State Guide

Arkansas Hunting Guide 2026

Complete Arkansas hunting guide for 2026: seasons, license costs, draw odds, GMU boundaries, bag limits, and regulations. Compare every game species at a glance.

Wildlife Agency

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Official Site

Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers

Arkansas Hunting Seasons

Whitetail Deer

Res: $25 Non-res: $350

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Archery	Sep 30	Feb 28
Muzzleloader	Oct 14	Oct 22
Rifle	Nov 11	Dec 3

Bag limits: daily: 2, season: 6 (3 antlered, varies by zone)

Chronic Wasting Disease management zones in effect. Three deer zones with different regulations. Arkansas produces quality bucks in the Ozarks.

Turkey

Res: $25 Non-res: $350

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Apr 15	May 7
Archery	Apr 15	May 7

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 (spring)

Spring gobblers only. Youth weekend prior to regular opener. Strong Eastern turkey populations in the Ozarks and Ouachitas.

Elk

Res: $25 Non-res: $500

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Rifle	Oct 1	Oct 8
Muzzleloader	Sep 15	Sep 30

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1

Limited to the Buffalo River Elk Zone in Newton and surrounding counties. Drawing permit only. Growing herd managed with limited tags.

Bear

Res: $25 Non-res: $350

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Rifle	Nov 1	Nov 30
Archery	Sep 30	Nov 30

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1

Black bear in the Ozark and Ouachita mountains. Season may close early when quota met. Bear permit required.

Duck/Waterfowl

Res: $25 Non-res: $350

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Nov 18	Jan 28

Bag limits: daily: 6, season: No season limit

Arkansas is a premier duck hunting destination, especially the Stuttgart area. Federal duck stamp required. Rich tradition of mallard hunting.

Wild Hog

Res: $25 Non-res: $350

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Rifle	Jan 1	Dec 31

Bag limits: daily: No limit, season: No limit

Year-round with no bag limit on private land. Nuisance species. Night hunting allowed with landowner permission.

Planning Tools

Tag-to-Trail Planner — interactive map: public land, harvest records, water, burns
Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
Application Timeline — never miss an application deadline
Preference Point Tracker — track points across all your states

Arkansas Hunting Guides

destinations

Arkansas Deer Hunting: Ozarks, Delta Country, and Public Land Access

Arkansas Hunting FAQ

Do I need a hunting license in Arkansas?

Yes. All hunters in Arkansas must hold a valid hunting license from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Non-residents typically pay higher fees. A hunter safety course is required for first-time license buyers.

What is the hunting license cost in Arkansas?

Arkansas license costs vary by species. Whitetail Deer: resident $25, non-resident $350. Turkey: resident $25, non-resident $350.

When is deer season in Arkansas?

Arkansas deer seasons: Archery: Sep 30 - Feb 28, Muzzleloader: Oct 14 - Oct 22, Rifle: Nov 11 - Dec 3.

Does Arkansas require a hunter safety course?

Yes, Arkansas requires hunter education certification for all first-time hunters. The course covers firearm safety, hunting laws, wildlife conservation, and ethical hunting practices.

Who manages hunting regulations in Arkansas?

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission manages all hunting licenses, regulations, and wildlife management in Arkansas. Their website (https://www.agfc.com) has current season dates, license purchasing, and regulation booklets.