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Duck hunting in Arkansas attracts more than 100,000 waterfowlers to the state each year, and they contribute more than $1 million per day to the local economy. Hunters will tell you there’s no better place to be than Stuttgart, the “Duck Hunting Capital of the World.” Nestled in the heart of the Mississippi Flyway, Stuttgart is a duck paradise with some of the best waterfowl habitats in the country. It’s a prime destination for hunters seeking high numbers and diverse species. With thousands of acres of flooded timber, rice fields and rich wetlands, this region attracts millions of migrating ducks every season, creating the perfect conditions for an unforgettable hunt.
Whether you are new to duck hunting or a seasoned pro located here in Arkansas or visiting from out of state, this guide will help you find everything you need to make your Arkansas duck hunting trip both successful and enjoyable. Stuttgart and the surrounding Delta region offer a range of resources to help hunters connect with expert guides, the best gear and equipment and local tips. We’ll also highlight license information and local regulations to ensure a seamless hunting experience.
2024-2025 Duck Hunting Dates, Rules and Regulations
For the 2024-2025 Arkansas duck hunting season, hunters can look forward to three main hunting periods: November 23-December 2, December 10-23 and December 27-January 31, 2025. A special Youth Hunt will take place on February 8-9, providing young hunters under 16 years old the chance to hunt ducks with a licensed adult mentor. Additionally, Arkansas offers a dedicated hunt for active-duty military members and veterans on the same weekend, allowing those who have served to experience the state’s incredible waterfowl hunting.
As always, hunters should familiarize themselves with Arkansas’s duck hunting regulations, including bag limits, daily shooting hours and licensing requirements. Check with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for the most accurate and up-to-date information on season dates, rules and regulations.
Wings Over the Prairie Festival
The famous Wings Over the Prairie Festival is held in Stuttgart each year over Thanksgiving weekend. Since 1936, the “World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest” annually attracts thousands of visitors, duck hunters and calling champions from across the nation. The festival is a unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts and is a perfect kick-off for Arkansas’s duck hunting season. You can learn more about it here.
Outfitters, Guide Services and Lodges
Duck outfitters and guide services in Arkansas provide hunters with everything needed for a successful and enjoyable hunting experience. Professional guides lead hunts, often with access to prime hunting locations like flooded timber, rice fields, and other waterfowl-rich areas that may otherwise be hard to reach. They supply essential gear, such as decoys, blinds and sometimes firearms, to ensure hunters are well-equipped for the day. Experienced guides also share valuable knowledge of local hunting conditions, waterfowl patterns, and techniques to help hunters get the most out of each hunt, whether they’re seasoned or new to the sport.
Commander’s Corner Duck Hunts – Wilmot
Old Post Lodge – Gillett
Iron Wolf Outfitters – Lake Village
Delta Heritage Lodge – Dumas
Duck Guides Inc. – De Witt
Quack Attack – Almyra
Dry Lake Hunting – Stuttgart
Five Oaks – Humphrey
Dry Bayou Lodge – Humphrey
Duck Down – Altheimer
Cypress Crossing – Humphrey
Heavy Shot – Stuttgart
Arkansas County Guide Service – Almyra
Duck-N-Dogs – St. Charles
Daniel Boone Duck Club – Crocketts Bluff
2W Outfitters – Stuttgart
Primm Spring Wildlife Co. – Carlisle
Quax Waterfowl – Brinkley
On the Deck Outfitters – Brinkley
Paradise Wings – Brinkley
Delta Limits – Brinkley
Duck Hunting Gear
A successful duck hunt requires specialized gear designed to keep hunters comfortable, camouflaged, and prepared for varying wetland conditions. Hunters need essential items such as waterproof waders, an insulated jacket and camouflage clothing to blend into natural surroundings. Reliable decoys can make a hunting spot more enticing to the large variety of ducks that come to Arkasnas each winter. Many hunters also use a shotgun suited for waterfowl and appropriate non-toxic ammunition, as well as a blind or portable cover for concealment. Accessories like gloves, a waterproof bag, and a thermos for cold mornings are also helpful additions. With the right gear, hunters can be ready for all conditions, making each outing safer and more enjoyable.
Mack’s Prairie Wings – Stuttgart
Chene Gear – Stuttgart (Opening November 2024)
Webb’s Sporting Goods – De Witt
Duck Calls
Duck calls are a duck hunter’s best friend. This small, handheld device mimics the sounds of ducks to attract them closer to a hunter’s location. Paired with decoys, they are an essential tool to draw in ducks within range. Using a series of air passages and reeds, duck calls create realistic quacks, feeding chatter, or other sounds specific to different duck species and make for a more successful hunt.
Quality duck calls are crafted from durable materials like acrylic, wood, or polycarbonate, each providing a unique sound. Acrylic calls are loud and sharp, great for open water, while wood calls create softer, warmer tones, perfect for quieter spots. Many calls also have adjustable reeds so hunters can fine-tune the pitch and tone. Sound accuracy, durability, and reliability are essential in a good duck call, and Arkansas is home to several high-quality duck call brands.
RNT (Rich-N-Tone) Duck Calls – Stuttgart – Home of the “Big Boy” duck call
Havoc Calls – De Witt
Echo Duck Calls – Beebe
Elite Duck Calls – Seacy
Premier Custom Calls – Monette
Stuttgart, AR – January 23: Duck hunting at the Hasty Drake in Stuttgart, AR on January 23, 2023. (Photo by Will Newton/ADPHT) (Stuttgart, AR – January 23: Duck hunting at the Hasty Drake in Stuttgart, AR on January 23, 2023. (Photo by Will Newton/ADPH…
Duck Dogs
Dogs are not only man’s best friend, they can be a hunter’s best asset. Retrievers are skilled in tracking, retrieving and navigating various waterfowl environments and utilize their sharp senses to locate and fetch downed ducks from dense brush, water, or hard-to-reach areas. This not only saves hunters time but ensures no game is left behind. A good hunting dog is trained to respond to hand signals, whistle commands and voice cues. It is conditioned to stay calm and steady in the blind, only breaking for a retrieve on command. Quality-trained dogs can be expensive but are a must for serious duck hunters.
Duck Band Retrievers – Jonesboro
Ridgemark Retrievers – Jonesboro
Fowlplay Labradors – Ozark
Women and Duck Hunting
There’s a growing wave of interest among women in Arkansas who are taking up duck hunting, drawn by the thrill of the sport, the chance to connect with nature and the unique social aspect of hunting trips. Many outfitters, such as the ones listed below, are now offering women-centered hunting experiences led by skilled guides.
Big Creek Waterfowl – Wheatley
Sisterhood Outdoors – Georgia-based but conducts several all-female Arkansas hunts.
Becoming Outdoors Women – Arkansas Chapter
Arkansas offers some of the best duck hunting opportunities in the country. With a rich history, prime hunting locations, and expert resources, there’s truly something for everyone here.
Photos courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism unless otherwise noted.
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