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Hunting Seasons & Licensing · AR

Arkansas Hunting Seasons & Licensing

2025–2026 Season

Arkansas offers diverse hunting across the Ozark Mountains, the Delta, and the Gulf Coastal Plain. The state has approximately 300,000 deer hunters and manages over 600,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas. White-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, and feral hogs are the primary game species. Arkansas is a major destination for mallard hunting — the flooded timber and rice fields of the eastern Delta draw waterfowl hunters from across the country.

Dates shown are for the 2025–2026 season based on the most recent published regulations. Always verify current dates with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission before hunting.

Season Dates by Game Type

Big Game

SpeciesSeasonDatesBag LimitMethods
White-tailed DeerArcherySep 27 – Feb 28, 20266 deer per season (varies by zone)Bow and arrow, crossbow
White-tailed DeerModern GunNov 8 – Dec 7, 20256 deer per season (antler restrictions vary by zone)Rifle, shotgun, handgun, muzzleloader
White-tailed DeerMuzzleloaderOct 18 – Oct 26, 2025Included in season totalMuzzleloader only
Black BearGeneralOct through Nov (varies by zone)1 bear per yearRifle, shotgun, bow, muzzleloader
Feral HogYear-roundNo closed season on private landNo limitAny legal firearm, bow, trapping

White-tailed Deer (Modern Gun): Season structure varies by deer zone

Black Bear (General): Bear zones in Ozarks and Ouachitas. Season dates vary by zone.

Turkey

SpeciesSeasonDatesBag LimitMethods
Wild TurkeySpringApr 13 – May 4, 20262 bearded turkeysShotgun, bow
Wild TurkeyFallOct 1 – Feb 28, 20262 turkeys either sexShotgun, bow, rifle

Wild Turkey (Fall): Select zones only

Upland Game Birds

SpeciesSeasonDatesBag LimitMethods
Northern Bobwhite QuailGeneralNov 1 – Feb 7, 20266 dailyShotgun
Mourning DoveGeneralSep 1 – Oct 30 & Nov 15 – Dec 7 & Dec 20 – Jan 15, 202615 dailyShotgun

Mourning Dove (General): Split season

Waterfowl

SpeciesSeasonDatesBag LimitMethods
DucksGeneralVaries by zone — Nov through Jan6 daily (species-specific limits)Shotgun (non-toxic shot required)

Ducks (General): Federal duck stamp + HIP required. Mississippi Flyway. Arkansas is one of the top mallard hunting states in the country.

Small Game

SpeciesSeasonDatesBag LimitMethods
Cottontail RabbitGeneralSep 1 – Feb 28, 20268 dailyRifle, shotgun, handgun
SquirrelGeneralMay 15 – Feb 28, 202612 dailyRifle, shotgun, handgun

Licensing

License TypeCostNotes
Resident Sportsman License$25Covers all game and fishing
Non-Resident All Game License$350—
Resident Deer/Turkey Combo$15—
Non-Resident 5-Day All Game$175—
Youth (under 16)FreeHunter education required
Senior (65+)$10.50—
Federal Duck Stamp$25Required for waterfowl

Tags, Draws & Lotteries

Most Arkansas hunting licenses are available over the counter. Quota hunts on Wildlife Management Areas require a drawing — apply through the AGFC online system. Bear permits in some zones may be limited. There is no preference point system. The state offers special youth deer and turkey hunts on designated dates.

Harvest Reporting

Arkansas uses a mandatory Telecheck system for all deer, turkey, and bear. Reporting must be completed before moving the animal from the harvest site. Report by phone or through the AGFC app. Each harvest receives a confirmation number. CWD surveillance testing is available at check stations.

Arkansas Wildlife Resources

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Season dates, bag limits, license fees, and regulations shown here are based on the most recently published data from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and may not reflect last-minute changes, emergency closures, or special regulations. Always verify current regulations directly with your state wildlife agency before hunting. FirearmSelect does not provide legal advice and is not responsible for actions taken based on this information.