | - |
| Muskrat | Sept. 1, 2023 - Feb. 29, 2024 | - | - |
| Mink | Sept. 1, 2023 - Feb. 29, 2024 | - | - |
| Opossum | Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2023 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Raccoon | Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2023 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Striped Skunk | Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2023 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| River Otter | Nov. 12, 2023 - Feb. 29, 2024 | 2 | Unlimited |
Furbearer Trapping Season Dates
| Furbearer Trapping Season | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furbearers (excluding beaver, coyote and nutria) | Nov. 12, 2023 - Feb. 29, 2024 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Beaver | Nov. 12, 2023 - March 31, 2024 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Nutria | Nov. 12, 2023 - March 31, 2024 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Coyote | Aug. 1, 2023 - March 31, 2024 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
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
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Rail, Sora | Sept. 9-Nov. 17, 2023 | 25 | 75 (combined) |
| Common, Purple Gallinule | Sept. 1-Nov. 9, 2023 | 15 | 45 |
| Wilson's Snipe | Nov. 1, 2023-Feb. 15, 2024 | 8 | 24 |
| Woodcock | Nov. 4-Dec. 18, 2023 | 3 | 9 |
Dove Season
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | Sept. 2-Oct. 22, 2023 | 15 | 45 |
| White-Winged Dove | Sept. 2-Oct. 22, 2023 | 15 | 45 |
| Mourning Dove | Dec. 8, 2023-Jan. 15, 2024 | 15 | 45 |
| White-Winged Dove | Dec. 8, 2023-Jan. 15, 2024 | 15 | 45 |
| Eurasian Collared-Dove | Statewide: Sept. 2, 2023-Jan. 15, 2024 | No limit | No limit |
Crow Season
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crow (Statewide-Open Thursdays through Mondays only) | Sept. 1, 2023-Feb. 19, 2024 | No limit | No limit |
Waterfowl Season
Teal Season
| AR Teal Season | Hunting Season Dates | Daily Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Early Teal Season | Sept. 15-30, 2023 | 6 | 18 |
Ducks, Coots & Merganser Season
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duck | Nov. 18-26, 2023 | 6 (Species limits apply) | 18 (3 times daily bag limit) |
| Duck | Dec. 9-23, 2023 | 6 (Species limits apply) | 18 (3 times daily bag limit) |
| Duck | Dec. 27, 2023-Jan. 31, 2024 | 6 (Species limits apply) | 18 (3 times daily bag limit) |
| Coot | Nov. 18-26, 2023 | 15 | 45 (3 times daily bag limit) |
| Coot | Dec. 9-23, 2023 | 15 | 45 (3 times daily bag limit) |
| Coot | Dec. 27, 2023-Jan. 31, 2024 | 15 | 45 (3 times daily bag limit) |
| Merganser | Nov. 18-26, 2023 | 5 (including up to 2 hooded mergansers) | 15 (3 times daily bag limit) |
| Merganser | Dec. 9-23, 2023 | 5 (including up to 2 hooded mergansers) | 15 (3 times daily bag limit) |
| Merganser | Dec. 27, 2023-Jan. 31, 2024 | 5 (including up to 2 hooded mergansers) | 15 (3 times daily bag limit) |
Youth Waterfowl Season
| Youth Waterfowl Season | Hunting Season Dates | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Special Youth Waterfowl Hunt | Dec. 2, 2023 and Feb. 3, 2024 | Ducks, geese, coots, and mergansers may be harvested on these days by youth 15 and under. |
Military and Veteran Hunt
| Military and Veteran Hunt | Hunting Season Dates | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Special Active Duty Military and Veteran Hunt | Feb. 3, 2024 | Veterans 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
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Goose | Sept 1-Oct 15, 2023 | 5 | 15 |
| Canada Goose | Nov 18-26, 2023 | 2 | 6 |
| Canada Goose | Dec 9-23, 2023 | 2 | 6 |
| Canada Goose | Dec 27, 2023-Jan 31, 2024 | 2 | 6 |
White-fronted Goose Season
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-fronted Goose | Oct. 28-Nov. 10, 2023 | 3 | 9 |
| White-fronted Goose | Nov. 18-26, 2023 | 3 | 9 |
| White-fronted Goose | Dec. 9-23, 2023 | 3 | 9 |
| White-fronted Goose | Dec. 27, 2023-Jan. 31, 2023 | 3 | 9 |
Snow, Blue and Ross’s Goose
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snow, Blue, Ross's Goose | Oct. 28-Nov. 10, 2023 | 20 | No possession limit |
| Snow, Blue, Ross's Goose | Nov. 18-26, 2023 | 20 | No possession limit |
| Snow, Blue, Ross's Goose | Dec. 9-23, 2023 | 20 | No possession limit |
| Snow, Blue, Ross's Goose | Dec. 27, 2023-Jan. 31, 2024 | 20 | No possession limit |
Light Goose Conservation Order
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snow, Blue, Ross's Goose | Feb. 1-2, 2024 | None | No possession limit |
| Snow, Blue, Ross's Goose | Feb. 5-April 25, 2024 | None | No possession limit |
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 Types | Fees |
|---|---|
| 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 system | Details |
|---|---|
| Launching Initiatives | The New hunting mobile app and enhanced online license portal are being released by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). |
| Online Licensing Portal | The 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 Inclusivity | The 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 Relaunch | The 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 Checking | The 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 Tags | Although 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.
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
• 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.