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Hunting in Arkansas is an authentic experience. For many families, it’s more than just a hobby; it’s a generational tradition. From duck blinds on the Grand Prairie to deer camps hidden deep in South Arkansas pine forests, hunters across the state eagerly await the cool days of fall and the thrill of the chase.
It’s a season that shapes schedules and conversations alike. In some Arkansas communities, schools even schedule professional development days to align with the first day of modern gun season because they know half the county will be in the woods anyway.
October signals the start of a busy season for small towns across the state. Gas stations fill with rows of trailered boats, side-by-sides and ATVs. Camo decorates the counters of diners serving short stacks and scrambled eggs before sunrise. Throughout the Delta, the Ozarks and the Ouachitas, hunting remains a way of life that supports both the economy and the culture of the Natural State.
A History of Hunting in Arkansas
Hunting is not a recent activity here. Long before Arkansas became a state, the Osage, Caddo and Quapaw tribes depended on these forests and river bottoms for food, trade, and survival. Elk, deer, bear, and waterfowl flourished across the region, shaping both their culture and community.
In recent centuries, hunting has evolved into a thriving outdoor industry that supports local economies. Today, companies such as Ranger Boats, Fort Thompson Sporting Goods and Rich-N-Tone Duck Calls showcase a long tradition of Arkansas-made hunting craftsmanship. Modern hunters carry on this legacy by combining new technology with traditional skills to protect wildlife and keep traditions alive.
Destinations like the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center in Little Rock and the Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Conservation Education Center in Hempstead County offer visitors an up-close look at Arkansas’s native habitats and wildlife management, key values for hunters everywhere.
Behind every successful hunting season is the hard work of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). Since its founding in 1915, AGFC has played a key role in conserving habitats, setting seasons, and enforcing regulations that keep Arkansas’s wildlife plentiful for future generations.
Through license fees, conservation programs and educational outreach, AGFC funds habitat restoration, wildlife research, and youth programs like Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports and FREE Hunter Education Courses offered in classrooms and Nature Centers across the state. These efforts help keep the sport sustainable and safe while encouraging respect for nature and fellow hunters.
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What Can You Hunt in Arkansas?
Arkansas offers a wide variety of game year-round. Deer and duck are the most popular, but hunters also pursue turkey, black bear, dove, squirrel, rabbit, and even alligator in some areas. The state’s diverse landscape, from flooded timber to mountain ridges, provides countless opportunities for hunters of all experience levels.
While each species has specific regulations, seasons and bag limits, AGFC offers comprehensive online information on all game types, including guides for waterfowl, bears, turkeys and more.
Hunting Seasons in Arkansas
The general hunting calendar in Arkansas extends through much of the year, peaking during the fall and winter months. Deer season starts in phases, beginning with archery in September, muzzleloader (now known as “alternative firearms”) in mid-October, and modern gun in early November.
Duck season typically begins in late November and runs through January, bringing thousands of waterfowl hunters to the rice fields and flooded timber of eastern Arkansas. Spring brings turkey season, followed by dove and squirrel hunting in early fall.
Because hunting zones and dates vary, always check the Arkansas Hunting Guidebook for the most up-to-date information.
Regional Hunting Highlights
- Delta Region: Known as the “Duck Hunting Capital of the World,” this region draws hunters from across the country to the flooded timber of Stuttgart, the Bayou Meto Wildlife Management Area and the Grand Prairie.
- Ozark Mountains: Rugged and wooded, the Ozarks offer prime deer, turkey and small-game hunting, especially around the Buffalo National River and Ozark National Forest.
- Ouachita Mountains: Pine forests and rolling hills attract hunters seeking black bear, deer and hogs, along with scenic solitude.
- South Arkansas: Long known for deer camps, this area combines hardwood bottoms and pine forests that create ideal conditions for whitetail and waterfowl alike.
Challenges and Advantages of Hunting in Arkansas
Like any outdoor activity, hunting in Arkansas has its challenges. Weather can change quickly, terrain can be tough, and competition on public land can be intense. But for most hunters, facing these challenges is part of what makes it rewarding.
The benefits are evident: rich wildlife, diverse terrain, and public hunting areas that are easy to access throughout the state. The camaraderie at deer camp, the tranquility of an early morning in a duck blind, and the joy of living close to nature make Arkansas one of the top states in the country for hunters.
What Hunters Should Know
Hunting responsibly means following all safety and ethical practices. Here are a few key reminders:
- Licensing: All hunters must carry a valid license, available through the AGFC Licensing Portal.
- Tagging: Deer and turkey must be tagged immediately after harvest.
- Hunter Education: Required for anyone born after 1968.
- Public versus Private Land: Rules differ by property type. Always check maps and permit requirements before entering any area. Learn where to hunt.
- Safety First: Always wear hunter orange when required and practice firearm safety.
A lively conversation on the Ozark Podcast with United Outdoors about using public lands responsibly. The AFGC also hosts the Arkansas Wildlife podcast with insights year-round.
For the most current information, updates and guides, visit these official resources:
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission: agfc.com/hunting
- General Regulations: Hunting Regulations
- Comprehensive Code of Regulations: AGFC Code
- Season Dates: 2025–26 Hunting Guidebook
- Where to Hunt: Wildlife Management Areas
- Arkansas Wildlife Podcast: Listen Here
- AGFC YouTube Channel: Watch Now
And for more local stories about the state’s hunting culture, check out these features right here on our blog!
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